Nagaland Forest and Biodiversity Management Project workshop concludes, calls for stronger community participation in conservation
KOHIMA, November 5: The two-day State-Level Workshop of the Forest and Biodiversity Management Project (FBMP), Nagaland, on the theme “Community Conservation: Celebrating Success and Charting the Future” concluded on November 4 at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima.
The valedictory session was hosted by CTA, PMC, FBMP, Nand Kishor Agrawal, and graced by Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (DEFCC), and Chairman, Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Y. Khikheto Sema, IAS, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Sema expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation of communities representing various districts of Nagaland. He appreciated the exhibition stalls, describing them as a reflection of the collective efforts and active involvement of various agencies working towards the development and welfare of the State.
He particularly acknowledged the contributions of community representatives who shared their experiences and highlighted conservation initiatives undertaken at the village level. He observed that such interactions provide valuable opportunities to understand grassroots realities, identify practical solutions, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, and guide future conservation planning and policy development.
Drawing reference from the Book of Genesis and the account of creation, Sema said human beings had been entrusted with the responsibility of being custodians of nature and its resources rather than agents of their destruction. He called upon everyone to recognise this responsibility and work towards the sustainable management and protection of the natural environment.
Expressing concern over the declining forest cover in the State, he stressed the need for active community participation in safeguarding forests and biodiversity for future generations. He also highlighted the special constitutional safeguards enjoyed by Nagaland and urged the gathering to utilise these provisions constructively for the overall development and progress of the State.
Addressing representatives of the 64 participating villages, Sema encouraged them to become ambassadors of biodiversity conservation at the grassroots level. He urged them to carry forward the message of conservation and disseminate the knowledge gained during the workshop through various community platforms, translating the deliberations into meaningful conservation initiatives in their respective villages.
The summary of the workshop proceedings and the way forward was presented by Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and Project Director, FBMP, Sidramappa Chalkapure, IFS.
Chalkapure said the concept of the workshop was conceived in May and expressed satisfaction over its successful organisation. He also highlighted the activities and deliberations of the first day, emphasising the importance of sustained collaboration among government departments, technical experts, research institutions and local communities in addressing key challenges relating to biodiversity conservation and management.
He encouraged the participating villagers to take the knowledge and learning gained during the workshop back to their respective villages and ensure that they were shared with the wider community.
A major highlight of the valedictory session was the community voices segment, during which representatives of participating villages shared success stories of activities implemented under FBMP. These included equipment distribution, Entry Point Activities, Institutional Connectivity and Conservation Measures initiatives.
The representatives observed that the project had provided a significant boost to participating villages in restoring forests and improving livelihoods through sustainable livelihood interventions. They also highlighted how the opportunities and platforms created by the project had encouraged communities to develop a renewed outlook towards learning, protecting and strengthening community stewardship for the conservation of Nagaland’s rich biodiversity.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Project Director, FBMP, Dr. Rokhu Savio Krocha, who expressed gratitude to all participants, officers, resource persons and the management of Jubilee Hall, Cathedral campus, for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the workshop.
The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of stakeholders towards strengthening community-based conservation and advancing a collaborative, inclusive and sustainable approach to biodiversity and landscape management in Nagaland. (DIPR)
