Shillong, June 5: Meghalaya has brought nearly one lakh hectares of forests and natural landscapes under active protection and monitoring through afforestation programmes and its Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative, officials announced on World Environment Day.

The announcement came as Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated eco-tourism infrastructure at Mawrah in East Khasi Hills, including eco-cottages and a glasshouse restaurant, while also distributing incentives under the state’s PES programme that rewards communities for environmental stewardship.

Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D. said Meghalaya had carried out afforestation across nearly 25,000 hectares over the last five years and plans to add another 14,000 hectares this year.

“Through a combination of afforestation programmes and the Payment for Ecosystem Services initiative, we have successfully brought one lakh hectares under active protection and monitoring,” he said.

Addressing the World Environment Day programme at Mawrah, Sangma described the village as a model of how conservation and economic development can work together. He said the area, once affected by water scarcity and environmental degradation, has been transformed through spring rejuvenation, vegetation restoration and water conservation efforts.

The chief minister also inaugurated newly developed tourism facilities at Mawrah Lake and said the project demonstrates how environmental conservation can generate livelihoods through community-based tourism.

Tourism is not just about infrastructure. Tourism is not merely about a restaurant or a cottage. Tourism is about experience,” he said, adding that the success of the destination would ultimately depend on the hospitality, warmth, and participation of local residents.

Drawing a parallel with healthcare services, he remarked that buildings alone do not create meaningful experiences. The Chief Minister urged local communities to work collectively towards creating a welcoming environment for visitors and stressed the importance of skill development and hospitality training. He also called for greater participation of local artists, musicians, and youth in showcasing Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, folklore, fashion, and other cultural expressions.

Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed said future tourism destinations would increasingly be judged by their ability to conserve natural resources and local culture, adding that Meghalaya was positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

The programme, organised by the Tourism Department and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency under the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future”, also included a plantation drive using the Miyawaki method and the distribution of PES benefits to local communities.

Also Read: Meghalaya pushes community-led conservation, balances growth with green goals

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