Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 21:15 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 15:50 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sikkim has been named “Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism” at Sanctuary Asia Awards 2025 for the State’s conservation-led and community-driven tourism model.
The award, presented by TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism in partnership with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, was received on behalf of the State by Toursim department chairman Norgay Lachungpa.
A press release informs that the honour recognised Sikkim’s long-term commitment to responsible tourism, ecosystem protection and community participation. The 2025 awards were held under the theme “Rewilding Tourism”, celebrating initiatives that restore natural habitats while supporting local livelihoods.
"Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, Sikkim has emerged as a national model in conservation and sustainable tourism. Flagship initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Mero Bato Mero Bot, My Child from the Wild, State Green Mission, Smritivan, A Day for Mother Earth, the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, and Tiger Conservation have played a pivotal role in protecting the State’s rich natural heritage,” the Tourism department said.
The release adds that the State has also made notable progress in birding and butterfly tourism, supported by training programmes for nature-based guides.
Individual honours were also announced at the ceremony. Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Dzongu Butterfly Society of Sikkim won the “Wildlife and Tourism Initiative Award 2025”, while Prem Kumar Chhetri of State Forest department secured third place in the “Champion of the Forest 2025” category for his conservation and scientific work in the eastern Himalayas.
Tourism minister T.T. Bhutia, advisor Sudesh Kumar Subba, additional chief secretary C.S. Rao, Norgay Lachungpa and secretaries Neeraj Pradhan and Hondala Gyaltsen express their happiness and thanked TOFT and the Sanctuary Nature Foundation for the recognising the efforts made by the State government under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), the release adds.
