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Mumbai : Shikhar Travels (India), one of the leading adventure companies in India established in 1979, has launched Shikhar Eco Foundation (SEF) as part of Shikhar's Corporate Social Responsibility. This initiative was launched by Capt Swadesh Kumar, Founder and Chairman, Shikhar Eco Foundation.
The first initiative of Shikhar Eco Foundation was to adopt Agoda village, in district Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on the Dodital Trek trail. Shikhar Eco Foundation, supported by Forest Department, Uttarakhand government and in collaboration with Dodital Eco Vikas Samiti recently organised a two day 'Training programme for Lodge Owners and Trekking Guides' at Shikhar Nature Resort, Uttarkashi. This occasion was graced by Dr. I P Singh, District Forest Officer, Uttarakhand; Capt Swadesh Kumar, Chairman, Shikhar Eco Foundation and Mansingh Panwar, President, Dodital Eco Vikas Samiti. Dr. I P Singh, along with 21 participants planted trees at Shikhar Nature Resort.
Furthermore, a website for the Lodge owners and trekking guides of the area will be created and a walk for cleaning the Dodital trail will be organised by Shikhar Eco Foundation under the leadership of Capt Kumar later in the year.
Kumar aspires to promote responsible travel and tourism to enhance conservation of the environment and to improve the economy of those areas. He is committed to employ 70-90 per cent of the staff from local communities at his business centres. In addition, to empower the local communities, Capt Kumar intends to organise regular training programmes for them. He believes that Ecotourism can give a strong boost to development of the natural habitats and help enhance the quality of life among the local communities.
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