Kerala is set to enhance its tourism offerings by educating tourist guides on the state’s marine biodiversity and fishing heritage. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is pioneering this initiative to raise awareness about marine conservation and sustainable travel among visitors. Dr. Grinson George, CMFRI Director, views this as a unique approach that merges science and tourism for a shared environmental cause.
The program has trained twenty-four government-certified tourist guides in scientific knowledge related to Kerala’s coastal ecosystems and marine resources. Building on CMFRI’s Fish Walk outreach program, the training aims to transform guides into effective advocates for conservation, enabling them to impart scientific insights to the diverse domestic and international tourists they engage with annually. This effort underscores the growing acknowledgment of tourism’s potential in safeguarding natural habitats through visitor education and appreciation.
Participants received certificates upon completing the training, which covered various coastal and marine ecosystems in Kerala, such as beaches, estuaries, mangroves, and deep-sea habitats. They were also briefed on the state’s marine biodiversity, fishing practices, and the economic significance of the marine sector. Field visits to key locations like Chellanam Fishing Harbour and Puthethodu Beach provided hands-on exposure to coastal ecosystems and sustainable fishing methods. By empowering guides with scientific knowledge, CMFRI aims to make every guided tour along Kerala’s coast an opportunity to not only showcase its beauty but also advocate for its preservation.
