India’s environmental initiatives in 2025 have begun delivering clear dividends for nature-based, wildlife and eco-tourism, strengthening the country’s position as a sustainable travel destination while supporting green economic growth.
Large-scale afforestation under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign led to the plantation of over 262 crore saplings, improving forest landscapes around wildlife reserves, heritage sites and tourism circuits. India’s forest and tree cover has now reached 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, with a steady net gain over the last decade, enhancing the appeal of forest-based tourism and outdoor recreation.
Wildlife conservation measures also translated into stronger tourism value. The expansion of tiger reserves to 58 and protected areas to 1,134 improved habitat security and visitor experiences in key destinations such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The successful growth of Project Cheetah, with the population rising to 30 cheetahs, reinforced India’s global visibility in wildlife tourism.
Wetland and coastal conservation emerged as another major tourism enabler. With 96 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia, and Indore and Udaipur recognised as Wetland Cities, India strengthened its positioning in birding, lake tourism and urban eco-tourism. Additionally, 18 beaches across coastal states and Union Territories received Blue Flag certification, boosting high-value coastal and international tourism.
Urban environment initiatives also supported city tourism. Under the National Clean Air Programme, air quality improvements were recorded in over 100 cities, enhancing livability and visitor appeal. The Nagar Van Yojana, with 620 sanctioned urban forest projects, expanded green public spaces that double as local tourism and recreation hubs.
Mangrove restoration under the MISHTI programme and large-scale landscape projects such as the Aravalli Green Wall further strengthened climate resilience in tourism-sensitive regions, particularly in coastal and arid zones.
Overall, 2025 marked a year where environmental governance directly aligned with tourism growth—supporting wildlife tourism, eco-travel, coastal destinations and clean urban tourism—while reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable development and green economic expansion.
