After decades of political unrest, environmental degradation, and economic challenges, Kashmiri changemakers like Fayaz Ahmad Dar are spearheading a movement towards regeneration and sustainability in the region. Dar founded SAGG Eco Village, an ecological entrepreneurial experiment to regenerate land and livelihoods.
“My goal was to create a space where people could reconnect with nature, experience mindful living, and discover sustainable ways to thrive,” he said. Dar was awarded the Gold in the Grassroots Heroes Category at the Outlook Indian Responsible Tourism Summit and Awards 2025 (read more about it here.)
Every tourism element at the SAGG Eco Village is designed to heal and enrich the local environment and culture. Here, guests are not passive observers but active participants in the regeneration process. They engage in organic farming, partake in traditional food workshops, and learn indigenous crafts, immersing themselves in the rhythms of Kashmiri life while contributing directly to community well-being.
“Regenerative tourism means creating experiences that heal, learn, and grow,” he said to Outlook Traveller. “I grew up in a Kashmir steeped in the deep-rooted challenges of political and economic instability and environmental degradation.”
Like many Kashmiris, Fayaz Ahmad Dar left the valley as well. In 1998, he moved to Delhi to pursue higher education and a corporate career—first studying commerce at the University of Delhi, then completing an MBA in Human Resources from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and later taking on a leadership role in administration with the United States–India Educational Foundation in New Delhi. He further deepened his understanding of peacebuilding and sustainability with a Master’s in Coexistence and Conflict Transformation from Brandeis University in the United States. Yet, every time he returned home, the unchecked development, environmental degradation, and erosion of cultural identity deeply troubled him.
In 2010, Dar established the Mool Sustainability Research and Training Centre, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young people through sustainable development. He recognised that ecological entrepreneurship was not only a means of livelihood but also a way to strengthen the bonds between people, culture, and land. “Ecological entrepreneurship offers a more effective way to secure livelihoods, build capacity, and solve problems,” he said.
Of course, the road hasn’t been easy. Political instability, limited infrastructure, and the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. The early days, however, were not without doubts. Many in the local community were sceptical—could natural methods heal parched lands and rebuild lives? Dar recounts the early days when scepticism ran deep.
“Changing mindsets was one of our greatest challenges,” he said. Initially wary of the promise of regenerative living, local communities questioned whether natural agricultural techniques could revive barren lands or create a new destination for travellers. Yet through small, tangible victories—healthier soils, improved crop yields, and the revival of traditional crafts—the seeds of trust were sown. Engaging local elders and community leaders, he nurtured a collective vision where heritage and modern practices coalesced to create sustainable livelihoods.
After gaining the trust of local communities, Dar’s vision began to spread—but then 2020 brought an unexpected pause. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted tourism across the globe, and Kashmir was no exception. However, Dar adapted quickly, shifting his focus to domestic tourism. He pivoted towards wellness retreats, which became increasingly popular as people sought nature-based escapes during lockdowns. This shift not only helped keep SAGG Eco Village afloat but also provided an opportunity to further engage with local communities through online platforms like The Village Academy, which Dar launched in 2018. While reflecting on his journey, he said, “External challenges, especially the pandemic, have taught us the importance of adaptability and resilience.”
Even as the lockdown shifted the focus to digital platforms like The Village Academy, the spirit of SAGG Eco Village endured, nurturing local food systems and community bonds.
Despite the setbacks, Dar’s work has made an undeniable impact. Inspired by his model, several ventures have taken root—initiatives that preserve artisanal skills, promote regenerative agriculture, and empower young entrepreneurs.
“Start with purpose, stay resilient, and trust the process. Build solutions that heal, not just sustain,” said Dar, sharing his message with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Today, his work continues to shape a new narrative for Kashmir where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life. His efforts to integrate local culture, environment, and community into tourism practices have set the stage for a future where tourism can be profitable and responsible.