The Sitakunda Eco-park

The Sitakunda  Eco-park

The Sitakunda  Eco-park is one of the excellent tourist’s spots for the nature lovers in Chittagong.The purpose of this study is to discuss the definition, thought, and characteristics of the ecotourism. This descriptive research describes the principles, status of Sitakunda ecotourism and explores the opportunities in this suburban city. This study explores to what extent the authority achieves these objectives and the impacts of the park on adjacent villagers. More specifically, it highlights park-people relationships and people dependency on park resources. Findings indicate that, as the project was implemented, the area was enriched, with natural regeneration, new plantations and infrastructure development. It has become a new destination for visitors, and nature-based tourism. Tourism provides revenue to the park authority and income to local people. Even though the park is a good instrument for biodiversity conservation, ignoring the dependence of local people on park resources created conflicts between local communities and the park authority.

The park establishment has created some job opportunities, but local people feel that these are inadequate. Suggestions are made to overcome the existing conflicts and to develop an eco-friendly park which would conserve biodiversity and, at the same time, benefit local communities.