Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) as an Institutional Mechanism For Community-Based Ecotourism: Evidence from Kerala, India

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) as an institutional mechanism for promoting community-based ecotourism in Kerala. It analyses how VSS incorporates the local communities in forest conservation and tourism activities using the Participatory Forest Management framework. The study is a descriptive and analytical methodology paper based on secondary sources and selected field insights, highlighting the structural and functional aspects of VSS. The results show that VSs has created livelihood opportunities, supports biodiversity conservation, and increased community participation through micro-planning and institutional support from the Forest Department. This model is effective in achieving the balance between ecological sustainability and socio-economic development. The study has challenges like limited data availability and varying levels of community engagement persist. The study points out the policy relevance of strengthening VSS and its potential as a replicable model for sustainable ecotourism and forest governance in other regions with similar socio-ecological conditions.