Sabaragamuwa ü n iv e r s i ty S p ec ia l Journal P roceedings o f 2nd In te rn a tio n a l Symposium 2008, pp 1-11 ISSN 1391-3166 The Potential of Developing Caves as a Community Based Eco Tourísm (CBET) Activity in Rathnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka: A study of Batathota Lena and Batadomba Lena - Kuruwita DS Area R.S.S.W.Arachchi1 1Department o f Tourism Management, Faculty o f Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa Üniversity o f Sri Lanka, P. O. Box 02, Belihuloya. rangana@sab. ac. Ik Abstract Community Based EcoTourism (CBET) is one of the developing industries in Sri Lanka that contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is a form of Eco Tourism where the local community has substantial control over and interest in its development and management and a major fraction of the benefits are with in the community. The study is based on identifying the potential of developing caves in Sri Lanka as a supportive activity and a major attraction of community based ecotourism. This study of caves is significant for professionals who are in tourism fíeld to build up new tourism in potential areas and fostér them for tourists while giving benefits to the surrounding ethnic groups. This research explores the potential of developing and managing diese archeologically and naturally valuable sites as atourist attraction and a community based ecotourism activity in Rathnapura district, Sabaragamuwa province. It was conducted as case studies of Batadomba Cave and Batatota Cavé at Kuruwita DS area. The convenience sampling method was employed to select the 30 respondents to interview to capture views of developing caves as a CBET activity. Fifteen respondents were interviewed from each area representing both local and foreign tourists: Finally, the study leads to give the impression of using caves with the intention of developing the hidden potential of it for CBET. Key-Words: Community Based Ecotourism (CBET), Cave Tourism, Cave Resources, Sustainable Development Introduction The argument is that ecotourism depends on maintaining attractive natural landscapes and a rich flora and fauna; it provides both an incentive for conservation and an economic altemative to destructive activities. The term ‘community based ecotourism’ (CBET) takes this social dimensión a stage further. In addition, it gives substantial control over the behavior of using natural resources and it opens a path to sustainable development (Boo, 1990). Sabaragamuza U n iv e r s i t y S p e c ia l J o u rn a l pp 1-11 Sri Lanka is bestowed with a scenic natural environment and a high biodiversity, which are considered major attractions in ecotourism. Developing archeologicálly and naturally worth caves as an attraction for community based ecotourism activities is an important aspect in sustainablc development. This is still a new concept to Sri Lanka. Although there is a high potential of developing caves as an attraction, attention has not bcen paid for the expansión of them. According to the archeological, historical and natural valué, caves are different from each other. Therefore, it is significant to identify the major factors of cave tourism, which influence benefits of local community. Cave Resources can be defined as material or substance occurring material in caves on Federal lands (Federal Cave Resources Protection Act, 1988). When tourists visit those places to study the cave resources, it will cause for many benefits to the local community. Therefore, cave tourism is one of the altemative tourism, which can be developed under the community based ecotourism. CBET is a type of sustainable tourism that promotes pro - poor strategies in a community setting. Communitybased ecotourism initiatives aim to involve local residents in the running and management of small environmental friendly tourism projects as a means of alleviating poverty and providing an altemative income source for community members. CBET initiatives also encourage respect for local traditions and culture as well as for natural heritage (Ward, 2007). The overall aim of this research was to find out the Cave Tourism potential in Kuruwita DS area in order to develop CBET practices for sustainable development. The study expects to assess the potential of local community participation in ecotourism development in the area situated. Problem D efinition Based on the above situation the researcher has defined the problem statement for the study as follows. “W hat is the potential of developing caves as a community based ecotourism activity in Kuruwita DS area, Rathnapura district, Sri Lanka?” Objectives o f the Study The researcher has derived the following research objectives based on the above research problem in order to simplify the research study. Broad Objective o f the Research The overall aim of research is to carry out a study of the potential of developing cave tourism in Kuruwita DS area as a CBET activity in order to prepare plan for sustainable development. \Arachchi R .s .s .w 2 2°d I n te r n a t io n a l Symposium P ro c e e d in g s p p 1-11 Specific Objectíves To identify the potencial for local community participation in ecotourism development in the area. -To identify the cave resources and activities that can be developed in the arca -To assess