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Research Paper | Tourism | India | Volume 11 Issue 10, October 2022

A Survey on the Level of Awareness on the Major Wildlife Conservation Projects and the Potential Benefits of Ecotourism in Wokha District, Nagaland

Tsonchumi Odyuo | Nyanbeni Patton | Lanusunep Pongen

Abstract: Nagaland's major sites for ecotourism are the exquisite landscapes comprising valleys, waterfalls, virgin forests, mountains, rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a variety of cultures and customs which highlights the State's potential for ecotourism. The people of Wokha district in Nagaland mostly make their livelihood through farming, hunting, and gathering and selling of NTFP collected in and around the forest. A survey was conducted to understand the awareness of people in the district on the conservation projects (focused on fauna), and the opportunities for ecotourism in the district. The survey focussed on two migratory birds - Falcon amurensis and Manouria emys. The survey concluded that 62% of respondents came to know about Falcon amurensis through media which shows the importance of digital media in creating awareness and education. A few questions in the survey were focussed on understanding the awareness of people on the ongoing project for the conservation of Manouria emys which is also known as Asian Giant Tortoise. According to the survey, 29.8% of respondents were aware about the ongoing project whereas 50.9% of respondents did not know or hear about the conservation program which reflects possible risk of conservation efforts. Hunting is still a significant cause for the decline and endangerment of fauna in Wokha district where the state departments need to focus on educating locals on the importance and significance of wildlife conservation, and the opportunities that arise from the following pursuits. The survey also found that 84.2% of respondents believed that ecotourism in the district can be a driving force for economic growth and development in the district. Currently, tourism or ecotourism is meagre due to the lack of adequate infrastructure, facilities, and government processes that results in untapped potential for ecotourism in Wokha district, Nagaland.

Keywords: Ecotourism, wildlife, conservation, community, awareness

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 10, October 2022,

Pages: 649 - 652