The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nagaland State Bio-Diversity Board (NSBB), and Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) organized a two-day consultative workshop at Hotel Japfu, Kohima, Nagaland, from September 3-4. The workshop, themed “Exploring Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures through an Indigenous People and Local Communities’ Lens in Nagaland,” focused on various Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) in Nagaland.
Supongnukshi Ao, CCF (Environment, Biodiversity & Research) and Member Secretary of NSSB, delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the significance of the event and the international stature of ICIMOD. He expressed optimism that the meet would achieve tangible and implementable goals, given the participation of key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation.
Samuel Thomas, Senior Communication Officer, ICIMOD, provided a brief introduction to the consultation, emphasizing the importance of indigenous and local people’s rights and knowledge. He noted that Nagaland, with its rich biodiversity, plays a crucial role in the global conservation discourse at a time when significant strides must be made.
Sunita Chaudary, Ecosystem Specialist, ICIMOD, outlined the objectives of the consultation, which included the possibility of declaring CCAs as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), exploring community expectations regarding government support and incentives, and discussing action plans.
A presentation session moderated by Dharmendra Prakash, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, focused on understanding CCAs and the NSSB in Nagaland. Supongnukshi Ao gave a presentation on Protected Areas & Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures on behalf of the Nagaland Forest Department.
Ivan Zhimomi, Team Leader, Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network, presented on the objectives, key activities, and community impact of the Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network. Ruchinilo Kemp, Secretary, Sendenyu Community Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation Board, and Savinuo Kikhi, Forest Range Officer, NSSB, also presented on their respective organizations.
A group discussion session followed, where participants were divided into groups to define OECM and its criteria from their perspectives.On Day 2, the workshop will focus on group work, discussing topics such as identifying gaps and opportunities for CCAs in Nagaland, developing a standard CCA framework and policy guidelines, and assessing outcomes of CCAs and OECMs.
Sixty-five individuals from 16 CCAs across the state, along with government agencies, attended the first day of the workshop, which will conclude on September 4.
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