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Abstract
This thesis questions the fundamental of ecotourism discourse and seeks to apply them in an urban setting. The possibility is tested through a framework of ecological urbanism, derived from an analysis of various perspective on urban ecology by ecologists and designers. Yamuna River Delhi, India provides for various challenges like water pollution, encroachment on Yamuna floodplain, and opportunities like the Ridges of Delhi, the biodiverse wetlands near Yamuna river, and Delhis heritage tourism etc. Detailed analysis of these challenges and opportunities with the principles of ecotourism is done to achieve design priorities to create a platform for ecotourism to happen at an urban level. The three design approaches the green lens, the human lens and balanced lens reveal that management of Yamuna River floodplain, conserving Delhis natural areas, bringing agricultural practices, and changing the perception of Yamuna River through public engagement can shape ecotourism in a city like Delhi.