We, the people of Kumarakom and members of Grama Sabha of Kumarakom Panchayat, the first government of the state on this day of 29^th August 2002

Recognising that tourism in Kumarakom is nature based and protection of nature and biodiversity is fundamental to sustainable tourism development,

Also acknowledging the visions and practices put forward by the world forums like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and the operational principles of ecotourism,

Having noted that these international forums in which India is a signatory and participant, unequivocally calls for conservation of natural resources, participation of local communities and sharing of benefits of tourism for sustainable development,

Keeping also in mind that a trade agreement like the World Trade Organisations General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) would greatly impact upon these pronouncements, challenge and  contradict the very basis of sustainability, participatory processes, conservation efforts, welfare of people and lead to uneven development,

Taking into account, the fragile ecosystems of Kumarakom and in the absence of adequate regulatory mechanisms in tourism development

Reaffirming that the Panchayat having been vested with constitutional mandates under the 73^rd Amendment to conserve its environment, manage resources and the well-being of people hereby bring in control and regulatory mechanisms for sustainable tourism development through the following guidelines.

1. Any change in land use for tourism purposes shall be subjected to living space, current settlement as well as inter-generational needs – social, economic and recreational, retaining environmental and ecological balance of the region.

All future tourism related land use shall be strictly in accordance with the management plan prepared by the Panchayat.

2. While exercising the powers and functions specified under the Kerala Muncipality Buildings Rule 1999, all tourism related construction shall be in accordance with the specifications framed by the Panchayat – ecological, aesthetical and regional specific, without infringing upon the easement rights being enjoyed by the people.

3. Any road to be proposed shall not obstruct existing natural streams, ecologically sensitive areas, cultivable lands and settlements and should be scientifically made with proper footpath and storm water drainage facility.

4. Any destruction or obstruction caused to Kayal through bunding, creation and diversion of inlets and privatisation of water bodies shall not be allowed.

5. Use of water for commercial purposes from common resources shall be based on consent from appropriate authorities upon applications routed through the Panchayat.

6. The Panchayat is seeking concerned authorities to provide legal status to the bird sanctuary and until such notification is effected, Panchayat shall keep strict vigil against any activity that could negatively affect the sanctuary.

7. The Panchayat shall seek mangrove regeneration programmes with support from tourism industry, keeping in view of the long-term conservation of the Kayal banks.

8. In the absence of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations of stipulated no development zone along Kayal banks, Panchayat would bring in construction regulation and all further constructions shall be in accordance with that.

9. Keeping in view of the fishing activities of the local people, plying of boats shall be regulated/banned after 6pm.

10. Panchayat shall also notify breeding and spawning grounds of fish, feeding areas of birds, where tourist’s boating and water sports shall be banned.

11. Discharge of human excreta and disposal of other wastes from house boats is not in the interest of tourism activity. Private house boat providers shall bring in appropriate technology to stop this menace.

12. Electrification and maintenance of street lights on the approach roads to resorts shall be borne by the respective owners. Overhead lines shall be replaced with underground cables.

13. Indecent representation of women in tourism promotion materials shall be avoided and no tourism provider shall act as a conduit for anti-social activities like women and child prostitution.

14. *Direct and indirect employment opportunities for local people by the tourism industry are mandatory, keeping in view of tourism industry’s social obligations.

1)      30 % of direct employment keeping in view of

(a)    requirement of tourism industry (Ratio between locals and outsiders)

(b)    availability of qualified personnel within the Panchayat

(c)    provision for adequate training

2)      Maintenance of labour standards in the formal sector

3)      Informal sector

(a)    Book binding

(b)    Washing

(c)    Tourist guides

15. *Considering the overall socio economic development of the region, tourism industry should agree to contribute to the projects of priority for well being of the community and conservation of the environment. (Urgent common needs like hospitals, schools, avenue trees etc.)

Maintenance and utilisation of funds shall be open for public scrutiny including tourism industry.

16. Tourism industry shall strictly be subjected to the norms and conditionalities stipulated by the appropriate regulatory bodies such as the Pollution Control Board and Panchayat. Investment and maintenance for a common effluent treatment plant and solid waste management as per the management plan prepared will be borne by the industry and jointly managed by the Panchayat and the industry. Committee to be constituted under the Panchayat Act for monitoring and punitive measures.

17. Disposable Plastic materials are banned inside the Panchayat.

18. Tourism industry should bring in self-regulatory mechanisms in consensus with the Tourism Code of Ethics formulated by the WTO.