Biodiversity Awareness and Eco-Tourism

Biodiversity Awareness and Eco-Tourism Training Programme held in Sohra

A Biodiversity Awareness and Eco-Tourism Training programme was successfully held at Sa-I-Mika Park & Resort in Sohra, April 17-19, 2026 marking the inaugural edition of this initiative aimed at empowering local communities. The programme was organised by Sa-I-Mika Park, supported and encouraged by Ainame H.R. Phanbuh, General Manager, in collaboration with Dr. Biswajit De, a distinguished conservation educator & nature-based Designer, member of the Commission on Education & Communication (CEC), of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Dr. De also serves as the Founder-Director and Chief Mentor of the Wild Roots Nature Conservation Foundation (WNCF), Assam and is a National Awardee by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India.

Sponsored by seed funds from WNCF, IUCN - CEC and Sa-I-Mika Park, the programme focused on sensitizing local youth to the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya, highlighting its unique flora and fauna. The initiative aimed to strengthen environmental awareness while promoting sustainable eco-tourism practices as a means of supporting both conservation and local livelihoods. The participants were exposed to the techniques of Bio-diversity Survey, Birding, Photography & Nature Documentation.

As part of the programme, a River Clean-up Drive was undertaken by the Sa-I-Mika Park team in collaboration with local guides from Sohra—Tenny Kynta, Mebakordor Nongkynrih, Mebanshanbor Dohling, Labianglang Sawian, and others. The effort led to the collection of approximately 147 kilograms of waste from a 2-kilometre stretch of river, underscoring the urgent need for improved waste management and greater awareness of its impact on ecosystems and public health.

The organizers expressed optimism that such initiatives will continue to inspire communities, particularly young people, to take an active role in preserving the natural heritage of Meghalaya while advancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism. The certification for this programme was jointly curated by Sa-I-Mika and WNCF. The Programme was supported by the learning guidelines of IUCN - CEC and was inspired by the vision & mission of IUCN #NatureForAll.

Moments from the Programme - Photo Documentation