Dzukou Valley, Doyang Valley, and Mount Saramati, three of Nagaland’s most ecologically significant landscapes, were identified in 2016 as potential candidates for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage or biosphere reserve list. A visiting UNESCO team reportedly assessed the feasibility of including these sites in the international body’s list, raising hopes for global recognition.
In 2016, the team was led by Ram Boojh, program specialist (natural sciences), UNESCO New Delhi, who visited the state for four days. According to media reports, presentations were made at the Chief Secretary’s conference hall, and stakeholders’ consultations were held with local communities, forest officials, and representatives from the Southern Angami Public Organisation and villages in Dzukou Valley.
The Dzukou Valley, known for its rolling green hills, seasonal flowers, and pristine streams, was highlighted as a site of exceptional natural beauty and high-altitude biodiversity.
The Doyang Valley, home to thousands of Amur falcons that arrive every October to roost, was described as a significant habitat for in-situ conservation of species with outstanding universal value. Mount Saramati was included for its ecological and conservation importance.
At the time, Nicky Kire, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, told The Telegraph: “Inclusion of these unique landscapes, which are being conserved by the local communities, to the UNESCO list would put these sites on the global map and bring laurels to the society.”
The 2016 visit included site inspections, community meetings, and presentations, with the UNESCO team seeking to understand both the natural wealth and socio-cultural diversity of the proposed landscapes. The minister had urged that all efforts be made to secure UNESCO recognition so that local communities could benefit directly and indirectly.
Nearly a decade after the initial UNESCO assessment in 2016, there has been little public information on the current status of the proposals. The reasons for the delay remain unclear.
