Kashmir Off Road, forest deptt host workshop on sustainable tourism

Handwara, Nov 27: In an effort to promote eco-tourism, Kashmir Off Road has teamed up with the J&K Forest Department Langate to host a workshop on sustainable tourism development in the Reshwari area of Mawar.
The workshop aims to equip local communities with the knowledge and skills needed to develop tourism models that preserve the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ali Sajid, Co-Founder of Kashmir Off Road, addressing the gathering, said, “As tourism in Kashmir grows, it is crucial to ensure that local communities benefit while protecting Mawar’s unique environment.
Mawar, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is seen as a key area for sustainable tourism. This workshop is about empowering the local community to take care of their environment while also benefiting from responsible tourism. We want to create a model where nature and tourism go hand in hand.”
Farha Zaidi, Co-Founder of Kashmir Off Road, highlighted the role of community involvement, saying, “Sustainable tourism can only work if local people are actively involved. By focusing on homestay management and community tourism, we hope to offer visitors real cultural experiences and provide new income opportunities for the locals.”
The J&K Forest Department’s support is crucial to this effort. Ihzaz Ahmad Panjwari, DFO Langate Division, said, “Mawar is one of the most biodiverse areas in Kupwara. By educating locals about eco-tourism and waste management, we are taking an important step towards protecting its natural beauty for future generations.”
Local residents like Fayaz Ahmad and Shazia Begum also expressed their excitement about the initiative, recognizing the opportunity to learn how to welcome tourists while preserving their environment and culture.
DFO Langate, speaking to Rising Kashmir, said they are making every effort to take eco-tourism to new heights. “Since eco-tourism has been initiated, we have received a good response. We have already identified some locations where work has been carried out, and in the coming time, work on other sites will be initiated soon.”