Locations
As dawn breaks over the eastern Himalayas, the first light illuminates Mount Khangchendzonga, India's highest peak at 8,586 meters. This majestic mountain stands sentinel over the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses approximately 25% of Sikkim's land area. The park's 178,400 hectares are a sanctuary for a rich tapestry of biodiversity, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, and over half of India's bird species and a third of India’s flowering plants.
However, the serenity of KNP faces mounting challenges. Tourism, a vital economic driver for local communities, has seen a significant surge. Over the past decade, Sikkim has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, with figures rising from 576,749 in 2013 to over 1.5 million in 2023.
This upward trend in tourism suggests increased footfall in the national park, a critical biosphere reserve home to ancient forests, endemic, rare, threatened plant, and animal species. This influx, especially during cultural events and festival like the Pang Lhabsol Festival — a tribute to the sacred peak itself — has led to environmental concerns. The growing number of trekkers and tourists leaves a visible impact with waste, plastic, and other pollutants threatening its environment. Waste management has become a pressing issue, with plastic and other pollutants threatening the park's delicate ecosystem
In response, the SECURE Himalaya project—a collaboration between India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Global Environment Facility, UNDP, and the Sikkim Forest Department—has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices. Partnering with the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC), the initiative emphasizes responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
A cornerstone of this effort is the adoption of zero-waste principles. Trekkers are required to declare all items upon entry, ensuring that waste is accounted for and carried back. Dedicated checkpoints and vigilant park officials reinforce this mandate, with waste subsequently processed at resource recovery centres. Innovatively, certain materials are repurposed into handicrafts, fostering a circular economy.
“Through our partnership with UNDP, we strengthened solid waste management at the park, transforming waste into resources while also empowering local communities. By integrating zero waste principles, we set a precedent for sustainable tourism and conservation, demonstrating that no waste should go to waste."Tshering Uden Bhutia , President, Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC), Sikkim.
Community engagement remains pivotal. Local organizations, such as BAMOS-NCS, have trained youth as nature guides and environmental educators, offering sustainable livelihoods while deepening their bond with the land. Tour operators, homestay owners, and taxi drivers also play a crucial role in sustainable tourism. By providing them with training on waste management and conservation, they become key advocates for responsible travel — influencing tourists through every little interaction along the way. Women, in particular, have emerged as linchpins in this movement, managing homestays, leading treks, and championing zero-waste initiatives.
On Global Tourism Resilience Day, Khangchendzonga National Park stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modern conservation efforts. The collective endeavours of local communities, supported by national and international partnerships, ensure that the sacred peaks of Khangchendzonga continue to inspire awe for generations to come.