Conservationists, researchers express apprehensions on ‘turtle trails’ announced in Union Budget
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Conservationists and researchers expressed apprehensions over the Union Budget proposal to develop 'turtle trails' for tourism at nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Background
The Union Budget proposed 'turtle trails' at nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala. Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty warned that such ecotourism could disrupt the mass nesting of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles and cited previous disturbances in Chilika Lake's dolphin habitat.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentOlive Ridley sea turtles are endangered species known for mass nesting.
- PlaceProposed turtle trails are planned in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.
- FactLight pollution is identified as a specific factor that can distract turtles from nesting.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the conflict between promoting ecotourism and ensuring the ecological integrity of sensitive nesting habitats for endangered marine species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological disruption: Human-induced light pollution and noise interfering with the biological nesting cycles of Olive Ridley turtles.
- Policy trade-off: Balancing immediate economic gains from tourism against long-term biodiversity conservation goals in coastal zones.
Keywords: Ecotourism · Biodiversity Conservation · Habitat Fragmentation · Endangered Species · Sustainable Development
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.