Policy ready to establish Sikkim as unique ecotourism destination: Minister

JICA COMMITMENT TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND FOREST MANAGEMENT PROJECT TO CUT NO CORNERS DESPITE DIFFICULT TIMES IN JAPAN
GANGTOK, 19 April: “The vision of the policy is to establish Sikkim as the ultimate and unique ecotourism destination offering joys and satisfaction to visitors and contributing to the local community prosperity,” highlighted Forest and Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel today.
The Minister was speaking at a workshop on the finalisation of the Sikkim State Ecotourism Policy organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA] assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project [SBFP] today at the Department’s conference hall. [turn to pg3 for detailed report on policy draft]
He added that the policy encourages a “mutually beneficial relationship” between the various government departments and civil society organizations like NGOs, local communities and academic institutions.
Mr Dhungel stated that the workshop has enhanced the general understanding of ecotourism by providing a localized definition of ecotourism with emphases on conservation of biodiversity resources and also providing benefits to local communities.

Workshop brings Sikkim closer to formulating Ecotourism Policy

GANGTOK, 19 April: The Sikkim State Ecotourism Policy will be finalized by end-June and submitted to the State government for approval and implementation. Even as that happens, the final draft of the policy will be posted on the Forest Department’s official website on 05 May for comments and suggestions from the people, which will be incorporated into the final document tabled with the government.
This was informed during a workshop on the finalisation of Sikkim State Ecotourism Policy organised by JICA assisted by Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project [SBFP] at the Forest Department conference hall on Tuesday.