Dignitaries with participants of state level workshop on “Empowering Communities through Eco-tourism” in Kohima on February 25. (Morung Photo)
State level workshop on empowering communities through Eco-tourism begins
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 25
A two day long state level workshop on “Empowering communities through eco-tourism: Conservation, Livelihood and Sustainable Development” commenced at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on February 25.
The workshop is organised by “Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development” (NEPeD) and funded by North Eastern Council (NEC).
Addressing the opening session, Kovi Meyase, Team leader NEPeD and commissioner & secretary to Government of Nagaland said that Nagaland is blessed with pristine landscapes, vibrant indigenous cultures, resilient communities and a rich biodiversity.
“From our lush forests and hills to our unique traditions and festivals, we possess immense potential for eco-tourism that is rooted in conservation and community participation. However, the true strength and potentials of eco-tourism is not merely in attracting tourists and visitors but in empowering the local community- ourselves,” Meyase said in his opening remarks.
He said that the workshop will explore how eco-tourism can become a vehicle for community empowerment, strategies to conserve natural resources while generating sustainable livelihood, best practices and successful models from within and beyond Nagaland state and policy frameworks and institutional support required to strengthen grassroot initiatives.
Eco-tourism, when thoughtfully designed and responsibly managed, creates that harmonious balance between conservation and economic growth, he said adding that it promotes stewardship of forests and bio-diversity, strengthens local governance systems, preserves cultural identity, and opens new avenues for youth and women entrepreneurs.
For more than three decades, NEPeD has been pioneering people-centric development programs, natural resources management and strengthening community institutions all across the rural areas in the state, Meyase said.
He said that with the strategic support of the NEC, this initiative today, reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development in the North-Eastern region and thanked NEC for their valued support in actualising this workshop.
“Only our collective concerns and our common intent will help chart out a roadmap that ensures eco-tourism becomes a model of sustainability and community resilience,” Meyase said.
He was optimistic that this workshop will generate meaningful discussions, actionable insights and strong partnerships.
Day 1 session touched on “Eco-tourism, Conservation and Community Participation.”
Neikedolie Hiekha, ex-chairman, Eco Tourism Management Committee, Khonoma talked on “Understanding Eco-Tourism: Concepts & Principles.”
Imlikumba, Senior Project Manager, Foundation for Ecological Balance and Takum Chang, Deputy Project Director, FBMP talked on “Community Conserved Areas: Concepts and principles. Its role in Biodiversity & Eco- Tourism Based Livelihoods” and “CCA vs CR” respectively.
Day 2 (February 26) session will touch on “Entrepreneurship, Market Linkages & Future Pathways.”
The resource persons will include; Kevisato Sanyii, Founder, NagaED, Rokongulie Meyase, Chairman, Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary and Menguzelie Suohu, Assistant Project Officer, Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
The workshop is being moderated by Dr Kezevituo Metha.
Altogether, 156 participants, comprising students, professors and civil society organizations have registered for the workshop.
