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TSEMINYU — Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, advocated for sustainable tourism that involves communities on Wednesday, opining that with modernisation and industrialisation, the world has forgotten sustainability.
He was speaking at the United Nations World Tourism Day (UNWTD) celebration at Tseminyu Town Hall.
He said that Nagas were once headhunters, but that they have evolved and are now educated and literate, and added that while stating that Nagaland is one of the most literate states in the country, the flora and fauna are depleting due to overexploration.
Highlighting the initiative of the people of Khonoma village in conservation of nature and the green village declaration that has attracted tourists, he called upon the rest of the Naga villages to emulate the same and asserted the need for commitment.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He underscored the role of community involvement required to promote tourism in the state, pointed out the need to promote cultural and traditional heritage, and also stressed a sustainable ecosystem.
He implored the Nagas to be positive people and not politicise everything but to have a vision for the people to grow and prosper.
He also assured to promote tourism in the Tseminyu district and stated that the foundation for the Tseminyu Model College would be laid soon.
Meanwhile, MLA Jwenga Seb said in his speech that tourism is an industry with the power to transform lives, communities, and entire nations, as well as a catalyst for economic growth, a promoter of cultural exchange, and a vehicle for sustainable development.
In his opinion, the key to promoting tourism and unlocking its potential in Nagaland is to be inclusive and sustainable.
He informed that Tseminyu DPDB intends to pursue the 'Green District Development Goal' which aims to promote sustainable development practices while protecting natural resources and the environment.
Earlier, Nchumbemo Lotha, secretary of Tourism, said that the state is endowed with rich cultural and traditional heritage, historical attractions, and beautiful landscape, making it a beautiful tourist destination.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He noted that over the last five years, the number of domestic tourists has ranged from 97,000 to 1,25,000 per year, while foreign tourists have ranged from 2,000 to 5,000.
The official informed that the government of India—UNDP Project had also remarked that tourism is considered a booming sector for unexplored Nagaland, adding that Nagas, by virtue of their existence, are placed amongst the most scenic and natural environments.
He said, "With the distinction of being located within the eighteen bio-diversity hotspots of the world, with rich flora and fauna, both wild and cultivated, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking and jungle camping and offers limitless exploration potential for a plethora of medicinal herbs and plants."
Highlighting that the conceptualising and materialisation of the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, the annual Hornbill Festival, and the adoption of Khonoma as the first Green Village in the country have generated livelihood and employment opportunities in the tourism sector, he also informed that the concept of a rural home stay packaged together with adventure, culture, and eco-tourism is fast catching up in Nagaland.
Nchumbemo also stated that the Tourism department is revising the state tourism policy and will soon notify the public, and that the policy will be similar to the national tourism policy but relevant to the state. He said the last state policy was adopted in 2001.
Further expanding on the policy, he stated that the key decisions will be to incorporate vernacular architecture into all tourism assets and infrastructure projects in order to reflect Naga architecture, heritage, and sustainable design. It will collaborate with tribal hohos to gather traditional architectural designs that represent each tribe's unique identity.
The department will also ensure that all new tourism infrastructure and developments, such as lodges, cultural centres, and rest areas, incorporate traditional Naga architecture, said the secretary.
He asserted that the policy will maintain a balance between modern amenities and preserving the authenticity of the architectural designs, and the department will also work towards afforestation and preservation of the varied traditional flora and fauna in its pursuits towards the tourism industry.
He emphasised that the department will also preserve and protect Nagaland's natural and cultural heritage sites and traditional villages by implementing sustainable practices to conserve the environment and promote responsible tourism, promoting tourism activities that have a minimal negative impact on Nagaland's environment, culture, and heritage while maximising the positive socioeconomic benefits for local communities.
He added that the department will also promote Nagaland as a tourist home and green destination, with a special emphasis on promoting village or rural tourism and homestays in rural areas and small settlements, which are a treasure trove of natural and cultural wealth.
A village tourism development board will be established in each rural tourism village to promote Nagaland as a green destination or eco-tourism for investment, with a focus on the well-being of local people, and cultural heritage will be protected to promote more meaningful tourism in our state.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the Green Skill Development Programme under the Environmental Information System Scheme to skill youth in the environment, forest, and wildlife sectors and informed that more skilling programmes are required to cover more ground as the tourism sector expands.
The department also proposes to plan and develop all the hotspots where tourism potentials is available in Nagaland, said Nchumbemo.
Speeches were also delivered by DC Tseminyu, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, and Nagaland Association of Tour Operators (NATO) president Kejaroko Pier.
Meanwhile, Veyielo Doulo, additional director of Tourism, has asked schools in Tseminyu to form Yuva Tourism Clubs in order to promote tourism in the district.
Kunal Jha, assistant manager, Ministry of Tourism, administered the 'Travel for LIFE' pledge to all participants during the event.
Nagaland Tourism Award 2023
On this occasion, the Nagaland Tourism Award 2023 was also presented.
David Angami, India Trail, was named the best tour operator, and Asu Savino, freelance guide, was named the best tour guide.
As part of the commemoration, a UNTD drawing competition was held, with Rhunkvulo Kent of Baptist Higher Secondary School receiving first prize, Asin Jasu of Baptist Higher Secondary School receiving second prize, and Achulo Seb of GMS Logwesenyu receiving third prize.