Communities across Meghalaya have formally established the Meghalaya Community Conserved Area Forum (MCCAF), a state-level platform aimed at strengthening indigenous conservation and collective protection of biodiversity-rich landscapes. The Forum was constituted during the 3rd State Level Community Conserved Area Convening held on December 5 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Nongsder, Ri Bhoi district.
Crucially for the region, the formation of MCCAF follows two earlier state-level convenings where participating communities agreed on the need for a unified platform, drawing inspiration from the Nagaland Community Conserved Area Forum (NCCAF). Nagaland’s model, widely regarded as a pioneering community-led conservation network in the country, served as a reference point for Meghalaya in building a similar federated structure rooted in customary governance.
Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) in Meghalaya are landscapes traditionally protected by village institutions and community norms, conserving forests, water sources, wildlife habitats and cultural heritage. At the convening, 47 representatives from 46 villages across nine blocks, covering East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills, came together to formalize the Forum through detailed consultations.
The gathering finalized the MCCAF constitution and selected 10 office bearers, including two women, representing the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo regions. Selections were done by consensus, reflecting strong inter-community trust and commitment to shared conservation goals. The Forum’s official logo was also adopted.
Sanjay Sharma, Regional Head (Northeast) of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), encouraged members to carry forward the legacy of community-led conservation. He urged them to build on the foundations laid by their forefathers and to uphold local stewardship over forests and natural resources.
Newly elected President Fowler Darnei shared his transformation from hunter to conservationist and appealed to all federating CCAs to remain united in protecting forests, water sources, cultural values and traditional practices.
MCCAF Secretary Attention Syiemlieh said that while office bearers carry specific responsibilities, the Forum’s strength will lie in collective action from all member communities.
FES Senior Program Manager Yaranajit Deka, along with the Meghalaya FES team, facilitated consultations leading to finalisation of the Forum’s constitution and leadership structure.
Vice-President Prestine R Marak emphasized that the Forum’s creation marks an important moment of unity between Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities. He urged all three regions to work closely to ensure MCCAF’s long-term success.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Daiophika Thangkhiew, Project Manager at FES.
