The “Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland” (FBMP) Project, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW (German Development Bank), is being implemented under the Mokokchung Forest Division. Batch-1 villages include Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, Alongkima, and Waromung, while Batch-2 villages comprise Unger, Changtongya Old, Akhoya, and Nukshiyim.
The project aims to promote “sustainable and effective management of forest and biodiversity in the state of Nagaland, support improved connectivity and conservation of biodiversity, create and enhance livelihood opportunities of dependent communities, and put in place incentive mechanisms rewarding communities for effectively protecting and maintaining their Community Conserved Areas,” said Dr. Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mokokchung.
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) Mission of the FBMP was conducted on 19th and 20th September 2025 across selected project villages in Mokokchung district. The field mission was led by Dr. Sentitula and Moamongba, Assistant Conservator of Forests, along with staff of the Forest Division. The MTR team also included Steffen Schuelein, MTR Consultant; Dr. Chonbenthung Kikon, National M&E Expert, PMC; Paul R, LE; Zulukumzuk Pongen, BME; and Chumbeni Ngullie, Social Media Coordinator.
Day 1 – September 19, 2025: The team visited Changtongya Old Village (Azunglu CCA) under Batch II, with en route stops at Unger EPA (where the village gate was beautified with a retaining wall and inscription of “Unger-Waro Mopongok Yim”) and Akhoya EPA (site of a new water reservoir tank). The Changtongya Community Conserved Area (CCA), Village Council, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) welcomed the team warmly. The mission reviewed livelihood activities such as vermi-compost production, which were found to be successfully operational with good prospects for sustainability. Productive discussions were held with community institutions to address challenges and identify practical solutions collaboratively.
Day 2 – September 20, 2025: The team visited Khar and Mongchen villages (Tsurong CCA) in Batch I, joined by representatives from the Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission (NBRM). At Khar, the team reviewed ongoing nursery development under the Tsurong CCA Management Plan. In Mongchen, the community showcased their CCA area, including a resting/inspection hut and patrolling paths. The Mongchen Village Council, SHGs, and CCA representatives engaged the team in discussions on challenges such as livestock disease outbreaks affecting piggery, the village’s primary livelihood activity. Awareness-building on hunting practices and capacity development for SHGs were also emphasized.
Key Observations and Outcomes:
· Significant progress was noted in integrating livelihood generation with biodiversity conservation.
·Community members appreciated the participatory approach, which provided livelihood assets while encouraging proposal development and independent idea presentation, strengthening long-term skills—particularly among women SHGs.
·Villagers emphasized the importance of learning ecosystem functions, afforestation techniques, and practical forest conservation measures.
·The trust and collaboration between the Mokokchung Forest Division (PIA) and community members was highlighted as a foundation for future progress.
Steffen Schuelein, MTR Consultant, expressed gratitude to the Mokokchung Forest Division team and the communities for their warm welcome and hospitality. He commended the communities for their commitment, noting that the project has created strong motivation for intensified biodiversity conservation.
For the remaining project years, the mission recommended strengthening CCA conservation activities, promoting inter-village cooperation, and expanding awareness and capacity-building initiatives. The MTR team concluded the visit by wishing the participating communities continued success and encouraging them to “keep up the good work.”