Meet the 'Green Marshals'
Kerala’s tourism department has launched its ‘Green Marshal’ initiative, a new programme designed to elevate the visitor experience by focusing on proactive care rather than just reactive cleaning. Announced as part of the state budget’s push for sustainable
tourism, the initiative introduces a visitor-friendly environmental stewardship team. These marshals, clad in distinctive forest-green and white uniforms with official branding, will serve as the on-ground representatives of Kerala Tourism’s commitment to responsible travel. In the first phase, 162 marshals will be deployed across major tourist hubs, including Munnar, Alappuzha, Kovalam, Wayanad, and Fort Kochi, addressing long-standing challenges related to waste management and visitor discipline.
More Than Just Tidiness
The role of a Green Marshal extends far beyond supervising cleaning crews. While they will coordinate with existing staff to monitor destination cleanliness, their primary function is proactive engagement. Their key responsibilities include enforcing Kerala’s ‘Green Protocol’ to curb the use of plastics and reduce littering. They are also tasked with providing tourists with valuable information, offering guidance about the local area, and promoting responsible travel habits. This makes them a friendly first point of contact for visitors needing assistance. Furthermore, the marshals will monitor for risky behaviours to enhance safety, provide basic emergency support, and even connect travellers with local homestays, eco-friendly businesses, and regional artisans, ensuring the community benefits directly from tourism.
Who Can Become a Marshal?
The programme is designed to create a professional cadre of tourism ambassadors. The initiative is open to both men and women between the ages of 20 and 40 who hold a bachelor's degree in tourism and travel management. To ensure local integration and expertise, preference is given to residents, candidates with prior hospitality experience, and existing cleaning staff from District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs) or Kudumbashree, the state’s women's empowerment mission. Before deployment, all selected candidates must complete a mandatory seven-day hybrid training programme. This curriculum, jointly certified by the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) and the Responsible Tourism Mission, covers environmental protocols, visitor engagement strategies, safety monitoring, and effective communication skills. Marshals will earn a daily wage of Rs 810.
A Broader Vision for 'God's Own Country'
The Green Marshal initiative is not an isolated project but a key component of Kerala's larger Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission. This long-term strategy aims to make tourism a tool for developing local communities while preserving the environment. The RT Mission operates on a 'triple-bottom-line' principle, balancing economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. By creating a visible, approachable, and trained force on the ground, the Green Marshal programme directly supports these goals. It transforms destination management from a background task into a forward-facing service, aiming to solve persistent issues like garbage pile-ups, which have previously affected popular spots like Fort Kochi beach. The goal is to ensure that the state's natural beauty is not just a marketing slogan but a well-maintained reality for visitors and residents alike.