the difficulties of developing community bas^d ecotourism in the research area. literature Review Community Based Ecotourism provides many benefits to the society, which ineludes the protection of ecosystem, increase the foreign exchange of the country and living standards of the people, swift regional development, reduction of waste, minimize the negative impaets to.the environment etc. (Sri Lanka Tourist Board, 2001). Being a good business opportunity and the fastest growing segment in the tourism industry, Sri Lankan tourism is changing its outlook to sustain this new product. Since Sri Lanka is rich w ith much cultural and natural diversity, it has the potential to develop the ecotourism concept better than other destiriations for the benefit of the Sri Lankan economy and community (SLEF, 2001). As a result implementing the ecotourism concept in to Sri Lankan context is very much reliable and beneficial to the society. Ecotourism is a frequently debated temí. Sometimes it is used simply to identify a form of tourism where the motivation of visitors and the sales pitch to them, centers on the observation of nature. Increasingly, this general sector of this market is called ‘nature tourism’. True ‘ecotourism’, however, requires aprpactive approach that seeks to mitígate the negative and enhance thé positive impaets of nature related tourism (Ashley and Roe, 1998). The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the enviromñent and sustains the wellbeing of local people. CBET requires án understanding, and where possible a strengthening, of the legal rights and responsibilities of the community over land, resources and development. Ecotourism can be integrated w ith other sectors of the rural economy, creating mutually supportive linkages and reducing financial leakage away from the arca. (The International Ecotourism Society, 1998). All CBET initiatives should be centered on a clear strategy agreed and understood by the local community and all other stakeholders with an interest in tourism and conservation. The strategy should enable a comprehensive picture to be formed of needs and opportunities in an area, so that a range of 3 The P o ten tia l o f Developing Caves as a Community Based Eco Tourism (CBET) A c t i v i t y in Rathnapura D is tr ic t , Sabaragamuwa Province in S r i Lanka Sabaragaauwa U r .iv e r s i ty S p e c ia l J o u rn a l pp 1-11 on a strategy is to provide the community with the tools and knowledge necessary for decision-making. A fundamental characteristic of community based ecotourism is that the quality of the natural resources and cultural heritage of an area should not be damaged and, if possible, should be enhanced by tourism. Adverse impact on the natural environment should be minimizcd and the culture of indigenous communities should not be compromised. Ecotourism should encourage people to valué their own cultural heritage (W W F International, July 2001). Cave is defined as any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess or system of interconnected passages beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance, located either in prívate or public land, is naturally formed or man made. It shall inelude any natural pit, sinkhole or other features, which is an extensión of the entrance (Federal Cave Resources Protection Act, 1988). Caves can be developed as a tourist attraction, if they possess cave resources and activities based on the cave area. Then the authorities can plan and manage community based tourism activities with the participation of local community while conserving the environment and giving benefits to them for their well being. Cave resources inelude any material or substance occurring naturally in caves, such as animal life, plant life, including palé onto logical and archaeological deposits, cultural artifaets or producís of human activities, sediments, minerals, and speleogems. (Relief features on the walls, ceilings and floor of any cave or lava tube which are part of the surrounding bedrock) and speleothems (any natural mineral formation or deposit occurring in a cave or lava tube) (Kim and Kim, 2008). Batathota and Batadomba Lena in Sri Lanka are considered as caves, wlách áre having high archeological, historical and natural valúes. However, the potential of developing these caves for tourism is stiH not recognized. They are not well recognized by the both local and foreign people (Femando, 2004). The Batatota cave temple, which had been neglected in a dense jungle, has now become famous as one of the religious sites. Batatota cave temple lies on a rocky mountainous range in a tiny village called Batatota in Kuruwita, in the Ratnapura district. Legend says that King Nissankamalla (1178-1207) built this cave temple during the Polonnaruwá period (Wijesinghe, 2006). Batatota cave temple is also venenfted for ‘Diwaguhawa’ where Lord Buddha is said to have spent the rest of his day with 500 disciples on his retum from the Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Legend also cites that Lord Buddha has taken Arachchi R.S.S.W 4 2ad I n te r n a t io n a l Symposium P ro c e e d in g s pp 1-12 rest in this cave after placing the footprint on Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) on the invitation of God Sumaria Saman. The most remarkable feature