EKHON
Ukhrul, Manipur: ‘This award reinforces my belief that when the community takes an ownership of conservation, real and lasting change is possible’, said Dr Weyepe N Mekrisuh on Jessami Tourism and Wildlife Conservation Board winning the ‘Best Sustainable Tourism Practice’ at the recently concluded Northeast India Tourism Awards 2025 held in Guwahati, Assam. The prestigious Awards celebrated excellence, innovation, and the spirit of tourism across the region.
Dr. Weyepe N Mekrisuh, one of the founders of Jessami Tourism and Wildlife Conservation Board and architect of the Mrs Humes Pheasant Community Conserve, was also nominated as the top 5 in the category of ‘Best Cultural Heritage Conservation Effort’ award for his pioneering role. These awards and recognition are crucial for Jessami, a village that has overcome geographical isolation and governmental neglect to achieve remarkable success through community-driven initiatives.
Jessami, a border village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, shares borders with Nagaland’s Phek and Meluri. It is located about 116 kilometers from Ukhrul headquarter town.
In an exclusive interview with EKHON, Dr. Weyepe N Mekrisuh and Asset Wezah, Secretary, Jessami Village Council expressed their elation and gratitude over Jessami village’s double recognition for their efforts in sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation. As a strong advocate for sustainable tourism, Dr. Mekrisuh emphasized the significance of this acknowledgment, highlighting the community’s dedication to protecting their natural and cultural resources.
Dr. Mekrisuh said he felt humbled to receive this award, recognizing not just his effort but the Jessami community’s collective commitment to conservation. He noted, ‘It reflects our shared vision for protecting biodiversity and conserving the Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant habitat through community-led initiatives.’
While, he is certain about the potential impact this recognition will have on Jessami, Dr Mekrisuh is also mindful about the possible implication it will have. He believed that tourism fosters ‘a sense of stewardship, custodianship, and consciousness about conserving our ecosystem and natural resources’, however, he also warned of potential risks associated with large tourist influx, as seen in other destinations where environmental degradation, wildlife disturbance, and cultural erosion have occurred.
‘To mitigate these risks, Jessami has implemented a regulatary mechanism to manage tourist inflow, ensuring that our tourism industry prioritizes quality, responsibility, and sustainability. By doing so, we aim to preserve the integrity of our environment, culture, and community for future generations,’ he shared.
On future plan of action, Dr Mekrisuh hoped to create a ripple effect by engaging stakeholders, promoting collective conservation and sustainable development in the region’s rich forests, and inspiring neighboring communities to join them.
Meanwhile Asset Wezah, Secretary, Jessami Village Council also shared key factors for the success of conservation initiative in Jessami. He credited Dr. Weyepe N Mekrisuh for introducing the tourism initiative in Jessami and sharing his vision for sustainable tourism with the community. His clarity and principles were instrumental in the project’s success, he stated.
According to him, the community’s willingness to support and cooperate with the village council is another crucial factor that contributed to the success story of Jessami’s conservative initiative. Jessami’s tourism model emphasizes community-driven natural, war, and cultural experiences. The village council has established guidelines to ensure sustainability. While tourism is still in its early stages, the community is optimistic about its potential.
Wezah also mentioned the role of media in paving the way to achieving success in its conservation efforts. He made a special mention of Ekhon’s media coverage especially of the Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant Community Conserve, saying it has been instrumental in putting Jessami on the map, generating widespread interest and further attention from other media houses.
Today, Jessami village has emerged as a beacon of sustainable development, driven by community resilience and self-reliance. The village’s conservation efforts, spearheaded by Dr. Weyepe N Mekrisuh’s vision, have not only protected the endangered Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant but also helped a thriving tourism industry. By diversifying into eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, cultural tourism, and battlefield tourism, Jessami has created a unique blend of conservation and tourism.
Under this initiative, former hardcore hunters have transformed into proud conservationists and bird watchers’ guides, investing their age-old knowledge to protect the birds and their habitat. The ’39 Hours Walk’ event, which recreates the Battle of Jessami, has become a significant draw for war tourism, attracting global visitors.
Jessami’s success story is a proof to the power of community-driven development and determination. Despite lacking governmental support, the village has taken charge of its development, embracing the attitude of ‘If they can’t help us, we will help ourselves’ that has enabled it to achieve independence in various facets of life. Today, Jessami’s tourism industry operates sustainably and self-sufficiently, serving as a model for other communities to follow.
- Jenny Thingshung (Jenny.Thingshung@gmail.com)
