ABSTRACT
Nature-based tourism is increasing dynamically and the growth is largely concentrated on destinations with a high ecological significance. Destinations with ecological significance offer immense tourism opportunities and challenges simultaneously, and hence their sustainability should be ensured. The sustainable tourism paradigm advocates planned interventions with community participation to enhance positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts of tourism. However, the literature shows that the reality could be contradictory. This chapter explores the socio-economic and socio-cultural aspects of linking biodiversity conservation with tourism development in Kumily, Kerala.
