ITANAGAR, Jun 1: A one-day public and stakeholders consultative meeting on the theme ‘Tourism in Darak: Prospects, Challenges, Initiatives So Far and Way Forward’, organized by the Darak Tourism and Social Welfare Foundation (DTSWF), an NGO, was held at the community hall, Darak on Saturday last.
The meeting aimed to obtain public feedback, facilitate policy development, and highlight the objectives and initiatives of the NGO for creating positive societal, environmental, economic, and tourism impact at Darak in West Siang district of the State.
Jummo Potom, Managing Director DTSWF, outlined the NGO’s work initiatives and emphasized the long-term importance of tourism, nature conservation, wildlife protection and social development for Darak.
The meeting deliberated extensively on several key agenda points, including nature conservation, wildlife and environmental protection; responsible tourism and hospitality practices; research and documentation of flora & fauna of Darak; beautification of Darak through Cosmos flowers, promotion of homestay and farmhouse stay operators; Google mapping and GPS setup of tourism sites and public places for convenience of visitors in Darak; establishment of an Orchid Sanctuary-cum-Botanical Garden at Darak; Darak Biodiversity Club (DBC) initiatives with community participation; fish conservation and angling events with a sustainable approach; eco-tourism activities and adoption of the Community Conservation Area (CCA) concept in Darak; introduction of the ‘Green School’ concept at Govt Sec School, Darak to inculcate a sense of concern for ecology, environment, and biodiversity among students through outdoor practical activities and orientation with nature under the guidance of the NGO; and adoption of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework for socio-economic improvement in Darak.
The meeting witnessed active participation from homestay operators, Darak Mahila Samiti, Farmers’ Club, SHGs, youth and students, PR leaders, Gaon Burahs, government officials, and CBO members, among other stakeholders.
Later, Potom planted a Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), the State Flower of Arunachal Pradesh, in the heart of Darak town, marking the beginning of a campaign to create awareness on environment and biodiversity, and to pave the way for tourism development.