In its efforts to encourage responsible tourism in the Himalayas, the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-India has launched its Green Hiker Campaign in Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh. Hoteliers, tour operators and travel agents took part in the launch ceremony which took place at Dragon Hall, Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla.

A comprehensive presentation on the Green Hiker Campaign was give by Vandana Thaplyal, State Director, WWF-India, followed by the screening of the short Green Hiker animation film, created to spread awareness. According to a report in www.himvani.com, the campaign aims at raising awareness about the vulnerability of the Himalayan ecosystem by encouraging tourists and tour operators to adopt responsible practices towards reducing the impact of tourism on this fragile ecosystem.

Sanjeev Sharma, Sr Project officer, WWF- India, highlighted upon the proposed activities. These are display of collaterals at vital tourist destinations, co-ordinating with tour-operators, visiting the wetlands and setting up awareness camps, arrange and promote meaningful contact between tourists and local people, coordination with the tourism department to promote responsible tourism, using media to promote Green Hiker activities, using local fairs, festivals and temples, which are rare and unique as a means of communication for dissemination of Green Hiker Message, Green Hiker animation display at Ridge though LCD screening, distribution of Green Hiker Resources material and display at tourist information centres, tour operators training, training for owners of home stay in collaboration with the tourism department and interaction with tourists on Mall Road in Shimla.

Manisha Nanda, Financial Secretary, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh while launching the campaign said, “The main objective of the Green Hiker Campaign is to sensitise and raise awareness level about the vulnerability of Himalayan eco-system so that tourists create low impact on the environment and local culture and behave sensibly to sustain it for posterity.”