The Andaman and Nicobar Administration will organise a Mangrove Creek Tourism programme at Wright Myo on February 21 as part of efforts to promote ecological awareness and sustainable tourism practices in the islands. The initiative is being jointly conducted by the Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forests, with the event scheduled from 10 am to 12 pm.
The programme aims to provide participants with a guided experience through the mangrove ecosystem, offering insights into the ecological importance, biodiversity and conservation value of mangroves. Officials said the activity is intended to familiarise residents and visitors with the role mangroves play in coastal protection, climate resilience and sustaining marine and terrestrial life.
Branded with the tagline “#RootsofLife”, the event is positioned as part of the administration’s push towards nature-based tourism that balances visitor engagement with environmental responsibility. By encouraging guided exploration rather than unregulated access, the programme seeks to highlight best practices in eco-tourism while minimising ecological disturbance.
In addition to environmental education, the initiative is expected to support local participation and livelihood opportunities. The programme has been designed to encourage involvement from nearby communities, particularly through eco-guiding and nature-based tourism activities that can generate avenues for self-employment. Officials noted that such initiatives are being increasingly viewed as a way to align conservation goals with economic opportunities for local residents.
To facilitate participation, the Department of Tourism will provide bus services for the first 30 registered participants. The bus will depart from the Main Bus Depot at Mohanpura at 8 am on the day of the event. Participants who prefer to make their own arrangements have been given the option to reach the venue directly by 10 am.
The event has been kept open to the general public, reflecting the administration’s intent to broaden awareness of mangrove ecosystems beyond academic or specialist circles. Interested participants have been advised to register with the Directorate of Tourism for logistical arrangements and further details.
Mangrove ecosystems form a critical component of the islands’ coastal landscape, acting as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges while serving as nurseries for fish and other marine species. Officials associated with the programme indicated that guided tourism initiatives such as this are aimed at building long-term public appreciation for these fragile habitats.
The Mangrove Creek Tourism programme comes amid growing emphasis on sustainable tourism models in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where authorities have been exploring ways to promote environmental stewardship alongside visitor experiences. By combining education, community participation and controlled access, the event is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to position the islands as a responsible eco-tourism destination.
