Kalimpong, Nov. 21: The WBFDC (West Bengal Forest Development
Corporation) is initiating a plan to introduce trained locals as nature
guides from December. It means that now tourists will not have to
search helplessly for guides with an extra bit of local knowledge.
Divisional Manager of WBFDC, N.S. Murli, said that the plan is
in tune with the concept
of ecotourism which helps local people to gain employment. This
will ensure their involvement in the conservation of natural areas.
So far, 32 people have been trained to recognize different species
of birds, trees and medicinal plants and herbs along with some specialized
training in hospitality management.
At the moment four tourist destinations have been chosen for the
purpose: Lava, Loleygaon, Suntaleykhola and Samsing.