Nestled in the hills of Nagaland’s Kohima district, Khonoma is more than a scenic tribal village — it is a pioneer of community-led conservation, a symbol of sustainable living, and a model of human-wildlife coexistence. In 2005, the village was formally recognised as India’s—and arguably Asia’s—first ‘Green Village’. In 2021, its conservation arm, the Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), earned the prestigious India Biodiversity Awards 2021 under the “Sustainable Use of Biological Resources” category.This post delves into Khonoma’s journey: its transformation from a hunting-village to a green model, the sanctuary’s role in protecting flora and fauna, and why this matters for conservation and eco-tourism.
Location & Landscape
Khonoma village lies in the Sechü Zubza subdivision of Kohima district in Nagaland, perched on hills and surrounded by forested slopes. The area encompasses terraced paddy fields, alder-based jhum (shifting) cultivation zones, and protected forest patches managed by the village community. In 1998, the village council demarcated about 20 km² of forest land and officially established the Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) to protect indigenous wildlife — including the endangered Blyth’s tragopan.
Why Khonoma Became the First Green Village
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Hunting Ban & Forest Protection: The Angami tribal community of Khonoma imposed a ban on hunting and logging around 1998, shifting the village’s identity from “warrior village” to conservation village.
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Government Recognition: The village’s consistent conservation efforts were officially recognised when it was awarded the Green Village Project around 2003–04 and then declared as a Green Village in 2005.
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Sustainable Practices: Khonoma combines terrace cropping, exclusion of destructive jhum, protection of wild species, and community forestry. A study counted over 250 plant species, wild fruits, vegetables and orchids in the region.
KNCTS & the Biodiversity Award
The Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was formally established on December 11, 1998. In May 2021, on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, KNCTS was awarded the India Biodiversity Awards 2021 under the “Sustainable Use of Biological Resources” category. The jury cited its community-based model, long-term forest protection, sustainable agriculture (alder-jhum system) and the sanctuary’s role in preserving endemic and vulnerable species of flora and fauna.
What to See & Do at Khonoma
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Nature Walks & Birding in KNCTS: Look for the Blyth’s tragopan (an emblematic species), endemic orchids, and rich birdlife.
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Village Stay & Tribal Culture: Stay in homestays, engage with the Angami tribal community, experience terrace farming and culture.
Eco-Tourism with Responsibility: Recognised as a green village, Khonoma emphasises low-impact tourism; follow guidelines for visitor conduct.
Best Time to Visit & Getting There
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Best Season: October to April – cool weather, clear skies, better visibility for nature walks and birding.
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How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dimapur (Nagaland) or Guwahati (Assam) plus onward road travel; Kohima is about 20 km away; from Kohima drive to Khonoma.
Accommodation: Homestays and eco-lodges offered in the village; book ahead as capacity is limited.
Why Khonoma Matters
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It demonstrates that community-led conservation can succeed: a village transitioned from hunting to habitat protection.
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It emphasises the value of indigenous knowledge and place-based stewardship of nature.
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It provides a blueprint for sustainable rural tourism where culture, nature and livelihoods align.
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It enriches India’s biodiversity conservation story by protecting not just iconic national species but lesser-known ecosystems and species.
FAQ Section
Q1. Why is Khonoma called the first Green Village?
Because the village initiated a comprehensive conservation and sustainable development programme, culminating in formal recognition in 2005 after decades of forest protection, hunting bans and community forestry.
Q2. What species does KNCTS protect?
The sanctuary protects the endangered Blyth’s tragopan, numerous endemic birds, orchids, and a wide range of flora including wild fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants.
Q3. What was the India Biodiversity Award 2021 awarded for?
KNCTS won the award in the category “Sustainable Use of Biological Resources” for its community-based conservation model, habitat protection and biodiversity stewardship.
Q4. Can tourists visit Khonoma and the sanctuary?
Yes — visitors can stay in village homestays, go for guided nature walks in the sanctuary, and experience tribal culture. However, responsible eco-tourism practices must be followed to preserve the ecosystem.
Q5. How has the village transformed over time?
From being a hunting-based economy, Khonoma shifted to agriculture, forest conservation, tourism and handicrafts. It now exemplifies how traditional systems and modern conservation can integrate.
Conclusion
Khonoma village stands as a compelling story of transformation: from a community once defined by tribal warfare and hunting to a beacon of green living, forest protection and biodiversity conservation. The recognition of the Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary with the India Biodiversity Awards 2021 is not just an accolade — it is affirmation of the village’s deep commitment to nature, culture and sustainable living.
For travellers, conservationists and policy-makers alike, Khonoma is a living laboratory of how people and nature can thrive together — quietly, persistently and respectfully.
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