Assessing the Feasibility of Ecotourism: A Perspective on Doyang Reservoir, Nagaland, India
Abstract
Background: Ecotourism can contribute to sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection, even as environmental degradation and habitat loss persist under population pressure and resource overexploitation. This study aims to assess the ecological, social, and cultural feasibility of river-based ecotourism as a development strategy at the Doyang Reservoir site in the Wokha district, Nagaland. Methods: Using snowball sampling techniques, interviews, questionnaires, and field visits, the research estimates the ecotourism potential of activities such as bird watching, trekking, fishing, and cultural exchanges. Results: These activities have the potential to provide alternative livelihood options, especially for marginalized groups, reduce pressure on fish stocks, and promote conservation. However, there are still hurdles: environmental risks, lack of infrastructure, lack of awareness, and social conflicts. Conclusion: It highlights the need for local capacity building and the establishment of responsible tourism rules to enable communities to manage conservation and ensure fair administration. The results are designed to help policymakers, tourism providers, and local people promote sustainable ecotourism.
Keywords:
Biodiversity Conservation, Community Empowerment, Doyang Reservoir, River-Based Ecotourism, Sustainable Development
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References
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Borah, B. C. (2021). Impact of climate change-induced challenges on fisheries in the North Eastern Region of India and the way ahead. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 24(3), 94-102. https://doi.org/10.14321/aehm.024.03.11
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Buckley, R. (2011). Tourism and environment. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 36, 397–416. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-041210-132637
Buckley, R. (2012). Sustainable tourism: Research and reality. Annals of Tourism Research, 39(2), 528-546.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2012.02.003
Das, M., & Chatterjee, B. (2015). Ecotourism and empowerment: A case analysis of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, Odisha, India. IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 4(2), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975215613175
Dutta, I., Bordoloi, S., Borah, A., Puzari, P., &Prameshwori, T. (2025). Avian migration meets ecotourism: A model for sustainable tourism in Amur Falcon stopover sites. Journal of Applied Bioanalysis, 11(3), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.53555/jab.v11i3.255
Ezung, S., Kechu, M., & Pankaj, P. P. (2022). First record of Garra birostrisNebeshwar& Vishwanath, 2013 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Doyang and Dikhu rivers of Brahmaputra drainage, Nagaland, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 14(7), 21453-21457. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7075.14.7.21453-21457
Ezung, T. Z. (2011). Rural tourism in Nagaland, India: Exploring the potential. International Journal of Rural Management, 7(1-2), 133-147.https://doi.org/10.1177/0973005212459833
Goswami, U. C., Basistha, S. K., Bora, D., Shyamkumar, K., Saikia, B., &Changsan, K. (2012). Fish diversity of North East India, inclusive of the Himalayan and Indo Burma biodiversity hotspots zones: A checklist on their taxonomic status, economic importance, geographical distribution, present status and prevailing threats. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 4(15), 592-613. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJBC11.228
Hanai, F. Y., & Espindola, E. L. G. (2011). Programa de sensibilizaçãosustentável do turismo: umaproposta para envolvimento e participação de comunidades locais, Revista Turismo emAnálise. [Sustainable Tourism Awareness Program: A proposal for the involvement and participation of local communities. Journal Tourism in Analysis], 22(1), 4-24. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1984-4867.v22i1p4-24
Kechu, M., & Pankaj, P. P. (2023). Traditional fishing methods practiced by Ao and Sumi tribes in Dikhu River of Nagaland, India. Journal of Fisheries, 11(2), 112202-112202. https://doi.org/10.17017/j.fish.458
Kikon, A. (2021). Doyang’s vast tourism potential remains untapped. Eastern Mirror Nagaland. https://easternmirrornagaland.com/doyangs-vast-tourism-potential-remains-untapped/
Kinny, A., &Lanusosang, T. (2016). Exploring the Potentials for Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Development in Nagaland, India. International Journal of Applied Research, 2(9), 156-160. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/2016/vol2issue9/PartC/2-8-109-988.pdf
Kulshrestha, S., Sharda, S., Vijayvargiya, L., Solanki, A. S., & Shukla, S. (2025). Integrating Value Education in Sustainable Tourism: Shaping Responsible Travellers and Ethical Tourism Practices. Advances in Consumer Research, 2(2), 308-316. https://acr-journal.com/article/integrating-value-education-in-sustainable-tourism-shaping-responsible-travellers-and-ethical-tourism-practices-942/
