The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dipa Paul Chowdhury

Student of Environmental Science and Resource Management Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University

Ecotourism means ecological ecotravel, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wel1 being of local people". Ecotourism mainly focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attraction.

Bangladesh is a country of vast, largely unknown and unspoiled natural beauty and reserves which are simply unique and fascinating. These natural phenomena are composed of hills and vales forests, rivers, lakes, sea and beaches and the evergreen landscape embracing the country is situated in the northeastern side of the South Asia subcontinent.

The topography is mainly flat alluvial plain, criss-crossed by the world's three mighty river system the Padma (Ganges), the Jamuna, the meghna and their tributaries. The east and the northeast of the country join India and the Southeastern part adjoining Myanmer is mainly hilly with dense forest. This area comprises Chittagong and the three Hilly Districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari, with an average elevation of 61 Om. These folded ranges run parallel to each other in the north -south direction and the hil1 slopes are general1y enveloped by dense virgin forest.

In the South and southeast, alongside the coast of the Bay of Bengal, lies the Sundarban, known as a swampy tropical mangrove forest, the home of Royal Bengal Tiger. These areas are all ideal for the expansion of ecotourism in the country. The splendour of Bangladesh's six seasons represents a diverse ecosystem. The climate of Bangladesh is subtropical with a hot and humid summer and cool and dry winter. Annual rainfall ranges from 160 to 400cm.

The best period to visit Bangladesh is November to March, when the temperature ranges between 13.3 and 26.5 Celsius.

Ecotourism is a new concept in Bangladesh though it has developed in the last 15 yeas in different countries of the world.

By and large Bangladesh has tremendous potentialities of development of ecotourism opportunities in the country, as there are numerous sites for the same.