The Mokokchung Forest Division, as part of the ‘Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project’ (FBMHN), has initiated a model to expand Conservation Areas in Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, Waromong, and Alongkima, covering nearly 4500 hectares. This strategic move aims to reduce Human-Elephant Conflict in the region, where elephant movements often intersect with human settlements.
The FBMHN project is a collaboration between India and Germany which has been underway since October 2021, heralding an ambitious 8-year program that seeks to conserve the ecologically sensitive landscapes in Nagaland while uplifting local communities.
In a conversation with Mokokchung Times, Dr Sentitula Pongen, an Indian Forest Service officer and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Mokokchung, shed light on the adopted model, known as ‘Landscape Model 6’ which seeks to address the pressing issue of Human-Elephant Conflict. Dr Pongen highlighted that this model envisions a continuous stretch of conservation area from Khar to Mongchen, Dibuia, Waromong, and Alongkima, forming a seamless landscape to facilitate elephant movements.
“While there have been no recorded instances of human-elephant conflict in these areas thus far, we recognize their significance as a crucial route for elephant movement,” Dr Pongen stated.
To expand the conservation areas, Dr Pongen elaborated on the process, emphasizing the importance of securing prior informed consent from the local villagers. The Forest Division engages in meaningful consultations with the communities to understand their willingness to conserve their forests. If an agreement is reached, the division proceeds with livelihood activities or entry point projects using the Financial Participatory Approach (FPA).
It may be noted that this Indo-German Financial Cooperation Project is co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KFW (German Development Bank), and is being executed by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) and implemented through the joint efforts of the Forest Department (FD) and the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development (NEPED).
Dr Pongen revealed that the FPA, initially developed in Latin America, is being implemented for the first time in India, with Nagaland being the pioneering state. Explaining its functioning, she said, “Under FPA methodology, we announce competitions to the villages about four weeks prior. Any group, individual, or Self-Help Group (SHG) can write and present their business plans. Winning proposals are then implemented.”
The Mokokchung Forest Division organized three contests across five villages (Waromong, Alongkima, Dibuia, Mongchen, and Khar) under Mangkolemba Range, Mokokchung, from 14 May to 4 July in 2022. These contests covered various themes, including ‘Living with Nature,’ ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Creation relating to Nature Conservation,’ and ‘Biodiversity-based Sustainable Livelihood.’ Winning activities included mixed crop farming, straw paddy mushroom cultivation, piggery farming, honey bee rearing, and silkworm farming, among others.
Dr Pongen emphasized the role of the Forest Department in providing technical guidance to the villagers in collaboration with allied departments. The financial support for the proposed projects is provided by the FBMHN project based on the business plans presented by the winning groups.
Regarding the villagers’ commitment to conserve their forests and create an elephant corridor, Dr Pongen remarked, “The villagers already have community conservation areas in their respective villages. Additionally, certain forest patches remain untouched to accommodate elephant movement, fostering their conservation efforts.”
Since April 2023, the Forest Division has been actively involved in preparing microplans for these villages. This process engages Team Leaders and the KFW pilot team, alongside the Community Conserved Area Committee and other stakeholders. The microplan aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, address livelihood concerns, and develop plans for Community Conservation Area (CCA) conservation and management, sustainable livelihoods, and capacity building.
Dr Pongen stressed that by connecting landscapes and preserving elephant corridors, the region can witness reduced instances of conflict while safeguarding other flora and fauna. “The entire landscape can serve as a successful model of conservation by connecting one village to another, allowing us to conserve not only elephants but also other fauna,” she asserted.
In conclusion, she underscored the adverse impact of fragmented and degraded ecosystems on human-animal conflict and climate change. With the ongoing FBMHN project, the Forest Division is determined to improve biodiversity conservation and ensure sustainable management of biodiversity-rich connected community conservation areas in targeted landscapes of Nagaland.