In a major step towards positioning Madhya Pradesh as a hub for eco-friendly and adventure-based travel, the Madhya Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board (MPEDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The agreement, formalized on September 3 at Vallabh Bhavan, Bhopal, aims to promote safe, sustainable, and community-led adventure tourism across the state. The MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), Government of Madhya Pradesh. The agreement was executed by Dr. (Smt.) Sameeta Rajora, PCCF, MP Forest Department & CEO, MPEDB, and Mr. Nirat Bhatt, Hon. Treasurer, ATOAI, with the participation of Mr. Yog Chinmoy Dutt, Executive Committee Member and Co-Chair (Western & Central Region), ATOAI.
Under this collaboration, MPEDB and ATOAI will jointly identify priority projects and budgets, introduce technical expertise, and implement global best practices in adventure tourism. The partnership will also ensure strict adherence to national and international safety standards while organizing training and capacity-building initiatives for local communities. With a strong focus on sustainability, the MoU emphasizes low-impact, carbon-neutral tourism models, along with mobilizing CSR and CER investments to enhance tourism infrastructure and local livelihoods.
Reinforcing this vision, a new eco-tourism site at Magarpath, located near Kolar Dam and Ratapani National Park, was inspected by Mr. Barnwal on the same day. This development highlights Madhya Pradesh’s growing commitment to creating responsible, community-driven tourism experiences.
