Kuttanad Interpretation Centre proposed to redefine tourism and conservation

A report submitted by the Alappuzha district administration to the State government on the rejuvenation of the Vembanad Lake has proposed the establishment of a Kuttanad Interpretation Centre.

A report submitted by the Alappuzha district administration to the State government on the rejuvenation of the Vembanad Lake has proposed the establishment of a Kuttanad Interpretation Centre. Touted as a transformative initiative, the centre aims to redefine tourism in the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’.

The primary goal of the centre, according to the report, is to create an experiential knowledge hub where visitors can “immerse themselves in the region’s cultural and environmental heritage” through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and digital documentation.

Noting that tourism has largely remained an unstructured and underutilised sector in Kuttanad, the centre further aims to “bridge the gap between conservation, education, and tourism while fostering community participation and economic development.”

“The current model does not effectively channel tourist expenditure into the local economy, leaving many traditional artisans, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs without significant economic benefits. The centre aims to address these gaps by ensuring that the revenue generated through tourism directly benefits the local communities,” reads the report. It adds that engaging artisans, farmers, and traditional craftspeople in various programmes associated with the centre would create sustainable livelihoods and revitalise dying art forms.

The report on the interpretation centre prepared by Rahul K. Sukumaran, design director at Kuttanadan Initiatives, a social-innovation startup, says the centre will serve as an educational space where visitors can learn about the region’s biodiversity, history, and sustainable agricultural practices. “The centre will attract a diverse range of visitors, including scholars, eco-tourists, and cultural enthusiasts. It will also function as a community resource, offering training programmes for farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to ensure the long-term preservation of Kuttanad’s cultural and natural heritage,” the report says.

It suggests that the ₹10 crore project spanning 1,000 sq.m. could be implemented in two years through government funding/ public-private partnerships/ international development funds and so on. .