Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Women-led mangrove safari boosts Vengurla's eco-tourism
In a small village called Vengurla in India, a group of nine women and one man started a special boat tour called the Swamini Mangrove Safari.
They take tourists on a one-hour trip through the mangroves, showing them different birds and plants.
The United Nations helped them start this tour, which not only teaches people about nature but also helps the group earn money.
The tours are so popular that visitors also stay in local homes and try local food.
Other groups in nearby areas have copied this idea and started their own tours.
The women are like heroes because they protect the mangroves and teach everyone about their importance.
The Swamini Self-help Group, based in Vengurla, Maharashtra, started the Swamini Mangrove Safari in 2016.
The group consists of nine women and one man, offering one-hour mangrove safaris using two boats.
The United Nations Development Programme provided funding and training for the initiative.
The safaris focus on biodiversity, conservation, and wildlife spotting, including birds like egrets and herons.
The success of the mangrove safari has led to increased tourism, including homestays and local cuisine experiences.
- Who
- Swamini Self-help Group (9 women and 1 man)
- What
- Mangrove safari and eco-tourism initiative
- When
- Started in 2016
- Where
- Vengurla, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To promote biodiversity conservation, income generation, and eco-tourism
- Location
- Vengurla, Maharashtra, India
- Group Name
- Swamini Self-help Group
- Group Members
- 9 women and 1 man
- Funding and Training
- United Nations Development Programme
- Flagship Program
- Swamini Mangrove Safari
- Boats Owned
- 2
- Tour Duration
- 1 hour
- Wildlife Spotted
- Egrets, herons, storks, cormorants