ASSAM, NATURENOMICS TM, CONSERVATION AND ROLE OF LEGISLATORS

Transcription

1 ASSAM, NATURENOMICS TM, CONSERVATION AND ROLE OF LEGISLATORS Ranjit Barthakur Founder Trustee, Balipara Foundation Assam Legislative Assembly, Guwahati 10 January, 2017

2 IN THIS PRESENTATION HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA 3-5 GEOGRAPHIC & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF ASSAM 6 ASSAM S REPORT CARD OPPORTUNITIES 7 8 CURRENT ECONOMIC MODELS LEAD TO ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION 9 NATURENOMICS TM BUILDING ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA S NATURE CAPITAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY UNLOCKING NATURE CAPITAL 15 TOURISM TRENDS 16 TYPES OF ECOTOURISM OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING TOURISM EXPERIENCE 19 CONNECTIVITY TO PROMOTE TOURISM EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ASSAM S NATURAL ASSETS ROADMAP TO SUCCESS 24 2

3 3 Inhabitation dates backs to about 2,000 BC HISTORICAL CONTEXT The first fleet of Country Boats for carrying goods between Assam and Bengal was started in 1839, by Assam Company Limited The first steamboat THE ASSAM was introduced in 1841 The River Steam Navigation Company started regular steamer services between Kolkata and Assam in 1863 Partition in 1947 resulted in a major set back for IWT connectivity The Earthquake of 1950 resulted in change of course of the river and made the river shallower A major set back for Navigation The out Break of war with Pakistan in 1965 Brought River Navigation through East Pakistan to a complete halt In 1972 the first protocol on inland water transit and trade was signed between India and Bangladesh.

4 4 THE TRAUMA OF PARTITION Before After 1947 River navigation came to a complete halt Rail Link with East Bengal & Chitagong Port was lost Rail link with Kolkata was lost for 3 years British Indian Empire Stillwell road connecting Kunming in China fell into disuse Large scale migration from across the border Increase in price of Goods and Services Profitability of Tea Industry declined due to increased cost of transportation and other inputs Increasing income disparity with Mainland India Traditional Markets in East Bengal were lost Worsening economic conditions and demographic changes led to unrest

5 HISTORICAL SHAPING OF ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA PRE PARTITION Economically Self Sufficient Surplus Trade Self Sufficient Village Economy Per capita Income higher than national avg. Geopolitically Important Borders China & Bhutan Bengal, Burma & NE India contiguous territories of British India Well Connected First fleet of country boats carrying goods between Assam & Bengal in 1839 Rail connectivity to Ports Road connectivity to Bengal, Burma & China Large number of airports and airstrips Demographic Advantage 10million population. Low population ensured absence of poverty TRAUMA OF PARTITION River navigation came to a complete halt Large scale cross border migration Profitability of Tea industry declined Worsening economic conditions led to unrest 5 In 2016 Economically Dependent Most items imported Little industrial development Per capita income 30% below ntnl avg Geopolitical Backwaters 22km corridor connecting mainland. Virtually landlocked Unexploited market of 2.8 billion ppl Poor Connectivity River navigation virtually stopped Only 29% surfaced roads compared to 62% nationally Operational airports down from 17 to 12 Demographic Issues Population over 40 million Very high population density in valleys

6 GEOGRAPHICAL & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF ASSAM 6 GEOGRAPHY: 98% of the region s borders form India s international boundaries Known for Rice Tea, Silk and rich Biodiversity Natural Gas Home to the endangered great Indian One horned Rhinos Confluence of India and the Orient CULTURE: Population comprises of migrants from Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Myanmar & China Conglomeration of various ethnic tribes with distinct language, culture, festivals, songs & dances

7 ASSAM S REPORT CARD Avg Annual Growth Rate Per Capita SGDP Population Growth Rates Unemployment ECONOMIC % Households with Elect Road L per 100 sq km Area Rail L per 100 sq km Area Teledensity INFRASTRUCTURE Public Exp on Health Public Exp on Education Sanitation Access to Drinking Water SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMR LEB Literacy rate BPL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Forest Area Ground Water Table Mineral Wealth Pollution NATURAL RESOURCES Growth Rate PriSector Growth Rate SecSector Growth Rate TerSector GSDP Break Up SECTOR Excellent Above Average Satisfactory Below Average Poor Assam already has a Natural Wealth. Legislation should encourage protecting it and enriching it 7

8 OPPORTUNITIES ICT Infrastructure Political Stability & Outlook Energy Security Geographic Location Media Literacy Economic Outlook Population Infrastructure Education Orange Investment promoting factors Natural Resources Regulatory Environment Inflation Economic Development Healthcare Yellow Investment limiting factors, but opens up opportunities for investors for Development of these sectors 8

9 CURRENT ECONOMIC MODELS LEAD TO ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION Valuations based on economic value-add Economic growth at the cost of ecology Economic Valuation Economy vs. Ecology ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION Consumption Driven Exclusive Growth Natural resource exploitation Large divide between rich and poor, urban and rural 9

