Students from the Departments of Environmental Science & Commerce, Kohima College participated in a 2-Day State-level workshop themed “Empowering Communities through Eco-Tourism: Conservation, Livelihood & Sustainable Development” on February 25th & 26th. It was organised by NEPeD (Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development” at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on February 25th and 26th. The workshop was funded by North Eastern Council (NEC). Altogether, 153 students & 3 Kohima College faculties participated on day 1, while day 2 participants involved 179 students & 4 faculties, all from the Departments aforementioned above.
Addressing the opening session, Kovi Meyase, Team leader NEPeD and Commisioner & Secretary to Government of Nagaland said that Nagaland is blessed with pristine landscapes, vibrant indigenous cultures, resilient communities and a rich biodiversity. He said 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.
Day 1 ( February 25) session touched on “Eco-tourism, Conservation and Community Participation”. Hiekha, ex-chairman, Eco Tourism Management Committee, Khonoma talked on “Understanding Eco-Tourism: Concepts & Principles.” Imlikaba , 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 touched on “Entrepreneurship, Market Linkages & Future Pathways.” Kevisato Sanyii, Founder, NagaED, talked on Digital Promotion & E- Marketing of Eco- Tourism Destination, Eco-Tourism Branding, Hospitality & Cultural Integration. Rokongulie Meyase, Chairman, Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary talked on Experience sharing by Community Representatives and Eco-Tour Operators and Menguzelie Suohu, Assistant Project Officer, Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship talked on Entrepreneurship and skill development.
The workshop was moderated by Dr Kezevituo Metha. On both days, the students participated actively in Q&A sessions and shared their feedbacks.
