A two-day consultative workshop, organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nagaland State Bio-Diversity Board (NSBB), and Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), commenced on September 3 at Hotel Japfu in Kohima.
The workshop held under the theme “Exploring Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures through an Indigenous People and Local Communities’ Lens in Nagaland,” aimed to strengthen conservation efforts across various Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) in the state.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Environment, Biodiversity & Research) and Member Secretary of NSSB Supongnukshi Ao in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with ICIMOD, an internationally renowned organization. He expressed hope that the workshop would yield tangible and implementable conservation goals.
Senior Communication Officer at ICIMOD Samuel Thomas, introduced the workshop by underscoring the importance of recognizing the rights and knowledge of indigenous and local communities in biodiversity conservation. He emphasized Nagaland’s rich biodiversity that made it a crucial focus area for global conservation efforts in the current decade.
Ecosystem Specialist at ICIMOD Sunita Chaudhary, outlined the workshop’s objectives, including the potential designation of CCAs as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in line with similar sites recently declared in India. She also discussed exploring community expectations for government support and incentives for environmental stewardship.
The third session featured presentations moderated by IFS, PCCF & HoFF, department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dharmendra Prakash, where Supongnukshi Ao presented on “Protected Areas & Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures,” followed by Ivan Zhimomi, Team Leader of the Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network, who highlighted the network’s activities and community impact.
Presentations were also given by Secretary of the Sendenyu Community Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation Board Ruchinilo Kemp and Forest Range Officer, NSBB Savinuo Kikhi.
A group discussion session allowed participants to define OECMs from their perspectives, exploring the criteria for such designations.
Day two of the workshop will focus on identifying gaps and opportunities for CCAs in Nagaland, developing standardized frameworks and policy guidelines, and discussing outcomes for CCAs and OECMs.
The workshop saw the participation of 65 individuals representing 16 CCAs and various government agencies will conclude on September 4.