The Socio-Economic Dimensions of Ecotourism for Rural Communities Around Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

Author(s)	Prof. Pushpanjali Arya, Ms. Shivani Nishad, Mr. Manasvi Barthwal
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Corbett Tiger Reserve, centred on Corbett National Park, has developed into an important wildlife tourism landscape in Uttarakhand. This paper examines how the growth of ecotourism has affected the livelihoods and participation of rural communities living around the reserve. Drawing on published studies and secondary evidence, it finds that tourism has opened new livelihood opportunities through wage employment, homestays, guiding, transport and small enterprises. However, these gains are not shared equally across local communities. Tourism expansion has also been associated with changing land use, pressure on traditional livelihoods and limited community influence over tourism-related decisions. Using Ashley and Roe’s (1998) framework of community involvement, the paper argues that local residents continue to participate mainly as hosts, workers and small service providers rather than as equal partners in the tourism economy. Strengthening community institutions and improving local participation in tourism benefits and decision-making are therefore important for making ecotourism around Corbett more inclusive.
Keywords	Ecotourism; Corbett Tiger Reserve; rural livelihoods; community participation; Uttarakhand
Field	Sociology > Tourism / Transport
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-06

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