A Potential Synergy between Heritage Tourism and Sustainable Dev. Targets

About the Speaker: Dr. Alino Sumi earned her PhD from the Martin Luther Christian University, Meghalaya in 2020. She also has certifications in Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster and Environmental Protection and Sustainability from Harvard University and Ben Gurion University of the Negev respectively. Her areas of research interest include indigenous ecological knowledge, tribal studies, gender and environment, natural resource management and environmental and social impact assessment.

Abstract: Graves and burial sites are emblematic reminders of ancestral history; and the Naga ancestors’ share of legacy for what holds sacred to them in preparation for their life’s final journey will be studied through engagement of collective memory as one of the markers for revitalization of cultural identity. It is also considered that the engagement of ecomuseums with the community will help them identify, conserve and celebrate their heritage. It is worth noting that burial sites to foster sustainable development in Nagaland is an untouched sphere and this study is also an attempt to address how the repatriation of Naga patrimonial objects from museums and institutions around the world will bring back respect, dignity and identity of the Nagas while ensuring long-term sustainability, improved-livelihood, local control and renewed interest of their heritage.