ITANAGAR, OCT 11:
The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) organised the Nyishi Tourism Conclave, featuring a panel discussion and ideathon, to explore the tourism potential of Nyishi-inhabited areas and promote sustainable, community-led tourism development in Arunachal Pradesh.
The conclave brought together tourism professionals, mountaineers, environmentalists, academicians, policymakers, community representatives and young entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities for developing tourism while protecting indigenous culture, traditions and the natural environment.
The panel discussion, moderated by John Panye, Advisor, Tourism Affairs, ANYA, featured Everester Tagit Sorang Abraham; Yomjum Yomgam, Chairman, Young Mission Club; Er. Nabam Takar, General Secretary, Nyishi Elite Society; Dr. Taba Tath, Principal, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College; Bengia Manna Sonam, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism; and Bengia Ajum, Assistant Editor, Arunachal Times.
The discussion focused on identifying lesser-known destinations in Nyishi-inhabited areas, assessing their tourism potential and promoting responsible tourism through community participation. Participants explored opportunities in adventure, nature-based and cultural tourism, highlighting the need to improve infrastructure, promote homestays and encourage local youth to take up tourism-related entrepreneurship.
The ideathon featured resource persons with experience in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, community conservation and destination development. Their presentations highlighted practical approaches to developing tourism while ensuring environmental protection and direct benefits for local communities.
Kevichulie Metase, associated with the Eco-Tourism Management Committee, Khonoma, Nagaland, shared insights into community-led tourism, regulated homestays, environmental protection and the promotion of indigenous cultural heritage.
Kishon Tekseng, Everester and Advenpreneur at Eko Dumbing Adventure, spoke about opportunities in mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism, emphasising responsible planning and local participation.
Kamal Medhi, associated with WWF and the Chung Valley Community Conserved Area in Dirang, West Kameng, discussed community-based conservation and the role of indigenous knowledge and community institutions in protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Sunku Zangmu and Riching Jomba, associated with the Chung Valley Community Conserved Area, shared perspectives on traditional Monpa environmental stewardship, customary laws and collective village management as approaches to balancing forest conservation with livelihood needs.
Jimu Mele, Advisor to Emudu Trekkers, Anini, Dibang Valley, highlighted community-based adventure tourism and destination development. Established by local youth in 2020, Emudu Trekkers has helped explore and promote the Anini Seven Lakes Trek, illustrating how local initiatives can develop trekking opportunities and generate livelihood prospects for indigenous communities.
The ideathon encouraged participants to develop locally relevant tourism ideas suited to the region’s geography, cultural identity and environmental sensitivities. Discussions stressed the importance of involving communities in planning, managing and benefiting from tourism initiatives.
Tourism Minister PD Sona attended the conclave as chief guest and congratulated the ANYA team for organising the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for discussing tourism development. His participation underscored the importance of collaboration among the government, community organisations, tourism professionals and young entrepreneurs.
Tagru Punong, Vice Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, attended as guest of honour. Riba Pangia Dolo, State President of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Tsering Wange, President of the Northeast India Tourism Confederation, were present as special invitees. Bengia Mrinal, Advisor, Tourism Affairs, ANYA, and Rim Tahi Nabam, Research Scholar at Rajiv Gandhi University, also attended.
The conclave highlighted the potential of Nyishi-inhabited areas for trekking, adventure activities, nature-based tourism, indigenous cultural experiences and village-based tourism. It also stressed that tourism development must remain environmentally responsible, respect local traditions and deliver tangible economic benefits to communities.
ANYA said the active participation of local youth, traditional institutions, community organisations and government agencies would be crucial to turning the region’s tourism potential into sustainable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and regional development.
Through the conclave, the association sought to promote dialogue, innovation and collaboration towards a tourism model that safeguards natural heritage, preserves indigenous identity and creates lasting benefits for future generations.