10 NATURENOMICS TM UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS PUSHED DEMAND ON LOCAL ECO-SYSTEMS BEYOND SUSTAINABLE YIELD Unprecedented global economic growth Global economy from US$ 7 trillion in 1950, to US$ 125 trillion by 2017, in PPP valuation terms Enhanced standards of living to levels not even imaginable Definition of Victory: High economic growth driven by optimizing utilisation of land, labour, capital and natural resources Definition of Victory: Satisfy our current needs in a sustainable manner without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs Increasingly rapid land and soil degradation Increasing Human-animal conflict Intensified rate of species extinction Climate Changes & rising sea levels Substantial Ecological Losses UNBALANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS CREATED A NEGATIVE FEEDBACK LOOP 10 Adapted from Naturenomics Globally Managed Services

11 11 EMERGING MODEL FOR ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY Valuations based on economic value-add, less ecological impact Natural resource conservation Economy + Ecology Eco-Valuation Driven By Eco- Parameters Ecological Neutrality Inclusive Growth Low resource economic growth Land, Energy, Waste, Water, Air, Carbon (LEWWAC) Integration of the poor and rural masses in the growth approach Legislative Action should encourage growth Additive industries instead of Extractive industries

12 BUILDING ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA S NATURE CAPITAL Over 7,500 species of plants 700 species of orchids Over 500 species of ferns Over 500 species of mosses 183 species of animals 236 species of fish 541 types of birds 160 species of mammals 137 species of reptiles, etc. At the heart of the bio-diversity are the region s enormous land and water resources Only 8% of India s land mass, but 70% of it is forested Contains about 25% of India s forest area Supports 30% of India s total growing forest stock Extremely rich in rivers, led by the mighty Brahmaputra Has several lakes and other natural water bodies One of the rainiest parts of the world fed by 2 monsoons This bio-diversity of North East India lends itself to the development of Nature Capital & Nature Industries 12

13 13 A NATURE CAPITAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT Any measure of a nation / region s wealth should include not just a measure of Physical Capital, but also Natural Capital. Among others, Natural Capital includes: Freshwater resources Crop land Pastures Fisheries Minerals Biodiversity & Forests Natural Gas, etc. Pursuit of short term development agendas at the expense of natural heritage ends up ruining under valued public assets This effectively worsens the well being of the average citizen, in particular of non-urban populations in whose name many of the development projects are built Estimating the value/ ha of sustainable use of forests: Timber & Fuel-wood Rs 45,900 $1,020 Fodder Rs 6,100 $136 Non-Timber Forest Produce Rs 15,700 $349 Eco-Tourism Rs 186,000 $4,133 Biodiversity TBD TBD Carbon Storage Rs 28,900 $642 Soil Loss Prevention Rs 20,400 $453 Watershed Value TBD TBD Flood & Drought Prevention TBD TBD Total > Rs 500,000 > $11,111 Adapted from GAISP ( Pawan Sukhdev Smart Legislative Action should be taken to promote Long Term sustainability over Short Term gains

14 A NATURE CAPITAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT Food SUNRISE INITIATIVES Natural Organic cultivation Fresh water fisheries Vermiculture & Bio-pesticide production Dairy Production SUNSET AREAS Highly chemical based cultivation Aquaculture Water Public private partnerships in municipal water management Rain water harvesting Water refineries water treatment and recycling Clean and safe drinking water projects Ground water exploitation Energy & Transportation Renewable Clean Energy wind, solar, hydel, Wind turbines, Wind Farm Construction, & Fuel Cell Manufacturing, Waterway transportation for cargo and tourism Oil pumping Coal mining Thermal power generation Traditional automobile manufacturing Environment Eco-townships Afforestation Carbon sequestration Nature tourism Wildlife preservation 14 Clearcut logging Large tourism infrastructure Adapted from Eco-Economy, Building an Economy for the Earth Lester R. Brown

15 15 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY UNLOCKING NATURE CAPITAL SECURITIZATION OF CORE ASSETS UNLOCKING NATURE CAPITAL AGRICULTURE FISHERIES FORESTRY WATER CLEAN ENERGY TOURISM Next green revolution by land value optimisation and agro-based intellectual capital Centre of excellence for fresh water inland fish Planned utilisation of forest resources Creating a the next blue revolution Harvest and reduce wastage of the abundant resources in the region for energy Creating destinations for discerning travellers through a 3-pronged approach DEVELOPMENT OF ECO TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE Religious Tourism Adventure Tourism Culture Tourism Botany Tourism Historical Tourism Wildlife Tourism Fairs & Festivals Tourism Tea Tourism Heritage Tourism Climate Change Legislation to protect Natural Assets can lead to benefits through Eco Tourism also

