Guwahati, July 07: The Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies Program (INSPIRES), supported by the World Bank, aims to transition the state’s economy from traditional farming to emerging sectors such as IT/ITeS, tourism (including homestays and farm stays), creative design, environmental conservation, and the care economy.
“This shift away from climate-sensitive sectors will ensure that the economy is resilient in the event of a natural calamity,” the World Bank stated.
Currently, over 60% of Sikkim’s population relies directly on agriculture. However, climate changes, such as increased temperatures and erratic rainfall, have diminished water availability for irrigation and reduced soil fertility, leading to decreased agricultural production and quality.
According to projections, by the 2050s, Sikkim’s average maximum temperature could increase by 1.8-2.6°C, and the southern part of the state might see a 25% reduction in precipitation.
The ‘Sikkim State Action Plan on Climate Change’ has recognized climate-proofing livelihoods as one of the most significant measures to manage climate change risks. It has recommended expanding Sikkim’s non-farm economy and identified MGNREGA, trade, non-farm labour, and migration as some measures already being taken to this effect.
Tourism, involving about 75% of the workforce, is also facing challenges due to climate change. High tourism density exacerbates Sikkim’s climate vulnerability, potentially jeopardizing the industry’s resilience.
Sikkim’s women are particularly affected, as almost half of the female population aged 15-59 years is employed in agriculture, compared to 20% of men. This heavy reliance on agriculture, coupled with limited economic resources and social barriers, leaves women more vulnerable to climate risks.
The INSPIRES project aims to uplift women and youth by targeting non-farm emerging sectors, enhancing the resilience of these vulnerable groups. The project also emphasizes the inclusion of women in community planning and disaster response efforts.
The project will help in promoting entrepreneurs in the eco-tourism sector, who create experiences aimed at attracting low volume high-value tourists which will reduce tourism-induced stress on the environment.
The tourism sector in Sikkim is routinely disrupted by climate adversities such as floods and landslides. To overcome this, the Program will aim to diversify tourist destinations. This will encourage tourism establishments to move away from areas known to be more vulnerable to climate change, such as South and West districts, and expand into unexplored destinations, thereby improving the sector’s overall resilience against climate risks.
The project will support entrepreneurship and skilling initiatives contributing to climate change mitigation and Sikkim’s transition to net zero.
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