Mountain Tourism - Is it Good or Bad for the Environment !!!

INDIAN MOUNTAINEERING DEBATE 2023

Mountain Tourism: Is it Good or Bad for the Environment?

FOR THE MOTION – GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Imagine You're standing at the base of a giant mountain, its peaks reaching for the sky, and the air filled with excitement for the adventure ahead. In the words of Sir Edmund Hillary, "It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”. Good morning esteemed judges and dear friends. I am Saion Gupta, a student of class IX, and today I stand before you to argue in favour of mountain tourism and its positive impact on the environment and our surroundings.

The World Travel and Tourism Council tells us that mountain tourism directly provides jobs for over 13 million people worldwide. So, picture this friends: every time someone ventures into the mountains, a local guide gets a job, an innkeeper supports their family, and a community thrives with more visitors. As a resident from the village of Maan beautifully shared, "Since we introduced Astro stays, tourists stay overnight for stargazing, bringing in extra income for us." This shows how mountain tourism helps communities grow.

As my worthy opponents believe that mountain tourism is the root cause for damage to the environment, let me ask them. We conduct space missions, despite the growing problem of space junk. But, do we blame these missions? No, because we understand their significance. Similarly, banning mountain tourism is not the solution. The key lies in educating individuals about eco-tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mountain tourism offers an unparalleled learning experience. When we witness the breath-taking beauty of the mountains, we develop a sense of responsibility towards preserving them. This first-hand experience makes us more likely to take action to protect these environments than just learning about them in a classroom setting.

My friends, The problem isn't with mountain tourism itself, but rather with the lack of accountability and responsibility in some people. It's crucial to promote sustainable practices in order to preserve natural habitats.

In conclusion, let's not overlook the significant impact of mountain tourism on our communities, economies, and the environment. As we embark on this collective mission, I encourage each of you to answer the call of the mountains. Choose the path less travelled, not just for the economic benefits, but also as a commitment to the long-term health of our planet. Your choice will shape the future of mountain tourism and the legacy we leave for future generations. Thank you.