Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) in association with PUM Netherlands, organised a workshop on “Sustainable and Responsible Ecotourism Development: Strengths, Aesthetics & Weaknesses in the Indian Sundarban Context” on 29 September 2026 at Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkata.
Bringing together diverse perspectives, the workshop was graced by Shri Dipankar Jana, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Sundarban Affairs, Government of West Bengal, who highlighted the importance of responsible and sustainable approaches to tourism that safeguard the ecological and community interests of the Sundarban. Dignitaries present were Mr. Herman Sieben, Expert, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreational Services, PUM, Netherlands and former Interim Director of the National Park of Bonaire, Netherlands; Shri Namit Shah, Consul General of the Netherlands, Smt. Mukta Arya, IAS, Secretary of the Sundarban Affairs Department, Govt. of West Bengal; Shri Nisith Vaskar Pal, WBCS (Exe.), Private Secretary to the Minister of State, Department of Sundarban Affairs; Ar. Saheli Ghosh, Creative Director, AU Collaborative; Shri Anil Mistry, Director, Hetalbon Eco Resort; Shri Tamanud Mitra, Director, Goingwild LLP; and Shri Satyam Kumar Chakravarty, General Manager, Hotel Sonar Bangla Sundarban.
The event was further graced by Shri Milon Sinha, Director, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry, Nature Environment and Wildlife Society NEWS, and Shri Goutam Mukherjee, Director, Sustainable Agriculture, NEWS, adding valuable perspectives to the discussions on sustainable tourism, conservation and community engagement.
The deliberations explored village-based ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient infrastructure, traditional knowledge, community participation and sustainable livelihoods, highlighting the importance of balancing tourism opportunities with the ecological sensitivity of the Sundarban.
Dr. Kaushik Mallick, NEWS, presented how NEWS envisions ecotourism for the Indian Sundarban, drawing on the guidance and perspectives of Mr. Herman Sieben. Concluding the workshop, Ms. Ajanta Dey, Joint Secretary & Programme Director, NEWS, emphasised collective responsibility, collaboration and co-creation in advancing responsible ecotourism.
A shared vision emerged—protecting nature, celebrating local heritage and strengthening communities while shaping a resilient and responsible tourism future for the Indian Sundarban.