in this cave temple is drops of water dripping from the ceiling even in dry weather. There is also a water pond in the cave itself and the sun’s ray’s fall inside the cave from dawn to dusk. In clear weather condition, the Adam’s Peak can be viewed from the cave site (Wijesinghe, 2006). Although Batatota cave temple’s original architectural designs are not to be seen at present, the oíd Sal trees surrounded by different kinds of vegetation can still be seen with flowers in full bloom. Batadomba lena, or cave, is associated with the Balangoda Apeman or the Balangoda Manawaya. Anatomically modem, prehistoric human remains found in Sri Lanka are commonly referred to as Balangoda Man. In the surrounding area, variety of cave flora and fauna can be seen (Femando, 2005). Even though the cave tourism concept is new to Sri Lanka, globally it is not a new area. There are many countries, which promote their cavem for tourism such as Cacahuamilpa Caverns in México, the Mole Creek Karst National Park in Australia, Waitomo Caves etc however, unfortunately no one has engaged in a research to develop caves in Sri Lanka for tourism. Therefore, this research aims to fill that gap for the development of cave tourism in Sri Lanka. Methodology *The researcher has carried out the study using the qualitative methodology. Therefore, participant observation and unstructured interviews have been used as the data collection tools for this research study. Interviews were conducted with tourists and villagers in the study area of Kuruwita, Sri Lanka. The researcher believes method of participant observation and interview are the imperative, valuable, and convenient methods for this research study. Because here researcher tries to get an understanding and give a description on cave tourism practices discovering the Sri Lankan context. The Sample and Sampling Procedure In line w ith the objectives of the study, a convenience sampling method was employed to select the 30 respondents who visited the selected cave areas. This method was chosen in advance to capture views of developing caves as a community based ecotourism activity. Fifteen respondents were interviewed from each area representing both local and foreign tourists. 5 The P o ten tia l o f Developing Caves as a Community Based.Eco Tourism (CBET) A c t i v i t y in Rathnapura D i s t r i c t t Sabaragamuwa Province in S r i Lanka Sabaragamuwa Und v e r s i t y S p e c ia l Jo u rn a l pp 1-12 Data Collection Both primary and secondary dafa have been adopted as che major source oí information. The primary data is collected by using two methods sueh as personal interviews with the local and foreign tourists and villagcrs in the adjacent area and personal participant observations. Secondary data was collected from the related research articles, unpublished rcsearches, and joumal articles. Results and Discussions According to the observations and survey (conducted at Batathota Lena), the researcher obserVed large number of archaeologically valuable places (croslegged, reclining and standingBuddha statues in the cave temple, 'Maliara Thorana’ that dates back to the Polonnaruwa period etc.) as well as legcnds that can be promoted to tourists. The Batatota cave temple, which had been neglected in a dense jungle, has now become famous as one of the religious sites among local tourists. However, it is still not well recognized by the foreign tourists except few. Since it is situated in a rocky mountain, therc is a possibility of developing adventure tourism too in that area. In accordance w ith the observation and survey results (conducid at Batadomba Lena),.many natural attractions can be recognized such as large steep rocks, cavé flor-: and fauna, water streams, thick wilderness which can be easily promoted for adventure tourists. It is a unique creation of nature and a thrilling prospect. Not only has that It had a greater archeological valué since it is associated with the Balangoda Apeman or the Balangoda Manawaya. However,.unfortunately it has not been well recognized by the both local and foreign.toiirists. At the survey, the researcher identified number of factors, which can be used to promote both- caves fof tourism, especially for CBET. As mentioned in the Figure I; if cave respúrces are developed and utílized well, that will give extra development to the surroiiiíding community and the area for instance employm ent opportU nitiesv in frastructure developm ent, regional development, conservatipn of-resources. Then it will lead to a better living standard of the locaL'CQríimunity. According to the survey, the attitude of local people towards tourism and loiówledge of ecotourism and its concepts are very poor. However, tlíere isran ópportunity to get the participaron of younger geheration, since they arekéener on tourism and tourism education. The selected Kuruwitá area indufles many younger generations.Therefore, more young péople can be promoted to be involved in activities. It will be a good opportunity for 'them to reduce local unemployment problem (Figure 2). : Arachchi R.S.S.W 6 2nd I n t e r n a t i o n a l Sym posium P r o c e e d in g s p p 1 -1 1 %. * Kuruwita DS División Legend Com m iunity Based Area Eco tourism Potential Area Settlements DS División Map in Sri Lanka fV4‘> mñ v ̂ i " Má :tó¡^K«sp3