Trees for Ecotourism™

About the Project

Dzuluk or Zuluk is a small hamlet located in the temperate region of the Eastern Himalayas. It is located at the fringe of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including Red pandas, Himalayan bears, Wild dogs , and Musk Deer. There have also been sightings of the elusive tiger and snow leopard in this region. Other common species include the Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Kalij  Pheasant, and Snow Pheasant among diverse bird species. The rich biodiversity and landscape of the region has rapidly accelerated the number of visitors in the region; Zuluk is emerging as a popular tourist destination among eco-tourists and bird watchers. 

Excessive fodder extraction, an increase in human-wildlife conflicts, increased mass tourism in forested areas, and an outbreak of weeds and invasive species are significant challenges in Sikkim. The need for infrastructural expansion to cater to an unregulated tourist inflow also puts pressure on the environment. Frequently, this necessity results in extensive deforestation and other ecological damage.

As a result, the planting of trees for "Trees for Ecotourism™," acts as a crucial, feasible step in mitigating the emerging local socio-environmental issues.

Why Trees for this Project?

• In a report by the Forest and Environment Department in Sikkim, “In 1995, the Government of Sikkim banned green felling in forests. In 1998, it outlawed grazing in restricted forest areas, plantation regions, and water supply areas. Sikkim's government outlawed the collecting of timber and NTFP in 1999.” Though the green cover has expanded as a result of these laws, on-the-ground inspection has revealed that a lot of undesired, invasive weeds have also increased in parallel. As a result, this plantation project attempts to replace those invasive species with primary local species.

• An article in Greentumble highlights that, “According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the three negative environmental impacts of tourism are: the depletion of natural resources, pollution and physical degradation of ecosystems.” The Rachela trekking route is located within the periphery of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Birdwatching, nature hikes, and nature photography are becoming increasingly popular with visitors in the sanctuary. Therefore, the plantation project will help in the reduction of vehicular population, ecological restoration, wildlife habitat conservation, and overall better quality of life of local communities, making them more self-sustained.

• Another major issue is the feral dogs, which have recently started hunting the forest's animals including Red panda, Deer, Kalij which results in an adverse effect on the forest's wildlife. An article in the Times of India, the wildlife officials are that, “Besides animals, people inhabiting forest fringes were also under threat from the dogs with some incidents of humans being attacked in North Sikkim.” Therefore the plantation of selected trees will act as a bio-fence, limiting animal movement outside of the forest, preventing crop destruction in farmlands and protecting the local economy.

Tree Species

The variety of trees planted on our planting sites depends upon agro-climatic conditions and the benefit of those trees in terms of flowers, fruits, fodder, fuel, and non-timber forest produce for the local community as well as insects, birds, and animals. All trees planted will be species indigenous/naturalized to the planting site.

For the Trees for Ecotourism™ project in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, the following tree species are selected:

Species like Gurash (Rhododendron arboreum), Lal Chimal (Rhododendron barbatum), Arupatey (Prunus nepalensis)- are flowering trees.  Asarey (Viburnum cordifolium), Rani Chaap (Michelia excelsa), Gagun (Sauravia nepalensis), Nebara (Ficus hookeri), Phamphal (Persa americana) are fruiting species that can be used by the local communities for consumption and also as fodder when the trees are mature.

Species like Gobre Salla (Abies webbiana), Tengre Salla (Picea smuthiana), Kharaney (Symplocos theifolia) have medicinal properties. The scent of Abies webbiana has the ability to ease moderate headaches and mental tension. The young shoot tips of Picea smuthiana can be used to make a refreshing tea that is high in vitamin C. The diluted juice of Symplocos theifolia can be taken orally in case of diarrhea.

Species like Kapasey (Acer campbellii), Uttish (Alnus nepalensis), Jiganey (Eurya japonica), Malingo (Himalayacalamus asper) - can be used for fuelwood that can support the livelihood of these communities and reduce pressure on forest resources. 

Making a Difference: The Impact of Your Support 

Planting trees offer numerous benefits that span across multiple aspects. *

Sustainable Eco-tourism
The tree plantation will help in promoting sustainable eco-tourism and wildlife tourism by improving overall ecological health. The plantation of flowering species enhances the overall aesthetic appearance of the region. Plantation of fruiting and flowering species in the forest area is also helpful in securing and enhancing the bird habitat in the area.

Generating Employment
Our project generates employment opportunities for the local communities since we are committed to working closely with them. They are involved in preparing the saplings in the nursery, transportation of the saplings, plantation and maintenance. 

Employment for Women
Tree plantation activities provide employment for women as many women workers participate in our projects. The workdays thus generated allow these women to contribute towards their household incomes and work towards empowering the women who benefit from the work.  

Habitat Protection
The trees will also help in conserving the local flora and fauna by providing them with adequate food and natural habitat sources. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity-rich environment home to Red pandas, Himalayan Bears, Deer, etc. A variety of birds and animals find shelter and nourishment in trees.

Reclaim Degraded Forest Land & Revive Biodiversity 
To ensure that our efforts have a positive impact on the environment, we conduct a rigorous assessment of the site and carefully select the trees that align with the location and the community. The plantation facilitates the conversion of degraded land into primary forests with indigenous tree plantation. It attempts to preserve the area's forest green cover and aids in conservation efforts.

Fodder for Livestock
Livestock is a major source of sustenance for the local community. The plantation of trees in the fringes of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary can create forest assets for the community in the form of fruits, fodder, fuelwood, and other NTFPs.

Promote Apiculture
Apiculture is an alternative livelihood practiced by the inhabitants residing in the plantation area. Bees will pollinate those flowers, resulting in higher honey production. As a result, planting more of local floral plants promotes beekeeping, which allows people to increase their revenue as an alternative livelihood option.

Carbon sequestration
Trees do an excellent job absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A mature tree can absorb up to 20 kg of CO2 each year. Trees keep the temperature cool and reduce atmospheric stressors. 

*The environmental benefits of the trees reach their full potential as they mature.