BLF from Nagaland ranked 2nd in Global Responsible Tourism Awards

London, November 4 (MExN): The Better Life Foundation (BLF), a Nagaland-based organisation, has secured the second position in the ‘Peace, Understanding & Inclusivity’ category at the ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025. The global awards ceremony, sponsored by Sabre, was held in London, United Kingdom, on November 3, stated an update received here. 

This international recognition follows BLF’s recent win of the Indian Subcontinent GOLD Award for Responsible Tourism in the same category. That award was presented by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) and Incredible India at a ceremony held at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention Centre - IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi on September 13, 2025. Sethrichem Sangtam, Founder-Director of BLF, had received the honour.

Sangtam, a social entrepreneur from Eastern Nagaland and recipient of the first Rohini Nayyar Prize in 2022, represented the organisation at both events. Winning the sub-continental gold had qualified BLF to represent the Indian Subcontinent at the global level.

At the London awards, BLF was among 30 organisations from across the world, including community-based tourism initiatives, cultural centres, conservation projects, and sustainable travel enterprises, recognised for their innovative contributions to responsible tourism.

The foundation’s peacebuilding-led and culture-centred tourism model was commended for its transformative impact. BLF’s work focuses on building trust and reconciliation through regenerative farming, later integrating tourism initiatives where former insurgents are trained as local guides, turning fear into shared pride and livelihood.

Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel and founder of ICRT global, said, “Everyone being recognised in this year’s Global Responsible Tourism Awards is doing something remarkable that others can learn from. These are exceptional examples of innovation and creative solutions that the judges hope will inspire and motivate others.”

The Global Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate initiatives from across continents that demonstrate leadership in sustainability, community engagement, inclusivity, and positive transformation through tourism. Each of the 30 global finalists had previously won gold in their respective regional rounds across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

Speaking on the global recognition, Sethrichem Sangtam said, “This award is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of the indigenous people of Eastern Nagaland. It affirms that peace, when built on mutual trust, shared heritage, and inclusive growth, can transform even the most fragile landscapes into models of hope and harmony.”