16 16 IMPORTANT TOURISM TRENDS Globally Eco Tourism and Responsible Tourism is a growth trend The Ecotourism growing 20%-34% per year since the early 90 s Domestic Tourism in India is phenomenon that is particularly remarkable and its immense magnitude, dimensions and characteristics. Per the official statistics of the Department of Tourism, GoI, the total number of domestic tourists in 2010 was 740 million There has been an increase in tourist arrivals in the North East region and the rate of growth has been consistent. A CAGR of 11.84% has been witnessed for the North Eastern region over the period of The average stay of the tourists in the North East region in a single trip is 4.39 days as per the analysis from a primary survey by TCS

17 TYPES OF ECOTOURISM NATURE ADVENTURE CULTURE BOTANY 17 17

18 ASSAM S OPPORTUNITY 18 NATURE Assam has many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and is house to many unique fauna and flora The 2 National Parks of Kaziranga and Manas are World Heritage Sites ADVENTURE One of the World s largest rivers, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries offer a wide range of Water sports such as Angling, River Cruise, River Rafting etc. CULTURE BOTANY Various temples and monuments spread all over Assam Major regional festivals like Ali Ai, Bihu, Dehing Patkai Majuli Create experiences for tourists to experience the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas Promote Botanic Gardens as tourism spots

19 19 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING TOURISM EXPERIENCE TOURISTS Lack of fast and seamless mode of travelling Travel cost acts as a major deterrent Lack of proper infrastructure support in many parts of the region Security concerns in certain pockets and security perception of region Lack of consistency in North East branding has lead to confusion, unaware of attractions Lack of proper alignment between tour operators in North East and other states Development issues (Accesssibility, Infrastructure, Destination/ circuit development, tourist amenities, information systems etc) Safety issues and safety perception Non/ late Implementation of Packages, Multiple Destination Focussed Approach of States resulting in thinned development, Statewise Promotion without strong Regional Branding, lack of Tourism Service Providers, Institutional & Policy Framework for Regional tourism, Absence of Visitor Management Plan etc. Environmental issues GOVERNEMENTS/AGENCIES

20 20 CONNECTIVITY: A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR TOURISM Roads Connecting with Tourism Hubs Connectivity with SAARC & ASEAN Railways Connectivity with Mainland India Waterways Connecting Destinations Connecting Source Markets Intra Regional Connectivity Airports Strong Legislations to encourage connectivity especially through the Riverine systems in Assam can boost tourism & growth

21 CONNECTIVITY TO IMPROVE TOURISM ROADS RAILWAYS WATERWAYS AIRPORTS The Proposed North East Ring Road can connect domestic tourists and markets The Asian Highway will provide connectivity to 21critical international tourism hubs Rail Connectivity to all state capitals should be expedited Plan a border railway running parallel to international borders 21 Develop Port Townships with industrial / commercial Areas, logistics and associated urban facilities Develop adequate cargo terminals Air taxis between Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal & Bhutan Redevelopment of smaller airfields to improve connectivity with hinterland

22 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ASSAM S NATURAL ASSETS Risk of Extinction of Endemic Plant Species Reduction in Agrobiodiversity Land Fragmentation & Degradation Degradation of Natural Beauty Melting Glaciers = Increased Risk of Flooding Damaged hydropower plants Risk of Extinction of threatened species like Asian Elephants, Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopards, etc. Soil Fertility Degradation Reduction in Eco Tourism 22 Droughts by 2050 Decrease in Fish species

23 23 CLIMATE CHANGE HAS MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR ASSAM Collective Vulnerability Source: MacArthur Foundation Report

24 ASSAM EMBRACES NORTH EAST INDIA FOR SUCCESS Use Smart legislation to encourage inclusive growth in North East India Become the Food Bowl of India SMART LEGISLATION For inclusive growth Focus on Agriculture & Food Security Grow Natural Capital Reorganize the Tea Sector Transform Worker Colonies into Centres for Excellence Eco-Friendly Infrastructure Create Climate Friendly Legislations Audit Natural Assets Focus on Riverine Systems Increase Digital Connectivity Encourage Skill Building Flourishing Natural Assets & Growing Nature Capital 24

25 THANK YOU! 25 25

26 ANNEXURES 26

27 27 ASSAM IN NUMBERS 2.5% of India s Population 1.5% of India s GDP 5.6% growth in v/s 1.9% in 90 s Per Capita Income Rs. 14,423 v/s Median India at Rs 26,299 40% State Income from Agriculture 711 MW power generated = 24% Deficit 32km of rail network per 1,000 km 1,141 km of roads per 1,000 sq. km Legislation should be passed to build robust infrastructure to encourage state growth

28 176+ Reptile Species BIODIVERSITY IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS 269+ Fish Species 977+ Reptile Species 10,000+ Plant Species 300+ Mammals Species Home to 300 plant species consumed by Indians 175 Key Biodiversity Areas of High Significance Home to Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Onehorned Rhinos, Red Pandas & Snow Leopards 28

29 CLIMATE CHANGE HAS MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR ASSAM 29 Source: MacArthur Foundation Report