Kashmir, 29th October 2024: As a significant step towards promoting ecotourism in one of the prime Markhor habitats in the Kashmir Himalaya, i.e., the Kazinag National Park, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, and with support from the Astral foundation, conducted a two-day empowerment workshop for local ecotourism stakeholders, focusing on hospitality and management. Mr. Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures was the resource person for this workshop. He is working towards the promotion of ecotourism and connecting people to wildlife and nature exploration throughout Asia. The workshop was hosted on October 25th and 26th, 2024, at the Govt. Degree College, Baramulla, and saw the participation of 22 nature guides.

Kazinag National Park is home to the world’s largest goat, the Markhor and holds one of the two viable populations in J&K. The local communities inhabiting the fringes are among the most crucial stakeholders in this area. WTI, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), J&K has been facilitating many conservation interventions under the Markhor Recovery Project to address the specific threats to Markhor and to strengthen its conservation through community-based models. One such model is the promotion of ecotourism in the region to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Our emphasis is on the establishment of an ecotourism enterprise in Kazinag National Park, primarily driven by the dual goals of promoting sustainable livelihoods and advancing conservation efforts.

Prior to this workshop, WTI conducted a pre-training assessment of the knowledge, attitude and interest of local nature guides. The survey identified the parameters on which their capacities should be enhanced and highlighted necessary changes in their knowledge and behaviour. Mr. Mohit developed a training module to address their specific needs. The program aimed to equip the participants with essential skills, enabling them to engage more effectively with tourists, enhance visitor experiences, and promote responsible tourism that supports conservation goals. Training local guides and equipping them with the right tools and knowledge will not only enhance livelihood opportunities but also empower communities to play a key role in preserving their natural heritage.

Mr. Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures addressing the participants at the two-day workshop | Photo by Altamash Gulzar

Mr. Intesar Suhail (Wildlife Warden North), while speaking at the occasion, emphasised that nature guides are the bridge between local communities and tourists. They play a critical role in showcasing the beauty of Kazinag while educating visitors about the importance of conserving this unique landscape. He added that this workshop marked the beginning of the long-term commitment to making Kazinag a model for ecofriendly tourism and conservation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Mohit offered various sessions over these two days focusing on guiding ethics, hospitality, and building business opportunities through ecotourism, along with an introduction to the concept of ecotourism and its significance, the profitability of ecotourism for local communities, the importance of sustainability for Kazinag, case studies from Asian Adventures Ecolodges, creating product lines, visibility and marketing and avoiding greenwashing. It was emphasised that guides need to develop market linkages and lasting professional relationships with clients using tools such as visiting cards, social media accounts, websites, and email accounts. 

The trainee guides previously lacked the requisite skills to be practical conservation guides but this workshop is expected to enable them to effectively disseminate their acquired knowledge to visitors and benefit financially from ecotourism since tourists prefer trained guides. The workshop not only provided a learning platform but also offered nature guides an opportunity to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas with the resource person, the DWP, J&K, and the WTI officials. 

The guides received certificates marking the completion of the training workshop| Photo by Altamash Gulzar

The guides also expressed an interest in bird-watching activities and field exposures to various ecological systems, allowing them to observe and understand environmental and wildlife values in traditional and modern human-dominated landscapes. They were equally excited to learn how to increase their income and build a network of guides within their respective areas. 

The event was attended by Mr. Intesar Suhail (Wildlife Warden North), Mr. Mohit Aggarwal (Head, Asian Adventures), Manzoor Ahmad Hajam (Range officer, Baramulla), Mr. Riyaz Ahmad Lone (Block Forest officer, Limber Wildlife Sanctuary), Mr. Abdul Qayoom Khan (Block officer- control room Baramulla) Mr. Mohammad Yousuf (Block officer Lachipora), Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Zaroo (Block Forest officer, Headquarter Baramulla), Dr. Tanushree Srivastava (Manager & Project Head, J&K Projects, WTI) Mr. Sameer Khazir (Assistant Manager, J&K Projects, WTI), Muneeb Nazir (Field Officer, Markhor Recovery, WTI, Ms. Adfar Ali, Intern WTI, Mr. Tanveer Ahmad War, Senior Field Attendant, WTI, and Mr. Shabir Ahmad, Field Attendant, WTI).