Maksam Tayeng

MECHUKHA/SHI-YOMI, Jul 23: In an attempt to promote eco-tourism and conserve the rich biodiversity in the high-altitude region of Arunachal Pradesh, the First-Ever High-Altitude Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet was organised from July 19-20 at Mechuka under Shi-Yomi district by the Department of Tourism.
A total of 72 participants took part comprising of students from Mechuka town schools, researchers, Ph. D Scholars, Nature enthusiasts from different corners of the country such as West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, NERIST, Tezpur University, Mizoram University, Digboi college and ATREE took part in the event along with local community members.
The two-day event witnessed various activities such as butterfly walks, biodiversity trails, aqua therapy sessions, and nature games which were designed to actively engage and broaden the understanding to deepen the connection with the natural world through interactive sessions. To recognize and encourage young talent, awards were presented to students for categories such as Best Speaker and Best Presenter, aimed to boost their morale and for continued engagement in environmental learning and public communication.
The final day of the event was hosted at the NCDS (Nai-Nang Community Development Society) community hall. Lt. Col. of the Sikh regiment was invited as the Chief Guest along with 2IC of the Sikh Regiment as Guest of Honour and Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Mechuka as Special Guest. They further encouraged local communities to take proactive ownership of future biodiversity initiatives, thereby ensuring their continuity, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. Their involvement signalled a progressive step toward integrating conservation with sustainable livelihoods — a model that can transform Mechuka into a living laboratory for biodiversity studies, while simultaneously uplifting its socio-economic landscape through responsible tourism. This first-of-its-kind event has not only brought scientific attention to Mechuka’s high-altitude biodiversity but has also ignited a sense of pride and curiosity among the local people. It has opened doors to new opportunities in research, eco-tourism, citizen science, and community-led conservation.
The two-day event witnessed a record of 107 butterfly species, an extraordinary outcome for a maiden event of this kind. The major highlight of the event was two new butterfly species recorded for the first time from India. viz Metok Green Sapphire (Heliophorus gloria);H. Huang, 1999 and Medog Tufted Ace (Sebastonyma medoensis) C.L. Lee, 1979, earlier known from Hanmi, Metok, SE Tibet.  
It is also to note that on 31st May this year, during a routine high-altitude butterfly survey, an elusive rare species ‘Chinese Rose Windmill’ was recorded for the first time in the country from Mechuka which was the first record in India. The sightings of these rare and elusive butterflies underscore the biological richness of the region & boosting the butterfly tourism possibilities. This meet has been a scientific milestone for the first time that has redefined our understanding of lepidopteran diversity in the Himalayan region. This finding highlights the need to promote butterfly tourism and conservation awareness for Page 2.. 
....1st-ever high altitude Mechuka Butterfly
the winged wonders of Mechuka valley. The local administration, including the Tourism Information Officer of Mechuka, provided logistical support, facilitated community mobilization, and demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting eco-tourism in the region in upcoming days, informed Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a Lepidopterist, who is currently working on a community conservancy programme here in Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List