New Delhi: SAGG Eco Village, a regenerative eco-village enterprise based in Kashmir, has been awarded Gold in the Sustainable Homestay category at the TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards 2025. The awards ceremony was held at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
The TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards, supported by the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, Outlook Responsible Tourism and various state tourism boards, recognise initiatives that demonstrate conservation-led and responsible tourism practices across the Indian subcontinent.
SAGG Eco Village was recognised for its approach to regenerative and community-based hospitality, combining ecological land stewardship, cultural preservation and livelihood generation. Over the past decade, the initiative has developed as a model for nature-based tourism in the region, offering farm stays, experiential learning programmes and community-led tourism activities.
In its citation, the jury noted that SAGG Eco Village is Kashmir’s first regenerative homestay, integrating ecological practices with cultural and community values. The jury highlighted its use of traditional architecture, renewable energy and zero-waste practices, as well as its focus on land restoration and rural livelihoods while offering visitors an authentic Kashmiri hospitality experience.
Founded by ecological entrepreneur and regenerative leadership coach Fayaz Ahmad Dar, SAGG Eco Village promotes low-impact construction using local materials, regenerative farming practices to improve soil health and biodiversity, and community participation involving local youth, women, artisans and farmers. The initiative also places emphasis on preserving Kashmiri traditions through local food, crafts and rural cultural experiences, while maintaining a small-scale hosting model.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar said the award recognised sustained efforts to promote regenerative tourism in the region. He said the initiative was conceived to demonstrate that tourism can contribute to environmental restoration and community empowerment alongside visitor experiences.
The awards ceremony was attended by policymakers, conservationists, tourism professionals and members of the media, with discussions focusing on the growing importance of nature-positive and community-centred tourism models.
SAGG Eco Village continues to expand its regenerative recreation, education and lifestyle programmes, with a stated focus on strengthening ecologically conscious and culturally rooted tourism practices in Kashmir.
About SAGG Eco Village
Established in 2012, SAGG Eco Village is Kashmir’s first regenerative eco-village enterprise, offering farm stays, day experiences, group retreats, natural products and regenerative learning programmes. The initiative integrates ecological practices, cultural heritage and community development.
