ASSAM, NATURENOMICSTM, CONSERVATION AND ROLE OF LEGISLATORS

Assam Legislative Assembly, Guwahati

10 January, 2017

Ranjit Barthakur

Founder Trustee, Balipara Foundation

IN THIS PRESENTATIONHISTORICAL CONTEXT OF ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA 3-5

GEOGRAPHIC & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF ASSAM 6

ASSAM’S REPORT CARD 7

8

CURRENT ECONOMIC MODELS LEAD TO ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION 9

NATURENOMICSTM 10-11

BUILDING ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA’S NATURE CAPITAL 12-14

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY UNLOCKING NATURE CAPITAL 15

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ASSAM’S NATURAL ASSETS

TOURISM TRENDS 16

TYPES OF ECOTOURISM 17-18

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING TOURISM EXPERIENCE 19

CONNECTIVITY TO PROMOTE TOURISM 20-21

22-23

ROADMAP TO SUCCESS 24

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OPPORTUNITIES

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

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• Inhabitation dates backs to about 2,000 BC

• 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.

THE TRAUMA OF PARTITION

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Before 1947After 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

• 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

British Indian Empire

HISTORICAL SHAPING OF ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA

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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

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

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Demographic Issues• Population over 40 million• Very high population density in valleys

PRE PARTITION

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

In 2016

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

GEOGRAPHICAL & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF ASSAM

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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’S REPORT CARD

Assam already has a Natural Wealth. Legislation should encourage protecting it and enriching it

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OPPORTUNITIES

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ICT Infrastructure

Political Stability & Outlook

Economic Outlook

Regulatory Environment Inflation

Education

Population

Literacy

Geographic Location

Energy

Security

Media

Infrastructure

Natural Resources

Healthcare

Economic Development

Orange – Investment promoting factors

Yellow – Investment limiting factors, but opens up opportunities for investors for Development of these

sectors

Economy vs. Ecology

Exclusive Growth

Consumption Driven

Economic growth at the cost of ecology

Large divide between rich and poor, urban and rural

Natural resource exploitation

ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION

Economic Valuation

Valuations based on economic value-add

CURRENT ECONOMIC MODELS LEAD TO ECOLOGICAL DEPLETION

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UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS PUSHED DEMAND ON LOCAL ECO-SYSTEMS BEYOND SUSTAINABLE YIELD

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

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

• 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

NATURENOMICSTM

Adapted from Naturenomics™ – Globally Managed Services

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Economy + Ecology

Inclusive Growth

Driven By Eco-Parameters

Low resource economic growth

Integration of the poor and rural masses in the growth approach

Natural resource conservation

Ecological Neutrality

Land, Energy, Waste, Water, Air, Carbon (LEWWAC)

Eco-Valuation

Valuations based on economic value-add, less

ecological impact

EMERGING MODEL FOR ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

Legislative Action should encourage growth “Additive” industries instead of “Extractive” industries

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• Over 7,500 species of plants

• 700 species of orchids

• Over 500 species of ferns

• Over 500 species of mosses

This bio-diversity of North East India lends itself to the development of Nature Capital & Nature Industries

• 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

BUILDING ASSAM & NORTH EAST INDIA’S NATURE CAPITAL

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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

Estimating the value/ ha of sustainable use of forests:• 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

Adapted from GAISP (www.gistindia.org), Pawan Sukhdev

A NATURE CAPITAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

Smart Legislative Action should be taken to promote Long Term sustainability over Short Term gains

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Food

Water

Energy & Transportation

Environment

SUNRISE INITIATIVES SUNSET AREAS

Natural Organic cultivation

Fresh water fisheries

Vermiculture & Bio-pesticide production

Dairy Production

Public private partnerships in municipal water management

Rain water harvesting

Water refineries – water treatment and recycling

Clean and safe drinking water projects

Renewable Clean Energy – wind, solar, hydel,

Wind turbines, Wind Farm Construction, & Fuel Cell Manufacturing,

Waterway transportation for cargo and tourism

Eco-townships

Afforestation

Carbon sequestration

Nature tourism

Wildlife preservation

A NATURE CAPITAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

Highly chemical based cultivation

Aquaculture

Ground water exploitation

Oil pumping

Coal mining

Thermal power generation

Traditional automobile manufacturing

Clearcut logging

Large tourism infrastructure

Adapted from Eco-Economy, Building an Economy for the Earth – Lester R. Brown14

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

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• 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 2005-2010.

