First English–Apatani Bird Pocket Guide of Ziro Valley Unveiled on 40th Statehood Day

 

Ziro, February 21, 2026
Marking the 40th Statehood Day celebrations, the Hapoli Forest Division, in collaboration with the Birding Club, Ziro, released the region’s first bilingual English–Apatani pocket guide documenting 119 bird species found in Ziro Valley.

The guide was unveiled by MLA Hage Apa, representing the 17th Ziro-Hapoli Assembly Constituency, during the Statehood Day celebrations held at the District Secretariat. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, ZPC Hibu Dumi, former minister Tage Taki, Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Taker, heads of departments, ZPMs, and members of the public.

Published by the Hapoli Forest Division under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club, Ngunu Ziro, and Ziro Bird Walk, the pocket guide represents the second major effort to document the valley’s avifauna. It follows the 2022 coffee table book Birds of Ziro, which first showcased the rich bird diversity of the valley.

The pocket guide aims to promote wildlife conservation awareness while supporting the preservation of the Apatani language. Officials stated that the publication is designed as a compact and accessible resource for bird enthusiasts, students, and local communities, encouraging responsible nature appreciation through education and community participation.

Former Japanese Minister Dr. Kiyohiko Toyama Visits Apatani Valley with Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng

 

Ziro, February 18, 2026: 

MLA Oken Tayeng of the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency accompanied a Japanese delegation to the scenic Apatani Valley, highlighting cultural ties and sustainable living practices. The visiting team included Dr. Kiyohiko Toyama, former Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and former State Minister of Finance, Shri Bhattachan Sub Narsingh, CEO of Silverpeak Global, Nagasaki, and Shri Isaku Mori, Japan & Korea Manager at SPJ Japan.

During the visit, the delegation explored the Apatani Cultural Landscape, which is tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley drew appreciation for its unique balance of nature, traditional culture, and community-based sustainability, which the visitors noted shares similarities with Japanese cultural values.

Delegates visiting the bamboo grove. (Photo Oken Tayeng)

The team was hosted by Shri Habung Lampung, APCS, Joint Secretary to the HCM, and his family. The visit featured local tours, traditional dance performances, interaction with a Nyibu (shaman), and authentic Apatani cuisine, offering the delegation a close look at the region’s heritage and way of life.

Homestay Convention 2026 Concludes at Mechukha

 

Mechukha, February 17, 2026:

The Homestay Convention 2026 concluded at Mechukha Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, with the valedictory programme attended by Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, dignitaries, homestay owners, and tourism stakeholders from across the state.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the three-day convention brought together homestay entrepreneurs, tour operators, government officials, and domain experts to discuss the future of sustainable community-based tourism. The event celebrated Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and the growing role of homestays in promoting responsible travel while strengthening local livelihoods.

The convention featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions, business-to-business interactions, and presentations highlighting successful homestay models. Cultural exchanges reflecting the state’s diverse traditions added vibrancy to the programme.

Speakers emphasised strategies to enhance visitor experiences, promote local entrepreneurship, and position Arunachal Pradesh’s expanding homestay ecosystem within the global hospitality landscape. The valedictory programme marked the culmination of discussions aimed at advancing sustainable tourism through community participation.