Backwater Tourism and Houseboat Operations in Vembanad, Kerala: Competing Uses and Management Conflicts

Kerala, a state in India, promotes tourism by branding itself as “God’s own country.” It is blessed with unique “backwaters” that run parallel to the Arabian Sea and is located inland from the coast between Kochi and Kollam. Backwaters are common property resources (CPR) that are ecologically fragile, with Vembanad Lake at its heart. These backwaters are integral to the daily life of locals, support livelihood, and function as a sink for waste discharged into it. Backwaters are also famous for their houseboat cruises, attracting thousands of tourists annually. Even though backwaters have been accorded as Ramsar sites since 2002, this CPR faces threats (like overuse, pollution, and reclamation) due to competing interests. The case highlights those unsustainable practices related to tourism, industrialization, and livelihood activities impacting backwater environs. Also, several agencies participate in managing backwaters, however, in an uncoordinated manner. The case describes issues faced by houseboat operators and the non-adoption of sustainable practices. Thus, the case highlights dilemmas in the decision-making of tourism management and protection of CPR from a public policy perspective and aims to sensitize students about the need for responsible tourism.