A one-day workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Action was organized by the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) on the 9th of November, 2024, at the Tourist Complex in Pfutsero. The workshop was attended by frontal organizations, church councils, and area leaders of the tribe.
The workshop was organized under the theme “Be Part of the Plan,” which is also the 2024 theme for the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDB). Addressing the participants, theme speaker Enyiwekha Wezah, Divisional Forest Officer for Phek District, stressed the importance of conserving biodiversity not only for the present generation but also for future generations. The speaker also shared information about the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Biodiversity Plan. He further emphasized the importance of indigenous knowledge in tackling the climate crisis.
Nokho Nyekha, General Secretary of CYF, presented a paper on behalf of Seve R Vadeo, Secretary of NCCAF, on the topic “Establishing Animal Corridors for Conservation: A Pathway for Protecting Biodiversity.” The paper highlighted the importance of linking fragmented Community Conserved Areas (CCA) to allow animals to move freely within their natural habitats, thus reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Tavehü Thingo, former President of the Chakhesang Cultural Organization (CCO), spoke on the topic “Indigenous Knowledge Systems towards Biodiversity Conservation.” He shared how, in the past, ancestors paid attention to their dreams even when deciding to cut down a tree, contrasting this with how human greed has led to rampant deforestation, not only for personal use but also for commercial purposes. Kekhriezavi Lea, OSD for Geology and Mining, GoN, spoke on “Water Conservation and Rejuvenation to Address Water Security and Climate Change.” He stressed the need for rainwater harvesting and the promotion of indigenous methods of water conservation.
Earlier, Eyekowe K Tara, Vice President of CPO, delivered the welcome address, and Vezuhu Keyho, President of CPO, released a bird as a symbolic display of the Chakhesang people’s initiative towards Biodiversity Conservation, an effort headed by the CPO and implemented by the CYF since 2016.
The sessions were chaired by Nuveta Khesoh, VP of CYF, and Nokho Nyekha, GS of CYF, respectively. The President of CYF, Kevesa Khamo, delivered the key recommendations from the workshop, which will be presented for adoption during the CPO general session to be held in January 2025.