2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B

author(s)
Kirtika Uzir and Monoj Kumar Chowdhury

abstract
Wildlife tourism has become a crucial aspect of sustainable tourism, offering economic opportunities without compromising environmental integrity. In Assam, home to renowned national parks such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri, local communities play a crucial role in the success of wildlife tourism. At the same time, the sector does raise concerns about environmental degradation and governance inefficiencies. This study examines the environmental impact and governance factors influencing wildlife tourism in Assam, with a focus on community perspectives. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire from local community being directly or indirectly related to wildlife tourism. Quantitative analysis (factor analysis, multiple regression) was conducted to assess perceptions of environmental challenges such as waste pollution, habitat disturbance, and human-wildlife conflict. The study also explores governance-related aspects, including policy satisfaction, revenue-sharing transparency, and local community participation in decision-making. Findings highlight key governance gaps, such as limited community involvement and inadequate policy implementation, which hinder the long-term sustainability of wildlife tourism. Tourism, while a source of livelihood, impacts the environment, threatening the very ecosystems on which it is dependent. Assam can improve its wildlife tourism sector by encompassing environmental responsibility with participatory governance, leading to conservation and community empowerment. The information contained in this study contributes to the discourse of sustainable tourism as a keyword highlighting the need for policy reforms and collective efforts to achieve a balance between tourism growth and environmental resilience.