The Responsible Tourism Meet 2.0 (Biodiversity & Cultural Trails) began at Shergaon village in West Kameng district on 7 February. The event is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, bringing together tourism stakeholders, community members, and experts to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity, traditional food heritage, and eco-tourism potential.
MLA of Kalaktang, Tsetan Chombay, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng, Dr Dilip Kumar, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Among the other dignitaries present were Director of Tourism Shri Rujum Rakshap, Member of the North Eastern Council (NEC) T. N. Thondok, Assistant Director of Tourism (Ministry of Tourism) Senthel Kumaran, along with ZPMs, panchayat and community leaders, officers of the Tourism Department, and resource persons from various parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism in ecologically rich regions like West Kameng. He described Shergaon as a remarkable example of harmonious coexistence between people and nature, surrounded by pristine forests, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural traditions.
He noted that such initiatives provide a valuable platform to showcase the ecological wealth, traditional knowledge systems, and unique culinary heritage of the region.Emphasizing the theme of the festival — Biodiversity and Culinary Trails — the Deputy Commissioner stated that the forests and natural landscapes of Shergaon offer a wide range of edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and organic produce that form the foundation of the region’s traditional cuisine. He observed that culinary traditions in the area reflect generations of indigenous knowledge about local agriculture, forests, and seasonal produce.
The Deputy Commissioner also underlined the growing global interest in eco-tourism and village tourism, where visitors seek authentic experiences connected with nature, local culture, and traditional lifestyles. He stated that West Kameng district, with its scenic landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the warm hospitality of local communities, has immense potential to develop as a prominent eco-tourism destination if pursued in a responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.He further stressed that tourism development in fragile mountain ecosystems must be community-based, environmentally responsible, and conservation-oriented. Encouraging community participation, he suggested promoting homestays, biodiversity trails, nature interpretation walks, and culinary tourism to provide meaningful experiences to visitors while generating livelihood opportunities for local youth.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the importance of eco-friendly infrastructure, waste management practices, and the use of sustainable materials such as bamboo and wood to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise the ecological balance of the region. He emphasized that protecting forests, rivers, and biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility but also essential for long-term economic opportunities through nature-based tourism.
He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Tourism, the organising committee, and the people of Shergaon for hosting the event and expressed confidence that Shergaon has the potential to emerge as a model eco-tourism village in Arunachal Pradesh, where biodiversity conservation, traditional food systems, and cultural heritage can be preserved while promoting sustainable development.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from local communities, tourism stakeholders, and visitors, highlighting Shergaon’s unique identity as a destination that celebrates nature, culture, and traditional knowledge. The first day of the event concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting responsible tourism and conservation in the region.
