Steve Odyuo
Natural Nagas
The Amur Falcon Conservation Week and Festivals 2018 was held from the 8th-10th of November 2018. With the aim to create awareness on conservation as well as exploit the potential of eco-tourism in and around the Doyang Valley, the events on Conservation, Adventure Sports, Outdoor activities, Watersports and Angling, Cultural and Traditional activities, Food and Music events were held. It was an eye opener for the community as an alternative source of livelihood through eco-tourism while reducing Jhum cultivation, de-forestation and random exploitation of the natural resources. The huge and multiple potential for eco-tourism in this compact location may have created a conflict of interest for various stakeholders and agencies, but on a broader sense, co-existence also meant looking at both sides of a coin.
With Wokha District in the centre of the Human/Animal conflict in Nagaland, the Government’s initiative to mitigate the problems and create space for co-existence of man and animal has been very welcoming and encouraging. It is important to mention that the farmers of the surrounding villages of Doyang could not harvest their produce from their fields this year due to the raids by the elephants who are trying to survive in a very confined space.
Under the initiative of Shri MhathungYanthan, Advisor Horticulture Nagaland, the concept of the Amur Falcon Festivals was given birth and was entrusted to the Natural Nagas on June 6, 2018. Events were listed and a PowerPoint presentation was prepared on the potential of eco- tourism activities in and around the Doyang reservoir, which was presented to the Chief Minister on the 25thof June, 2018. With the Chief Minister’s interest and on line with his vision to make Nagaland a tourism destination, the event was approved in the cabinet with a new nomenclature Amur Falcon Conservation Week 2018.
Due to various engagements and miscommunication, the budget of the event could not be finalized as the time dragged on to the tentative date that was fixed for the 8th-10th of November. So, from a proposed global event, it was trimmed down to a preparatory launch for future events.
With Nagaland Tourism as the nodal Department, the AFCW 2018 was set in motion, while the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change prepared for the conservation related activities. The Natural Nagas roped in AON (Association of Off-roaders Nagaland), Native Station, Team Metamorphosis, CREW (Club Royal Enfield Wokha), DAWN (District Anglers Wokha Nagaland) and EMETA ( Explore Morashen Eco-tourism Association) do a recce and conceptualize the events according to the potential of the land and resources. It is also important to note that due to time constrains and changes in the budget, publicity for the events were only done on social media with a very dedicated and understanding team or event managers.
Nagaland Tourism along with District Administration Wokha arranged a befitting inaugural ceremony with the Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland Shri PB Acharya as the Chief Guest on the 8th November 18, 2018 and wrapping it up with Special Guest Ms. AjanuoBelho, Joint Secretary Tourism gracing the closing programme.
Even though the event was held for the first time and in its infancy, the response from tourists all over was overwhelming. The events were spread out all over the surrounding areas of the Doyang Reservoir and an estimated footfall of 15,000- 20,000 tourists have attended or witnessed the three day event. The participation of the local communities and the revenue generated due to the three day event has people suggesting that the event should be extended a couple more days in the coming years. Local talents, expertise, products and enthusiasm along with introduction of new events blended well, which showcased in a more organized way can be the next big seller for Tourism in Nagaland.
With the sole aim of creating awareness on alternative and sustainable livelihood through eco-tourism, the three day AFCW 2018 was a huge success. Sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland Shri Neiphiu Rio for giving us the opportunity to showcase the potential of the Land and People to make Nagaland an ecofriendly tourist destination. Finally, my heartfelt congratulations to all the participating individuals and organizations for making AFCW 2018 a grand success and a big cheers to AFRAU and the village councils of Pangti, Ashaa and Sungro for giving the Amur Falcons a safe passage.
