Kiphire, September 9 (MExN): As a follow-up to what had already been planned, the District Administration of Pungro Sub-Division organized ‘training cum orientation programme on ecotourism and hospitality’ at Pungro on September 7.
The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Department of Rual Development, Kiphire. This initiative lays one of the formidable and crucial steps in aligning the villages of Pungro to seal their mark as some of the promising Ecotourism destinations in the country and around the world.
To give this vision of Ecotourism an anchoring start, six viable villages namely Fakim, Thanamir, Salomi, Mimi, Moya and Khonjiri were selected, all of which are known for their unique flair that has managed to woo their visitors in more ways than one.
Wenyei Konyak, ADC Pungro in his welcome address, emphasized on the tourism potential that had largely remained untapped till now, thereby denying the locals of the economic benefit that comes along with it.
This was followed by a talk by Chonpenthung Ezung, EAC Pungro on the topic ‘Concept of Ecotourism & Hospitality- Tourist attraction and activities’. He talked about how each of the villages present were unique destinations for tourism- Fakim for its wildlife and serene landscape; Thanamir for the majestic Mt Saramati and Apple Festival; Salomi and Mimi for their extensive and fascinating caves; Khonjiri and Mini for being one of the only places in the world known for rock bee honey harvesting on cliffs, Moya for its beautiful pearl white beaches along Zingki river where also, an anglers dream catch- the magnificent Golden Mahasheer is found.
He highlighted that the District Administration Pungro in collaboration with Nagaland Association for Adventure Mountaineering and Education (NAAME) and Global Adventure Association (GAA) is actively promoting trekking of Mt. Saramati. The first batch of Mt. Saramati climbers were flag off from Pungro town on September 6.
Speaking on Tourism Entrepreneurship, Makezho, President, Pungro Ecotourism Tour Association explained the need to start low when it comes to expectations and pricing, a much needed aspect to ensure a sustained growth of tourism.
BDO Khongsa while acknowledging the remarkable initiatives of District Administration Pungro in promoting ecotourism also highlighted the contribution made by the concern villages through MNREGA wages to make the ecotourism programme successful. He further directed the village council to judiciously make use of the outdoor equipments and to generate income by hiring the tents and sleeping bags to the tourist.
Lansothung Lotha, RFO, Kiphire Wildlife Division shared on ‘Sustainable Ecotourism’ and demonstrated on how to set up camping equipments that were to be provided to the villages. On Sustainable Ecotourism, he advocated that it is all about conserving the natural resources and protecting our culture and tradition that forms the basis for a sustained economic benefit out of tourism. He also invoked the idea of how tourists can be attracted throughout the year by streamlining different activities for visitors in different seasons.
Following this, equipments such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, trekking shoes, rain coats and head lamps were distributed to the six villages.
The programme was chaired by Samuel Thyug, EAC Kuisam while the vote of thanks was delivered by Shelemthong Yimchunger, Executive Chairman, YTC.
