DIMAPUR — Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on December 12, with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, as the chief guest.
According to a press release, the celebration will also include LH Thangi Mannen, retired commissioner and secretary, and Thepfülhouvi Solo, retired principal secretary, both of whom have been instrumental in the formative years and journey of KNCTS.
“The occasion will not only reflect on Khonoma's remarkable journey from hunters to conservationists but also highlight the village's evolution into a thriving tourist destination,” the release read.
It said that the sanctuary demonstrated Khonoma's commitment to preserving biodiversity, with a focus on protecting the endangered Blyth's Tragopan, Nagaland's state bird, and their natural habitat in a core area of approximately 25 square kilometres, making Khonoma Nagaland's first community conserved area (CCA) among the more than 100 CAA’s that exist today in Nagaland.
As per the release, Khonoma has transformed into a sustainable tourism haven, attracting visitors looking for an immersive and eco-friendly experience, and the village's picturesque landscapes, combined with its rich cultural heritage, have turned Khonoma into a sought-after tourist destination.
Tourism, it was stated, has become a catalyst for local economic development, providing livelihood opportunities to the community, and locals are now actively involved in running homestays, serving as tour guides, operating tour services, and showcasing their craftsmanship to visitors.
Khonoma is the first green village in India and the only village in India and Southeast Asia to be included in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) Tourism Village Upgrade Programme 2022, it said.
Furthermore, it received India's National Biodiversity Award in 2021 for its people's unique practice of ‘alder-based jhum cultivation’ under the category Sustainable Use of Biological Resources as well as Outlook Traveller's Silver Award for Best Offbeat Destination in India.