DIMAPUR: Nagaland lost around 794.88 sq. km of forest cover between 2013 and 2023, while another 235 sq. km was lost between 2019 and 2021, principal secretary, department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and chairman of Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Y. Kikheto Sema, said on Friday. Stating that climate change was “no longer barking, but biting”, he called for urgent collective action and community participation to conserve the State’s rich biodiversity.
Kikheto Sema was addressing the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact” at St. Xavier College auditorium, Jalukie, Peren, a DIPR report stated.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, he said biodiversity conservation was no longer merely an environmental concern but a survival issue for humanity, as biodiversity remained fundamental for food security, water, health, climate resilience and livelihoods.
Referring to the theme, Sema stressed that global environmental protection begins with local action and said initiatives such as tree plantation, village-level conservation, community clean-up drives, sustainable lifestyles and responsible use of natural resources contributed significantly towards achieving global biodiversity goals.
He noted that Nagaland lies within the ecologically significant Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and possesses rich forests, wildlife, rivers, medicinal plants, orchids and traditional agro-biodiversity. However, he expressed concern over threats posed by deforestation, pollution, forest fires, soil erosion, water scarcity and unsustainable extraction of natural resources.
Addressing students and youth, Sema urged them to become “Ambassadors of Nature” by adopting conservation practices and participating in documentation and conservation of local biological resources through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
He also stressed the importance of partnership between government and communities, noting that over 95% of land and forests in Nagaland belonged to the community.
Referring to Article 371A, he appealed to people to protect and conserve the State’s biodiversity for future generations.
Short speeches were delivered by chairman NCCAF, Heirang Lungalang; APCCF DEFCC, Supongnukshi; and principal of St. Xavier College Jalukie, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis S. Cheerangal.
Saturday, May 23, 2026