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	Indigenous Plant Show Workshop on 'Eco-tourism Destination Development' Workshop on 'Eco-tourism and Nature conservation'

	Indigenous Plant Show

	Indigenous Plant Show Exhibition and Sale At Kisan-04 15 to 19 Dec 04
	The first ever exhibition on indigenous plants took place in Kisan 04, the biggest agri show of India. This year it was held in Moshi on Pune-Nasik high way, which is slightly away from the city. However, distance didn't bring any change in the response from the farmers visiting Kisan from all over Maharashtra. They visited in numbers, not less than 1,00,000 in five days! After all it is their forum to learn, understand and exhibit changing trends in agri-world. It was a significant happening to have Kalpataru as a part of Kisan due to the fact that farmers, along with big displays of tractors, fertilizers, tools and equipments, also got to see native plants of enormous importance. Kalpataru brought them display of native plants according to the six bio-geographic regions of Maharashtra. Each section exhibited representative species along with regional maps such as Sahyadri, Konkan, Deccan, Marathwada, Khandesh and Vidarbh. Plant included varieties to be used as medicinal plants, fodder plants or timber. Apart from their use to humans, their ecological importance was also displayed through posters. Over all, over 100 species were prepared for this show.


	Visitors appreciated Kalpataru a lot. Many patted our backs for reviving old eco-friendly practices, and wished to participate in this movement voluntarily. Talking to the farmers, listening to their experiences and thoughts was a great experience; it has also helped in developing our perspective about incorporating ecological practices in agriculture.



	Apart from agriculture, visitors came from different fields such as landscaping, scent manufacturers and other such number of fields. Everybody was trying to see Kalpataru from his / her view and it was quite exciting. Main objective was to spread the message of growing native plants. Kalpataru is just a beginning made in this direction. We have a long way to go. How far we will be successful depends upon people's participation and one corrective action of growing natives wherever appropriate. Kalpataru '05 In continuation with last year's effort towards generating awareness about native plants, oikos participated in Kisan'05. Nearly 110 native species were kept for sale. Also displayed a layout for edge plantation for one acre. Species included timber, fuel wood, fruits, oil seed, hedges and medicinal. We appreciate the response by visitors in Kisan and expect same continued support. Come join hands to Grow Natives Every monsoon, in Every corner !
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	'Taruwar' On the occasion of Kalpataru, a special issue in Marathi 'Taruwar' was published by oikos. This issue gives information about native plants, their importance, their distribution, etc. There are articles by eminent naturalists such as Mr. Prakash Gole, Mr. Ingalhalikar, Mr. Mandar Datar on various subjects as landscape, conservation of flora, etc. If you want to know why to use native plants, how are we associated with them, their uses and their availability in various nurseries, 'Taruwar' will certainly help you in many ways. It is available for sale at our office.

	Workshop on 'Eco-tourism Destination Development'

	oikos organized a Half Day workshop on Eco-tourism Destination Development on 9th August 2003. It was organized as a part of greenweek exhibition that was held in Sakhar Sankul from 6th to 10th August. The workshop was sponsored by The Lake City Corporation Ltd. who is developing an eco-tourism destination in the catchment of Warasgaon towards the west of Pune, India. oikos had organized this workshop to create a dialogue on standards of eco-tourism and ways of implementing it in India among various government departments, private entrepreneurs, architects, landscape designers and researchers. While protecting near virgin areas and natural resources in India for biodiversity and natural processes, it is possible to promote tourism in secondary areas to generate income, employment, foreign exchange, and investment. It is also necessary to bring discipline in tourism business regarding the use of natural resources and responsible behavior of tourists. The program received a good response by government departments and agencies such as forest department, environment department, garden department and many eminent personalities such as PCCF Mr. Gogate, Mr. Nigam CF (education), Mr. Thosare CCF, Mr. Khaire (Garden dept.) participated in the workshop. Private entrepreneurs also shared their experiences and ecologists and researchers expressed their views on degradation of nature and tourism. The main part of the programme was presentations by Ms. Meena Prabhu, Mr. Anil Damale and Mr. Abhijeet Sadhale. Ms. Meena Prabhu and Mr. Damle gave presentations on eco-tourism practices in South America, South Africa and Kenya. They pointed out the issues like management of tourism with restrictions, simplicity in tourism facilities, revival of old buildings and structures with the examples in Galapagos and African lodges and resorts. Mr. Abijeet sadhale, a promising, young architect from Goa gave presentation on ecological design in Architecture. He discussed important issues such as joining human and nature system, built system as a part of ecosystem and recycling the resources in built systems. All the presentations were well received. Prof. Pathak (Rathi Institute), Prof. Mahajan (well known botanist), Mr. Gole (Director, Ecological society), Mr. Gogate and Mr. Nigam took part in the discussion. There was a serious discussion on the present situation of tourism in natural areas, threats on protected areas, lack of information for tourists and irresponsible behavior of tourists in ecologically sensitive areas. Role of private sector in maintaining the composure of the landscape and developing tourism in responsible way was also discussed in this workshop.

	Workshop on 'Eco-tourism and Nature conservation

	oikos had conducted its first workshop on 'Eco-tourism and Nature conservation' in 28 Sept. 2002 and the recent workshop was a step ahead to rationalize the thoughts on destination development in eco-tourism and achieve a balance of nature conservation and sustainable development.