The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) Trust celebrated 25 years of conservation at community hall, Terhotsiese, Khonoma on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingian Longkumer noted the striking similarities between his village and Khonoma.
He commended Khonoma for effectively addressing the numerous challenges associated with conservation and sustainable development, particularly praising the village’s successful preservation of the environment.
He acknowledged the dedication, efforts, and awareness that had been cultivated among the people of Khonoma, expressing pride in their accomplishments.
Sharingian lauded the village for setting a strong example in the conservation and preservation of not only the village itself, but also the surrounding wildlife.
Longkumer said he would carry with him the positive practices witnessed in Khonoma and encourage others to participate in wildlife conservation efforts. He described Khonoma as a notable leader in this regard, serving as an inspiration to others.
Former principal secretary Thepfulhouvi Solo disclosed that wildlife writer Gerald Durrell financed the start of Tragopan Sanctuary at Khonoma.
For setting up the world’s first tragopan sanctuary in Khonoma area, he said it took him seven years of discussions since 1983 with villagers elders and anyone who mattered at Khonoma.
He mentioned that late Tsilie Sakhrie, chairman of Khonoma Village Council, guided the villagers and clan to discuss the proposal. And after more than seven years, the villagers conveyed in writing their decision to curb hunting of animals and birds in their jurisdiction.
He said Sakhrie played a key role in the preservation of wild animals and birds of Khonoma.
In her address, retired commissioner & secretary, founder of Earth Alliance, vice-chairperson of the Foundation for Social Transformation, and member of the Foundation for Campaign Against Plastic Pollution (FCAPP), LH Thangi Mannen emphasised caring for environment.
She disclosed that Khonoma was one of the initial villages to receive government fund for constructing eco-tourism infrastructure.
She clarified that eco-tourism was not centred on large-scale development and buildings, but rather on the presence of quaint houses nestled in natural surroundings, drawing in tourists and visitors.
She observed that Khonoma gained international recognition due to its culture and traditions. Speaking on the occasion, KNCTS chairman Kezhaseria Meyase expressed happiness at celebrating 25 years of community conservation. He said it was a moment to celebrate, introspect into the past and look way forward.
He said KNCTS Trust was formerly established on December 11, 1998 with the motto “Care for nature” over 123 sq km area, including a core sanctuary of 20 sq km, conceived and initiated by some few conservation-conscious people.
He claimed that the trust had so far been instrumental in organising, monitoring, conserving and preserving the rich biodiversity.
He pointed out that the organisation was a non-profit organisation and a community-based conservation initiative that was faring well so far with community management, collective efforts and contribution.
Meyase admitted that some people made a mockery of the initiative, describing it as too idealist. But, he attributed this to their dependence on nature for livelihood.
He said curtailing so many people’s livelihoods, the enormous task of convincing, sensitising and educating the people could take some few years more.
He mentioned that the community that took a U-turn for a sustainable living from all activities that transgressed the law of nature was rewarding.
He claimed that it was labelled the first Green village of India in 2005 on October 25 that year and received foreign funds (Gerald Durell Memorial Fund), National Bio-diversity Award 2021, recognition from BNHS, 465 (Important bird area in India) and Upgrade Programme by UNWTO 2023.
He credited the success to the community involvement through engagement with various organisations in the village that had equal representation from each khel and clan, equal benefit sharing, transparency and accountability.
Meyase highlighted challenges and threats such as arrangement of alternative livelihoods for many families whose livelihoods were affected due to conservation, compensating the loss of crops and livestock due to man-animal conflict, poor documentation and databasing information on the rich biodiversity.
The programme was earlier blessed with invocation by Rev Tsolie Chase and benediction by Kedoheto Peter Meru. Woman Resource Development and Horticulture minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse gave the welcome address.