Kumar, J. S., & Shobana, D. (2023). Impact of government schemes on tribal development in Nagaland. Shanlax International Journal of Economics, 11(3), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.34293/economics.v11i3.6184
Kumar, J. S., & Shobana, D. (2025). Eco-tourism and sustainable rural development in Nagaland: A pathway to community empowerment and biodiversity conservation. In Eco-tourism and sustainable development in India: Trends, opportunities and challenges (pp. 112–125). https://www.academia.edu/130075511/Eco_Tourism_and_Sustainable_Rural_Development_in_Nagaland_A_Pathway_to_Community_Empowerment
Lalrinawma, M., & Ramasamy, R. (2025). Promotion of special interest tourism (SIT) as a strategic option for responsible tourism development in the Northeastern States of India. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.46591
Lkr, A., Singh, M. R., & Puro, N. (2020). Assessment of water quality status of Doyang river, Nagaland, India, using water quality index. Applied Water Science, 10(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1133-3
Luc, M. H., Nguyen, Q. V., Pham, T. V., Le, T. H. H., Tran, T. G., & Nguyen, T. H. L. (2026). How Community-Based Tourism Supports Sustainable Livelihoods: The Mediating Roles of Community Participation and Tourism-Related Employment. Tourism and Hospitality, 7(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020037
Odyuo, N. S., & Nagesh, T. S. (2012). Fisheries and management status of Doyang Reservoir, Nagaland, north-east India. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 59(2), 1-6. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20123325889
Okazaki, E. (2008). A community-based tourism model: Its conception and use. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16(5), 511-529. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802159594
Ovung, E. Y., Kithan, L. M., Brearley, F. Q., & Tripathi, S. K. (2022). Indigenous community fishing practices in Nagaland, eastern Indian Himalayas. Sustainability, 14(12), 7049. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127049
Pathmanandakumar, V. (2017). Ecotourism as a Strategy for Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17026
Phillips, B. F., & Pérez-Ramírez, M. (2017). Climate change impacts on fisheries and aquaculture: A global analysis. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119154051
Pongen, R., & Pankaj, P. P. (2026). Ichthyofaunal diversity and conservation status of Nagaland, India: a comprehensive review. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 18(5), 28957. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9531.18.5.28957-28970
Prasetyo, N., Carr, A., & Filep, S. (2020). Indigenous knowledge in marine ecotourism development: The case of Sasi Laut, Misool, Indonesia. Tourism Planning & Development, 17(1), 46-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2019.1604424
Pujar, S. C., & Mishra, N. (2021). Ecotourism industry in India: A review of current practices and prospects. Anatolia, 32(2), 289–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1861040
Rulu, M., & Rahul, R. (2022). A Changing Pattern of Livelihood of Tribes: A Case Study of Nagaland. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI), 11, 31-43. https://doi.org/10.35629/7722-11103143
Samal, R., & Dash, M. (2023). Ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods: Understanding the convergence and divergence. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 11(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.11.001
Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00069-7
Sethi, P. (2018). Nagaland uninterrupted. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). https://www.teriin.org/blog/nagaland-uninterrupted
Tosun, C. (2000). Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tourism Management, 21(6), 613-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(00)00009-1
Verma, R. (2024). Ecotourism in Northeast India: An approach for sustainable development. International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration, 4(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.51483/IJTH.4.2.2024.1-7
World Tourism Organization (2020). UNWTO recommendations on tourism and rural development: A guide to making tourism an effective tool for rural development. UNWTO.https://doi.org/10.18111/9789284422173
Xing, W. (2024). Sustainable tourism: Pathways to environmental preservation, economic growth, and social equity. Applied and Computational Engineering, 66(1), 166–171. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/66/20240943
Alinger, E. (2024). Emergence of water as a commodity in Nagaland the Kohima narrative. International Journal of Humanities, Social Science and Management, 4(4), 1159–1165. https://ijhssm.org/issue_dcp/Emergence%20of%20Water%20as%20a%20Commodity%20in%20Nagaland%20The%20Kohima%20Narrative.pdf
