Shillong, July 26: Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India in collaboration with Government of Mizoram launched a Sustainable Eco-Tourism program through Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival Initiative at Aizawl in Mizoram.
The program, which is the brainchild of Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director of IBSD, was launched by Shri Lal Thanhawla, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Planning, Shri Lalsawta and Hon’ble Vice-Chairman of Mizoram State Planning Board, Shri H. Liansailova. The ceremony was launched at the New Secretariat Complex, which was also attended by Principal Secretary (Home and Personnel) Smt Renu Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Shri Lalram Thanga and other Senior Govt Officers and members of Civil Society.
While introducing the concept of Cherry Blossom, Prof. Sahoo said that Japan has a long tradition of Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Festival), which attracts millions of tourists from across the world. Although Cherries are native to the Himalayas, other countries like USA, Holland, Brazil, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia etc have adapted the concept and created Cherry Avenues in the respective country, which attracts tourists from across the world.
Prof Sahoo further said that since United Nations has declared the Year 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the launching of this program at Mizoram will not only put Mizoram in the global map for taking this initiative but will also attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists in the future. So far, IBSD has implemented the Concept of Cherry Blossom Festival for Sustainable Tourism in Meghalaya , which was launched by Dr Mukul Sangma , Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Manipur, by Shri Okram Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, and in Delhi, by the GIFU Cherry Blossom Association Japan.
Shri Lal Thanhawla, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram while launching the program thanked IBSD for taking this important initiative for the first time in Mizoram, which will not only create a number of new jobs for the people but also improve the economy of the State. He further said IBSD can play a significant role in management and sustainable utilization of the State Bioresources and promised to provide all necessary help in this regard.
Then the Hon’ble Chief Minister planted the first Cherry Blossom sapling followed by other dignitaries. He further unveiled a plaque at the site to mark the historic occasion. While thanking the Chief Minister and the State Government, Prof Sahoo requested the Chief Minister to mark the site as a Bioresources Theme Park so that people from across the world can get benefit of the rich bioresources of the State.
