Nagaland: Zonal-level consultation on conservation held in Dimapur

A Zonal Level Stakeholders Consultation Meeting on the development of a draft Nagaland Community Conserved Areas (CCA) Policy was held at Hotel Europa Inn, Dimapur.
The event was jointly organised by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPeD).
The consultation brought together community leaders from Peren, Chumoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur districts, including Village Councils, CCA Management Committees, women’s groups, youth organisations, tribal bodies, and civil society organisations with an aim to gather community perspectives and recommendations towards shaping a comprehensive state-level policy for CCAs.
The consultation session was facilitated by Chenibemo Odyuo and Yaranajit Deka from FES, who briefed participants on the objectives of the zonal consultation, the need for a state-level CCA policy, the structure of the group discussions, and the expected outputs.
Following the inaugural segment, participants engaged in thematic discussions. They deliberated on criteria for recognising an area as a Community Conserved Area and reflected on governance and management structures, including the roles of Village Councils, women, youth, CCA Management Committees, NGOs, and government departments in ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making. Participants also discussed governance and management procedures essential for effective functioning of CCAs.
The groups further deliberated on the procedural steps required for formal CCA recognition, such as the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), necessary documentation, and the institutional roles involved in reviewing and endorsing CCA proposals. In addition, participants explored opportunities for sustainable economic activities and identified incentive structures and support systems needed for strengthening long-term community-led CCA management in Nagaland.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by chairman of NCCAF, Heirang Langalung, followed by introductory remarks from regional head of FES North East, Sanjay Sharma, who emphasised the importance of community-led conservation, local governance, and safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge in Nagaland, and vote of thanks was delivered by Imlikumba Jamir of FES.