Ambusaidi, A., Al-Dayri, H., & Al-Sumari, M. (2024). The effect of sustainable environmental tourism training on the development of eighth-grade Omani students’ attitudes towards the environment and their inclination to engage in entrepreneurship in environmental tourism projects. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2400745. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2400745
Ariijii, S., Yhokha, V., &Ezung, S. (2025). Ecotourism for sustainable development in Nagaland: Prospects and challenges. International Journal of Current Research, 17(8), 34360–34368. https://journalcra.com/sites/default/files/issue-pdf/49429.pdf
Ashok, S., Tewari, H. R., Behera, M. D., & Majumdar, A. (2017). Development of ecotourism sustainability assessment framework employing Delphi, C&I and participatory methods: A case study of KBR, West Sikkim, India. Tourism Management Perspectives, 21, 24–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.10.005
Borah, A. (2019). Eco-tourism in Northeast India: A sustainable development perspective. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 9(12), 7–18. https://www.ijmra.us/project%20doc/2019/IJRSS_DECEMBER2019/IJRSSDec19_AB.pdf
Borah, B. C. (2021). Impact of climate change-induced challenges on fisheries in the North Eastern Region of India and the way ahead. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 24(3), 94-102. https://doi.org/10.14321/aehm.024.03.11
Bramwell, B., & Lane, B. (2011). Critical research on the governance of tourism and sustainability. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(4-5), 411-421.https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2011.580586
Buckley, R. (2004). Environmental impacts of ecotourism. CABI Publishing, UK. https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851998107.0000
Buckley, R. (2011). Tourism and environment. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 36, 397–416. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-041210-132637
Buckley, R. (2012). Sustainable tourism: Research and reality. Annals of Tourism Research, 39(2), 528-546.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2012.02.003
Das, M., & Chatterjee, B. (2015). Ecotourism and empowerment: A case analysis of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, Odisha, India. IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 4(2), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975215613175
Dutta, I., Bordoloi, S., Borah, A., Puzari, P., &Prameshwori, T. (2025). Avian migration meets ecotourism: A model for sustainable tourism in Amur Falcon stopover sites. Journal of Applied Bioanalysis, 11(3), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.53555/jab.v11i3.255
Ezung, S., Kechu, M., & Pankaj, P. P. (2022). First record of Garra birostrisNebeshwar& Vishwanath, 2013 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Doyang and Dikhu rivers of Brahmaputra drainage, Nagaland, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 14(7), 21453-21457. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7075.14.7.21453-21457
Ezung, T. Z. (2011). Rural tourism in Nagaland, India: Exploring the potential. International Journal of Rural Management, 7(1-2), 133-147.https://doi.org/10.1177/0973005212459833
Goswami, U. C., Basistha, S. K., Bora, D., Shyamkumar, K., Saikia, B., &Changsan, K. (2012). Fish diversity of North East India, inclusive of the Himalayan and Indo Burma biodiversity hotspots zones: A checklist on their taxonomic status, economic importance, geographical distribution, present status and prevailing threats. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 4(15), 592-613. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJBC11.228
Hanai, F. Y., & Espindola, E. L. G. (2011). Programa de sensibilizaçãosustentável do turismo: umaproposta para envolvimento e participação de comunidades locais, Revista Turismo emAnálise. [Sustainable Tourism Awareness Program: A proposal for the involvement and participation of local communities. Journal Tourism in Analysis], 22(1), 4-24. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1984-4867.v22i1p4-24
Kechu, M., & Pankaj, P. P. (2023). Traditional fishing methods practiced by Ao and Sumi tribes in Dikhu River of Nagaland, India. Journal of Fisheries, 11(2), 112202-112202. https://doi.org/10.17017/j.fish.458
Kikon, A. (2021). Doyang’s vast tourism potential remains untapped. Eastern Mirror Nagaland. https://easternmirrornagaland.com/doyangs-vast-tourism-potential-remains-untapped/
Kinny, A., &Lanusosang, T. (2016). Exploring the Potentials for Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Development in Nagaland, India. International Journal of Applied Research, 2(9), 156-160. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/2016/vol2issue9/PartC/2-8-109-988.pdf
Kulshrestha, S., Sharda, S., Vijayvargiya, L., Solanki, A. S., & Shukla, S. (2025). Integrating Value Education in Sustainable Tourism: Shaping Responsible Travellers and Ethical Tourism Practices. Advances in Consumer Research, 2(2), 308-316. https://acr-journal.com/article/integrating-value-education-in-sustainable-tourism-shaping-responsible-travellers-and-ethical-tourism-practices-942/
