Gossaigaon: In a major push to promote sustainable tourism and community-based conservation, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has launched a three-day capacity-building training program for homestay owners and rural tourism operators around Raimona National Park and the newly declared Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park.
The program, organized in collaboration with the Forest Department and the Department of Tourism, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), aims to strengthen hospitality and rural tourism skills among local residents- especially women while fostering eco-friendly tourism practices. The initiative is supported by the Eicher Group Foundation under the Royal Enfield Social Mission, which continues to promote conservation-linked livelihoods in Northeast India.
Held at Raimona Jungle Retreat, the training has drawn 35 participants from nearby villages. Expert resource persons, including Raj Basu from the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), are conducting sessions that cover essential areas such as guest management, hygiene and safety standards, responsible tourism, and the use of locally sourced materials to create authentic visitor experiences.
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The workshop also emphasizes marketing linkages, promoting traditional cuisine, and sustainability guidelines to ensure that tourism initiatives contribute positively to both the local economy and wildlife conservation.
Officials noted that Raimona and Sikhna Jwhwlao National Parks are emerging as promising destinations for nature tourism, offering rich biodiversity, unique forest landscapes, and opportunities for community-led conservation. By empowering local people to manage homestays and tourism ventures, the initiative seeks to enhance livelihoods while strengthening community stewardship of natural resources.
Speaking on the occasion, WTI representatives expressed optimism that the trained homestay owners will play a pivotal role in transforming Bodoland into a leading ecotourism hub in Northeast India. The collaborative approach, they said, will help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region while promoting sustainable development.
This training follows an earlier round of similar capacity-building sessions held in January 2025 at Kalimpong, and marks another significant milestone in aligning conservation with livelihood promotion—ensuring that local communities remain key partners in protecting the ecological treasures of Raimona and Sikhna Jwhwlao National Parks.
