Nagaland has lost nearly 795 square kilometres of forest cover over the past decade, Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC) and Chairman of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Y Kikheto Sema, said on Friday while expressing concern over the growing environmental challenges facing the State.
Addressing the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 at St Xavier College Jalukie under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” Sema said Nagaland witnessed a forest cover loss of about 794.88 sq km between 2013 and 2023, and around 235 sq km between 2019 and 2021, citing reports of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
He also warned about the increasing impact of climate change, stating that it is “no longer barking, but biting.”
Sema said Nagaland, located within the ecologically significant Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, is endowed with rich forests, wildlife, rivers, medicinal plants, orchids and traditional agro-biodiversity. However, he cautioned that deforestation, pollution, forest fires, soil erosion, water scarcity and unsustainable extraction of natural resources were posing serious threats to the State’s biodiversity.
Describing biodiversity conservation as no longer merely an environmental issue but a “survival issue for humanity,” he stressed that global environmental protection begins with local action and community participation.
Referring to the theme of the program, Sema said small local initiatives such as tree plantation, community clean-up drives, sustainable lifestyles and responsible use of natural resources contribute significantly towards achieving global biodiversity goals.
Highlighting the importance of youth participation, he urged students to become “Ambassadors of Nature” by avoiding plastic waste, planting and protecting trees, conserving water, protecting wildlife and participating in the documentation and conservation of biological resources through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Sema also underlined the importance of partnership between the government and communities in biodiversity conservation, noting that more than 95 percent of land and forests in Nagaland belong to communities under customary ownership systems protected by Article 371A.
Calling for a balance between development and conservation, he envisioned Nagaland as a model for community-led biodiversity conservation with strong potential in eco-tourism, biodiversity and cultural preservation.
The programme was attended by officials of the Forest Department, representatives of educational institutions, civil society organisations and students.
Short speeches were delivered by Heirang Lungalang, Supongnukshi and Rev Dr Fr Francis S Cheerangal.
CM Rio calls for renewed push to protect biodiversity
On the International Day for Biological Diversity today, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for renewed efforts to protect the state’s rich natural heritage and ecosystems.
In a social media post, Rio said the state celebrates Nagaland’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems that sustain its people, culture and way of life. He noted that Nagaland is part of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and stressed the importance of strengthening conservation efforts to preserve its natural resources.