DIMAPUR: The Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project (FBMP) conducted its half‑yearly review meeting at Marepkong Community Hall, Mokokchung, to assess progress, address implementation challenges and outline the way forward for biodiversity conservation and community‑based natural resource management.
The meeting was held outside Kohima for the first time, bringing together officials and project personnel from different districts for field‑level interaction and coordination.
FBMP, a German Government‑assisted project financed through KfW Development Bank, was initiated in 2021 and implemented by the Forest Department and NEPED in five districts, covering 13 conservation landscapes and 64 villages through Community Conserved Area Management Committees.
The programme began with a welcome address by Hukato Chishi, deputy project director and CF (STC). Representatives from Tuensang, Wokha, Kohima, Peren and Mokokchung Forest Divisions, along with NEPED‑I and NEPED‑II, presented progress reports, achievements and key challenges.
The review covered conservation activities, springshed proposals, Human‑Elephant Conflict mitigation, FPIC and MoU implementation, institutional and physical connectivity, GIS surveys, geotagging, financial progress, documentation, livelihood interventions, convergence, signage, NRM maps and inspection of civil structures.
Discussions also focused on the Conservation Fund, selection of pilot villages, livelihood enterprise development and greater involvement of churches and faith‑based institutions in conservation initiatives. Emphasis was placed on timely implementation, proper documentation, accurate reporting and regular field monitoring.
The meeting concluded with remarks by Aochuba, CF (NTC), followed by the way forward address by Sidramappa Chalkapure, CF (D&P) and project director, FBMP. The review reaffirmed FBMP’s commitment to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and improved rural livelihoods through coordinated efforts among government agencies, local communities and stakeholders.
