Organic is no fad in the kingdom of Sikkim

The Mission of Sikkim well on the path of being realised as a must see eco tourism destination of the world.

A completely organic state by December 2015
Smoke Free by January 2016
Plastics and Polythene free by January 2016

The Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling delivered a compelling and impassioned speech to a packed convention, including 56 delegates from 26 countries for the 4th annual Tourism Mart.

Sikkim is a land locked state, sharing international borders on three sides with China, Bhutan and Nepal. The Sikkimese are 70% Buddhist but they all share an unwavering belief in the sanctity and spirit of the land. Despite this land locked nation being rich with minerals and forests, it is a rare gem untouched and uninspired by any desire for industrialization and exploitation of its natural resources.

The Ministry of Tourism announced at its 4th International Tourism Mart that Sikkim with be 100% organic by January 2016 and the first state of India to be so.

There in lies the vision of Sikkim government , who over the past 21 years has worked to give top priority to the eco-tourism sector as the way to secure and sustain an economy for its residents as well as preserve its culture, heritage and environment.

82% of the geographical area is recorded as Forest which includes areas under snow, glaciers, rivers, lakes and dense forests. A whooping 30.77% is protected compared to India’s national average of 4.7%. Included in the protected zone are 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 1 national park

Currently less than 1% of international tourism, their collective goal is to raise awareness and so increase tourism in conjunction with a clean and green goal.

The state government has taken steps to develop Sikkim into a pollution free, clean, green and peaceful State and it is evident all around us at this convention.

In summary in Sikkim there is a complete ban on:

Smoking in public places
Use of non biodegradable materials like plastic and poly bags
Felling trees in forest areas
Grazing in reserved forest areas
Killing of wildlife
Bursting crackers
Burning of agricultural waste
Us e of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides
The use of Diclofenca, the chemical responsible for the near extinction of vultures in India

With its hospitality, delicious organic food, clean air, feeling safe and extraordinary natural beauty, Sikkim is the benchmark of eco-travel globally.

Nancy Hromin is in Gangtok , Sikkim for the 4th International Tourism Mart for the North East Region of India and can be reached at nancy@travelweekly.com.au.

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