Kumar, J. S., & Shobana, D. (2023). Impact of government schemes on tribal development in Nagaland. Shanlax International Journal of Economics, 11(3), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.34293/economics.v11i3.6184
Kumar, J. S., & Shobana, D. (2025). Eco-tourism and sustainable rural development in Nagaland: A pathway to community empowerment and biodiversity conservation. In Eco-tourism and sustainable development in India: Trends, opportunities and challenges (pp. 112–125). https://www.academia.edu/130075511/Eco_Tourism_and_Sustainable_Rural_Development_in_Nagaland_A_Pathway_to_Community_Empowerment
Lalrinawma, M., & Ramasamy, R. (2025). Promotion of special interest tourism (SIT) as a strategic option for responsible tourism development in the Northeastern States of India. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.46591
Lkr, A., Singh, M. R., & Puro, N. (2020). Assessment of water quality status of Doyang river, Nagaland, India, using water quality index. Applied Water Science, 10(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1133-3
Luc, M. H., Nguyen, Q. V., Pham, T. V., Le, T. H. H., Tran, T. G., & Nguyen, T. H. L. (2026). How Community-Based Tourism Supports Sustainable Livelihoods: The Mediating Roles of Community Participation and Tourism-Related Employment. Tourism and Hospitality, 7(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020037
Odyuo, N. S., & Nagesh, T. S. (2012). Fisheries and management status of Doyang Reservoir, Nagaland, north-east India. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 59(2), 1-6. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20123325889
Okazaki, E. (2008). A community-based tourism model: Its conception and use. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16(5), 511-529. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802159594
Ovung, E. Y., Kithan, L. M., Brearley, F. Q., & Tripathi, S. K. (2022). Indigenous community fishing practices in Nagaland, eastern Indian Himalayas. Sustainability, 14(12), 7049. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127049
Pathmanandakumar, V. (2017). Ecotourism as a Strategy for Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17026
Phillips, B. F., & Pérez-Ramírez, M. (2017). Climate change impacts on fisheries and aquaculture: A global analysis. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119154051
Pongen, R., & Pankaj, P. P. (2026). Ichthyofaunal diversity and conservation status of Nagaland, India: a comprehensive review. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 18(5), 28957. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9531.18.5.28957-28970
Prasetyo, N., Carr, A., & Filep, S. (2020). Indigenous knowledge in marine ecotourism development: The case of Sasi Laut, Misool, Indonesia. Tourism Planning & Development, 17(1), 46-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2019.1604424
Pujar, S. C., & Mishra, N. (2021). Ecotourism industry in India: A review of current practices and prospects. Anatolia, 32(2), 289–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1861040
Rulu, M., & Rahul, R. (2022). A Changing Pattern of Livelihood of Tribes: A Case Study of Nagaland. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI), 11, 31-43. https://doi.org/10.35629/7722-11103143
Samal, R., & Dash, M. (2023). Ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods: Understanding the convergence and divergence. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 11(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.11.001
Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00069-7
Sethi, P. (2018). Nagaland uninterrupted. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). https://www.teriin.org/blog/nagaland-uninterrupted
Tosun, C. (2000). Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tourism Management, 21(6), 613-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(00)00009-1
Verma, R. (2024). Ecotourism in Northeast India: An approach for sustainable development. International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration, 4(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.51483/IJTH.4.2.2024.1-7
World Tourism Organization (2020). UNWTO recommendations on tourism and rural development: A guide to making tourism an effective tool for rural development. UNWTO.https://doi.org/10.18111/9789284422173
Xing, W. (2024). Sustainable tourism: Pathways to environmental preservation, economic growth, and social equity. Applied and Computational Engineering, 66(1), 166–171. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/66/20240943
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Phukan, M., Ovung, E., Lavina, Z., Jamir, I., Deori, S. and Pankaj, P. (2026) “Assessing the Feasibility of Ecotourism: A Perspective on Doyang Reservoir, Nagaland, India”, International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research, 9(4), pp. 107-122. doi: https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i04.007.
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