Chizami: Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods held

A workshop focused on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods was held on March 24, 2025, at the Village Council Hall, Chizami. The event aimed to strengthen community conservation efforts and enhance the livelihoods of local residents. Organized by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Phek Forest Division, in collaboration with the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of Chizami Village, the workshop brought together over 100 participants.

Enyiwekha Wezah, District Forest Officer (DFO) of Phek, emphasized the crucial role of biodiversity conservation for the well-being of both people and the planet. He stated, “Biodiversity is not just an environmental issue; it is deeply connected to the social, economic, cultural, and spiritual fabric of our communities.” Wezah highlighted various environmental concerns, including deforestation, climate change, pollution, excessive hunting, and forest fires. He urged the community to take responsibility for safeguarding vital resources like forests, land, water, and wildlife.

Additionally, he encouraged participants to increase community-conserved areas and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure a resilient future.

Chenibemo Odyuo, Senior Project Manager at the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), led a session on the status of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) and Conservation Management Plans in Nagaland, with a special focus on Phek district. Odyuo explained the differences between Community Conserved Areas and Community Reserved Areas, stressing the importance of community-based conservation plans. He urged the participants to develop biodiversity management plans, including clear objectives, action plans, and monitoring processes. He shared success stories, such as the Mount Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum in Peren and the Zanibu Community Conserved Area in Phek, highlighting the potential for sustainable conservation efforts.

The “Way Forward” session, moderated by Krowelo Thopi, VDB Secretary of Chizami, saw participants engage in group discussions. The outcome of these deliberations was a resolution to collaborate with FES to create a biodiversity management plan, promote annual Bird Count Days, and encourage eco-tourism by establishing homestays in the village.

Lhiwulo Rhakho, Chairman of the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), led the workshop’s proceedings, while Kezutshiitso Wezah, GB, delivered the welcome address, and Kolo Naro, Chairman of LCCRA, gave the vote of thanks. Kekhwetshiilo Lasuh, VC Chaplian, and Welhizou Wetsah, CWS, invoked blessings at the event’s conclusion.

To further support the community’s livelihoods, the participants were provided with poultry chicks, courtesy of the Lodelu Chizami Community Reserved Area (LCCRA) and supported by the Phek Forest Division.

MT