Namchi, October 9 (IPR): The Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism (IHCAE), Chemchey, under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim and Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES), hosted the opening day of the 1st IHCAE Sikkim – Partnership Conclave 2025, today.
The conclave, held under the theme “Strengthening Collaborations in Adventure and Ecotourism,” aims to create a common platform for academic, industry, and government bodies to deliberate on enhancing training, research, and sustainable development in the adventure and ecotourism sector of Sikkim.
The day began with the welcoming of guests, registration of participants, and a curated campus tour led by the Principal of IHCAE, followed by a gathering at the conference hall.
The inaugural session commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest, marking the formal opening of the two-day event.
Zilla Adhakshya Namchi, Ms Anjeeta Rajalim, graced the occasion as the distinguished Chief Guest. She appreciated the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and IHCAE for their dedicated efforts in fostering experiential learning through adventure and nature-based education. She underlined the need for capacity building and stronger collaboration to establish Sikkim as a leading destination for sustainable ecotourism and adventure studies.
She further shared her insights on Sikkim’s immense potential in the tourism sector, expressing optimism about its promising future. Encouraging the delegates to work closely with Sikkim, she stated that such partnerships would play a crucial role in elevating Sikkim Tourism to new heights of success and recognition.
PCE-cum-Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Neeraj Pradhan, delivered the first keynote address on “Possibilities of Adventure and Ecotourism Activities of IHCAE.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration between IHCAE and academic institutions to develop specialized tourism programs. Expressing gratitude to the delegates for visiting Sikkim, he shared that IHCAE strives to strengthen the ecotourism sector while promoting adventure sports and mountaineering activities.
He further mentioned that IHCAE not only imparts professional training but also ensures access to high-quality equipment for trainees. Emphasizing the need to reconnect with nature, he described Sikkim as a treasure trove for adventurers, nature lovers, and enthusiasts of bird watching and lepidopterist (butterfly watching).
President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Col Vijay Singh, delivered a talk on “Mountaineering and Its Opportunities and the Future of Mountain Climbing in Sikkim – Impediments,” where he discussed the immense potential of the state for mountain-based adventure tourism. He emphasized that Sikkim’s unique terrain offers vast opportunities for developing mountaineering and related activities.
He further noted that the state is endowed with magnificent mountain peaks and pristine glacial lakes, which could significantly enhance tourism if certain peaks were opened for regulated summiting. Such an initiative, he suggested, would not only promote adventure tourism but also contribute to the sustainable growth of Sikkim’s tourism sector.
Chairman of IATO North Bengal and Sikkim, Dr Peter Lobo, delivered a session on “Birdwatching Tourism for Sustainability and Livelihoods,” highlighting the ecological and economic importance of avian-based tourism. He provided an overview of birdwatching as an emerging tourism activity in Sikkim and North Bengal, noting its growing popularity among nature enthusiasts.
He further emphasized the need to protect key birdwatching hotspots, particularly migratory bird flyways, to ensure the continued growth of this niche tourism sector. Dr Lobo added that preserving these natural habitats would not only support biodiversity but also benefit local communities and homestay owners by strengthening the foundation of sustainable ecotourism.
Director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Dr Kishore Rithe, in his address, provided an overview of the organisation’s work. He spoke about the importance of protecting endangered species and how such conservation efforts could bring long-term ecological and economic benefits to the state.
He further stressed the need to safeguard mountain ecosystems, noting Sikkim’s vast potential in this regard. He highlighted the growing threat posed by free-ranging dogs to endangered bird species and emphasized that effective protection measures could not only preserve biodiversity but also generate tourism-based revenue for local communities.
Principal IHCAE/Joint Director, Mr Kazi Sherpa, gave a comprehensive presentation on the history, activities, and achievements of IHCAE . He highlighted the institute’s contribution in building human resource capacity in adventure and ecotourism. He further spoke about IHCAE’s vision to serve as a model institution for skill-based learning and sustainable adventure tourism practices.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the Adventure Map of Sikkim, created by IHCAE, which was jointly launched by the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between two stakeholder partners—Bombay Natural History Society and Mount Zion Group of Schools, Sikkim—with the objective of strengthening IHCAE.
After the morning sessions, participants engaged in an interactive workshop segment. The delegates were divided into four groups—each tasked with formulating ideas related to institutional tie-ups, curriculum design, corporate adventure training, and innovative marketing strategies for IHCAE outreach.
Delegates actively contributed their insights, facilitating productive exchanges aimed at curriculum enrichment and sustainable ecotourism and adventure tourism development in the State.
The evening witnessed a vibrant showcase of traditional food and culture of Sikkim at the IHCAE Cafeteria Lawn. The segment featured a live local kitchen, local wine tasting, and captivating cultural performances, including Nepali traditional Dewsi and dances presented by the officialsof DoT&CAv and IHCAE staffs. The event offered guests an immersive experience of Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage intertwined with its growing tourism ecosystem.
The opening day of the conclave concluded on a positive note, laying the groundwork for meaningful collaborations and policy-level discussions in the adventure tourism sector.
Present throughout the program were Director SSDMA Mr Rajiv Roka, Additional Director (Adventure) DoT&CAv Mr Tenzing Gelay, South District Zilla Panchayat members, 35 Prominent Delegates (Adventure Tourism Stakeholders) from across the country and the State, officials from DoT&CAv(DTO)Namchi, IHCAE, Chemchey and TSA (DoT&CAv), the welcome address was delivered by Deputy Director Ms Lamin Theengh, while the Vote of Thanks was proposed by OSD, IHCAE Mr Nahkul Giri. The proceedings of the ceremony were conducted by Tourist Officer, T&CAv Mr Saurav Baraily.
It may be noted that the second and concluding day of the IHCAE Partnership Conclave 2025 will be held at Hotel Rendezvous, Gangtok, on 10th October 2025, where the sessions will focus on final deliberations and closing remarks. Prior to this, the delegates will participate in an exposure tour of Ravangla and Timi Tea Estate, followed by a mountain biking expedition.
Report from DIO Namchi