Pakyong, May 22 (IPR): Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) and the World Bank, along with officials from various line departments, convened a field visit at various places of Rongli and Rhenock today to explore ecotourism opportunities under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative. Organised by the Forest and Environment Department, the visit aimed to foster dialogue on sustainable development strategies that align with the broader goals of Sikkim INSPIRES, a five-year initiative supported by the World Bank to empower women and youth in non-farm sectors. The delegates undertook several field visits, beginning with Chandaney village, where they assessed the village entry point. The team then proceeded to Mangkhim viewpoint, where they surveyed the proposed trekking trail and reviewed the village profile. Subsequently, the delegation visited Lampokhari Lake, the proposed site for a fish gallery to be developed under a subsidy programme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). They evaluated the potential to align and converge the project with the objectives of the Sikkim INSPIRES programme. During the visit, Additional Secretary cum Nodal Officer Sikkim INSPIRES, Planning and Development Department, Ms Rohini Pradhan, briefed on Sikkim INSPIRES, a five-year initiative of the Government of Sikkim supported by the World Bank. She highlighted its role in empowering women and youth across non-farm sectors. Ms Pradhan informed that a trekking trail is being planned for the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and requested the concerned agencies to submit a list of potential priority training needs related to ecotourism and improved livelihoods for the local population under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative. She also suggested possible areas of training and outlined the criteria to be considered while proposing them under the initiative. Similarly, DFO Wildlife, Ms Sonam Norden Bhutia, informed that an ecotourism project is being draughted for the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. She highlighted that the meeting was aimed at gathering inputs and urged the agencies to provide feedback and suggestions to help shape the project effectively. Earlier, representatives from various agencies shared ideas for enhancing livelihoods through projects focused on food processing, local cuisine, tourism, marketing, and farming. The session also included an open discussion during which attendees shared suggestions and officers provided guidance. The meeting had the presence of panchayat members, Dalapchand GPU; Deputy Project Director, Sikkim INSPIRES; Joint Director, Tourism Department; Joint Director, Ecotourism Forest Department; Assistant Director, Fisheries Department; Consultant, World Bank; Consultant, Sikkim INSPIRES; SHG members; representatives from various associations and NGOs; and general public.