A three-day workshop on Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) recently brought together 500 representatives from 50 villages across Eastern Nagaland, marking a significant milestone in the region’s biodiversity conservation and sustainable development efforts.
Organized by LEMSACHENLOK in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (Government of Nagaland), Foundation for Ecological Security, Kalpavriksh, and the ICCA Consortium South Asia, the workshop aimed to unite communities in Eastern Nagaland to establish biodiversity peace corridors and integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies.
The workshop’s primary focus was on understanding and expanding CCAs within Eastern Nagaland. It served as a platform for communities to share experiences, discuss challenges, and showcase success stories in conservation. Key sessions included: Developing frameworks and policy guidelines for CCAs in Eastern Nagaland; Preparing management plans and People’s Biodiversity Registers; Exploring resources for conservation-related activities to ensure sustainable livelihoods; Leadership development and the role of women, youth, and children in biodiversity conservation; and Collaborative efforts to create biodiversity peace corridors across Eastern and trans-border regions.
Additionally, the event marked the launch of AlijoCademia, a traditional holistic learning center in four villages, alongside cultural presentations that highlighted the rich heritage of Eastern Nagaland.
Day 1 highlights
The event began with an orientation session led by the LEMSACHENLOK team, followed by experience-sharing from various CCAs. Chairpersons and Head GBs emphasized their communities’ commitment to wildlife conservation through traditional methods and regulations, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between local practices and biodiversity preservation.
Day 2 highlights
Neema Pathak Broome, Secretary of Kalpavriksh and Coordinator of the ICCA Consortium, South Asia, emphasized the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in shaping a sustainable future. She highlighted the crucial role that Indigenous communities already play in achieving these targets, despite being financially neglected and their sustainable efforts often going unrecognized. Neema called for increased focus on education, healthcare, and economic development in remote areas, urging both youth and elders to unite in a shared network to advance the SDGs.
In a gesture of support for community-led initiatives, she committed to assisting in the creation of proposals aimed at enhancing sustainable development in local areas. As part of the event, Neema also inaugurated “A Community Fishery Pond” in Choklangan, which is expected to serve as an economic resource for the local community.
Dr Tsewang Namgail, Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, warned against unsustainable development and advocated for the “3S” principle: Slow, Sensible, and Sustainable. He emphasized that true happiness stems from nurturing ecological, social, cultural, and emotional well-being, not just economic prosperity.
T Imlitoshi Walling, Retired Principal of People’s College, Mokokchung, speaking during a session on “Sustainable Family,” emphasized that family serves as the foundation for all human activities, including economics, society, religion, and conservation efforts.
He noted that the patriarchal mindset prevalent in Naga society, where male heads often delegate family matters to women, requires rethinking. In today’s society, there is a growing need for both men and women to proactively engage in all family and household activities, from daily chores to decision-making, he said.
Walling highlighted that such shared responsibilities can strengthen family bonds, leading to greater happiness and progress. He further added that empowering women by giving them more voice and authority would positively impact society. According to him, the wisdom and expertise of women and youth must be harnessed and provided a platform to contribute to sustainable development, including sustainable family structures and biodiversity conservation.
Addressing the topic of a sustainable economy, Walling stressed that current livelihoods could be improved by utilizing lean seasons to develop additional skills. These could include handicrafts, home construction, and preserving cultural and traditional practices, all of which can generate supplementary income for families. He urged rural communities to embrace a multi-skilled approach to life, which would enhance the overall quality of living. Walling also called for identifying and nurturing the untapped talents and skills of rural people to support societal progress and contribute to state and national development.
Dr Temjensangla Pongener, Associate Professor at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, highlighted the crucial role of women in community development and called for their empowerment through education and economic opportunities.
Mongngoi Phom, Associate Pastor of Longleng Town Baptist Church, stressed the spiritual obligation to protect the environment and wildlife, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
Representatives from Ladakh shared their CCA experiences, emphasizing community-led conservation and the role of eco-tourism in sustainable development.
Day 3 Highlights
The final day began with a presentation by Samom Khelen Singh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tuensang, who underscored the importance of conserving the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. He praised Dr. Y Nuklu Phom for his conservation initiatives, including the protection of the Amur Falcon. Singh also virtually launched the AlijoCademia centers in four villages: Aniangan, Langnok, Kingjong, and Wui, to enhance education in remote areas.
Dr Y Nuklu Phom, Chairman and Team Leader of LEMSACHENLOK, outlined the vision for CCAs to expand beyond local boundaries into larger biodiversity corridors. He shared the “5C” principles for conservation: Conduciveness (soil management); Crop Compatibility; Climate Adaptability; Community-Based Conservation; and Conviction to Conserve.
Dr Phom shared on the need of a larger Landscape Corridor within Eatern Nagaland and the need for CCA Camaraderie toward creating Biodiversity Peace Corridors beyond the region which contributes towards achieving the UN-SDGs.
The workshop concluded with cultural performances, including folk dances by men’s and women’s troupes from Wui and Choklangan villages, as well as a play by the children of AlijoCademia. The rapporteurs for the formal function were Imdongdangla from LEMSACHENLOK and Shingnya, the Assembly Speaker of the Khiamniungan Students’ Union.
Special music was provided by the LEMSACHENLOK Team, and the vote of thanks was delivered by LC Paunen Phom. The invocation was offered by Niting, Associate Pastor for Women in Choklangan, and the benediction was given by Kholi, Pastor of Choklangan Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Henung, the Village Council Chairman.
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