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.

The draft policy has also laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the development of our ecotourism sector, he added.
He also mentioned that Sikkim was unique in terms of cultural and bio diversity, and ecotourism has great potential to enhance the livelihood of the people while conserving the biodiversity resources as well.
The Minister expressed his gratitude towards JICA for supporting the development of the ecotourism sector through the Sikkim Biodiversity and Forest Management Project.
“The project is supporting eco-tourism along with a range of forest management and biodiversity conservation activities which will certainly have a signification positive impact on the development of the state,” he said.
He stressed that a strong and clear policy was an essential requirement for the successful implementation of any programme.
The Minister stated that the second draft ecotourism policy which was presented today was the result of a process which involved inputs from many stakeholders and the comments received in today’s meeting will be helpful in finalising the policy.
He also mentioned that the state government led by Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, has already conceptualized the potential and was already promoting Sikkim as an ecotourism destination in the national and international levels.
“Sikkim is always in the forefront in tapping natural resources in the best possible manner without jeopardizing the natural resources and dedicating adequate conservation measures,” he claimed.
He stated that the ecotourism policy will make the cultural and biodiversity attractions of the state more accessible to visiting guests and tourists, and more importantly, will create checks and balance to preserve the natural resources.
The Minister informed that the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest management Project is ready to implement a number of activities to strengthen the ecotourism sector.
He informed that under the project, training will be provided to local communities about ecotourism services, creating links between tour operators and local communities offering tourism services, improving solid waste management ecotourism sites, establishing ecotourism marketing cells and other related activities.
Likewise, the PCCF-cum-Secretary, ST Lachungpa, stated that the State government has been taking many initiatives to promote ecotourism in the state in a move to generate employment opportunities along with ensuing conservation of the natural resources of the state.
He mentioned that the state has huge potential in ecotourism and this policy would help it reach new heights of tourism and ecology conservation.
APCCF-cum-Project Director [SBFP], Anil Mainra, explained that the main objective of the project was to conserve biodiversity and reduce poverty in the state through eco-tourism activities.
He mentioned that the draft of the ecotourism policy has also elaborated on marketing strategies for local products.
Mr Mainra informed that the first draft was posted in the official website and received comments and suggestions from the people which were included in the second draft.
He invited further comments and suggestions for the finalisation of the policy.
A JICA representative, Miho Horikawa, repeatedly stressed on the conservation aspect of the project. She mentioned that ecotourism is only possible due to natural wealth and its conservation is the first priority.
Lead Development Specialist, JICA India Office, Vineet Sarin, reiterated that the project was aimed to increase the livelihood options of rural Sikkim along with the conservation of the natural resources of the state.
He assured that the JICA was fully support the project and that the state was not going to lack in funding, even though Japan is going through a difficult time.
On the same, he urged all the concerned agencies and stakeholders to work sincerely to fulfil the vision of the project and also placed many suggestions.
During the workshop, representatives from different organisations placed suggestions and comments on the second draft of the state ecotourism policy presented today in the workshop.