Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) inks MOU with Sikkim Forests Dept.

Gangtok: Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management department, Government of Sikkim, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an official development agency of Government of Japan . JICA has carried out a feasibility study for Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim. JICA submitted its Interim Report to the examining committee chaired by Chief Secretary of Sikkim here at Forest Secretariat Conference Hall, Deorali on Thursday. Secretaries of several departments are members of the committee. Mr. Karma Gyatso, Additional Chief Secretary was chief guest of the programme. The Japanese team was headed by Dr. Toshifumi Serizawa included members Dr. Pralad and Mr. B Yonzon, Biodiversity Conservation experts of JICA study team, Lionel Becheral, Ecotourism and Marketing expert. The study team made a presentation on the Project. The team’s report is mainly focused on ecotourism policy, ecotourism marketing, improvisation of ecotourism operations in the state and village tourism. The team will submit Draft Final Report in October 2009.