Evaluating Tourism Carrying Capacity in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Across Multiple RCP Climate Change Scenarios – Supported by State Govt. of Tamil Nadu
Partners
This CSR project is being collaboratively executed by Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) and PFRIProject description
This project aims to assess Kodaikanal’s tourism carrying capacity (TCC) under various climate change scenarios (RCPs), balancing economic benefits with environmental sustainability. By evaluating physical, social, infrastructural, environmental, and economic capacities through methods like ecological footprint models and multi-criteria ranking, the study will identify a sustainable TCC (STCC) that aligns with ecosystem stability and community well-being. The outcome will provide a management framework and policy recommendations to support sustainable tourism practices that preserve Kodaikanal’s natural and cultural resources while promoting resilience in the face of climate change.Objectives
1. Evaluate ecosystem status by selecting indicators to define the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) for the eco-sensitive area (ESA).
2. Assess Sustainable TCC (STCC) using physical, real, and effective carrying capacities, accounting for spatiotemporal changes.
3. Identify policy-practice gaps and recommend a TCC management framework for long-term sustainability
Expected Outcomes
1. Estimating Kodaikanal’s visitor capacity helps ensure long-term sustainability by protecting its environment, infrastructure, and cultural integrity.2. Calculating carrying capacity supports the preservation of Kodaikanal’s natural habitats, wildlife, and cultural heritage, reducing the impact of excessive tourism.
3. Understanding visitor limits aids in infrastructure planning and helps maintain a high-quality tourist experience, preventing overcrowding and benefiting the local community through sustainable tourism practices.
PFRI is committed to working towards restoring ecological balance through nature-based solutions for building the resilience of social, economic, and environmental facades, leading to a sustainable future that emphases on improving a sustainable society in harmony with natural and human resources.
PFRI is committed to advancing scientific knowledge across socio-economies and socio-ecologies, in developing adaptive guidelines and operational frameworks, sustainable solutions for resource optimization and climate change, water security, community resilience and preparedness, as well sustainable lifestyle education in both rural and urban settings through innovation and knowledge economy. As a not-for-profit think tank, PFRI is dedicated to managing risk and building resilience to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. To achieve its purpose, PFRI employs a mix of policy research, strategic analysis, publishing, and convening. With experts from more than twelve countries of the global south and a broad range of academia from a global resource pool, PFRI has ensued the expertise to excel.
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