• 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

IMPORTANT TOURISM TRENDS

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NATURE ADVENTURE

BOTANYCULTURE

TYPES OF ECOTOURISM

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NATURE ADVENTURE

BOTANYCULTURE

• Assam has many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and is house to many unique fauna and flora

• The 2 National Parks of Kaziranga and Manasare World Heritage Sites

• 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.

• Create experiences for tourists to experience the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas

• Promote Botanic Gardens as tourism spots

• Various temples and monuments spread all over Assam

• Major regional festivals like Ali Ai, Bihu, Dehing Patkai Majuli

ASSAM’S OPPORTUNITY

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING TOURISM EXPERIENCE

• 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, StatewisePromotion without strong Regional Branding, lack of Tourism Service Providers, Institutional & Policy Framework for Regional tourism, Absence of Visitor Management Plan etc.

• Environmental issues

GOVERNEMENTS/AGENCIESTOURISTS

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Roads

Waterways

Railways

Airports

CONNECTIVITY: A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR TOURISM

Intra Regional

Connectivity

Connectivity with Mainland India

Connectivity with SAARC & ASEANConnecting with

Tourism Hubs

Connecting Destinations

Connecting Source Markets

Strong Legislations to encourage connectivity especially through the Riverine systems in Assam can boost tourism & growth

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CONNECTIVITY TO IMPROVE TOURISM

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ROADS

• The Proposed North East Ring Road can connect domestic tourists and markets

• The Asian Highway will provide connectivity to critical international tourism hubs

• Develop Port Townships with industrial / commercial Areas, logistics and associated urban facilities

• Develop adequate cargo terminals

WATERWAYS

• Rail Connectivity to all state capitals should be expedited

• Plan a border railway running parallel to international borders

RAILWAYS

• Air taxis between Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal & Bhutan

• Redevelopment of smaller airfields to improve connectivity with hinterland

AIRPORTSWATERWAYS

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• Risk of Extinction of Endemic Plant Species

• Reduction in Agrobiodiversity

• Soil Fertility Degradation

• Land Fragmentation & Degradation

• Degradation of Natural Beauty

• Reduction in Eco Tourism

• Melting Glaciers = Increased Risk of Flooding

• Damaged hydropower plants

• Droughts by 2050

• Risk of Extinction of threatened species like Asian Elephants, Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopards, etc.

• Decrease in Fish species

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ASSAM’S NATURAL ASSETS

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CLIMATE CHANGE HAS MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR ASSAM

Source: MacArthur Foundation Report

Collective Vulnerability

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ASSAM EMBRACES NORTH EAST INDIA FOR SUCCESSUse Smart legislation to encourage inclusive growth in North East India

SMART LEGISLATIONFor inclusive growth

Flourishing Natural Assets & Growing Nature Capital

Reorganize the Tea Sector Transform Worker Colonies into

Centres for Excellence

Grow Natural CapitalCreate Climate Friendly Legislations

Audit Natural Assets

Eco-Friendly InfrastructureFocus on Riverine Systems

Increase Digital Connectivity

Become the Food Bowl of IndiaFocus on Agriculture & Food Security

Encourage Skill Building

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THANK YOU!

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ANNEXURES

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ASSAM IN NUMBERS

2.5% of India’s Population

1.5% of India’s GDP 5.6% growth in 2000-01 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 2003-04 = 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

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BIODIVERSITY IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS

10,000+ Plant Species

176+ Reptile Species

977+ Reptile Species

300+ Mammals Species

269+ Fish Species

• Home to 300 plant species consumed by Indians

• 175 Key Biodiversity Areas of High Significance

• Home to Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, One-

horned Rhinos, Red Pandas & Snow Leopards

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CLIMATE CHANGE HAS MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR ASSAM

Source: MacArthur Foundation Report

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