The Morung Experience Centre (MEC) at Khonoma was inaugurated on Saturday under the Forest & Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project, funded by the German Development Cooperation through KfW Development Bank, marking a significant milestone in community-led conservation and sustainable eco-tourism in the state.
Dr Florian Wieneke, Senior Portfolio Manager (Natural Resources & Climate Asia), KfW Development Bank, attended the program as the Special Guest. Speaking at the event, he lauded the project team, the Khonoma community and the Nagaland Government for their “dedicated and consistent efforts” in protecting biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Dr Wieneke recalled that the inauguration comes two years after the announcement of Khonoma’s 25 Years of Community Conservation celebrations in 2023, describing the MEC as “the culmination of a remarkable conservation journey.” He praised the villagers for over two decades of community-led conservation practices that have made Khonoma a national model.
The MEC has been developed with an estimated 22% of the total project investment contributed directly by the people of Khonoma through land, resources and labor, highlighting the village’s strong ownership of the initiative. Envisioned as a hub for biodiversity education, cultural learning and eco-tourism, the Centre aims to showcase Khonoma’s rich natural and cultural heritage to visitors from Nagaland, India and abroad.
Recognised as a flagship intervention under the Forest & Biodiversity Management Project (FBMP), the Centre represents a collaborative effort between the local community and project partners. Dr Wieneke expressed confidence that the MEC “will serve as a knowledge hub” and inspire conservation, learning and community development for years to come, while supporting eco-tourism and preserving traditional knowledge systems.
