The Department of Rural Development and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised a Rural Talk Series on “Community-led Natural Resource Management” on October 15, highlighting the importance of community participation, indigenous practices and local institutions in sustainable natural resource governance.
The programme aimed to facilitate academic discussion on community participation in forest resource management and environmental sustainability, with particular relevance to Scheduled Areas and the northeastern region.
The Rural Talk Series is an initiative of the Department of Rural Development and Planning to promote academic dialogue, knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary engagement on contemporary rural development challenges. It provides a platform for students, research scholars, faculty members and experts to discuss emerging ideas and practical approaches to sustainable rural development.
The session began with a welcome address by Dr Deepa Thangjam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Rural Development and Planning, who welcomed the resource persons, faculty members and students. She highlighted the significance of the discussion for students, research scholars and faculty members, particularly in reflecting on how community-led approaches could strengthen rural development in Nagaland and the wider Northeast.
She observed that community-based resource management was particularly relevant in Nagaland, where traditional institutions remain closely connected with local communities and their natural surroundings.
Dr Jayanta Choudhury, Professor and Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, delivered the introductory remarks, emphasising the importance of community-led initiatives in natural resource management and highlighting the role of indigenous practices in Nagaland.
Dr Geetanjoy Sahu, Professor and Dean of the School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, spoke on “Forest Resource Governance in the Scheduled Areas.” His presentation examined the evolution of forest governance from the pre-colonial period through post-independence India to the present day, along with the institutional dimensions of natural resource management in Scheduled Areas.
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Referring to the National Forest Policy, 1988, Dr Sahu discussed the challenges of forest conservation in a region where customary laws and traditional landownership systems play a significant role in governing forest resources. He highlighted Article 371A of the Constitution, which provides constitutional protection for Naga religious and social practices, customary law and procedure, and the administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, subject to its provisions.
He also discussed the Forest Rights Act, 2006, focusing on the interaction between the legislation and the customary practices, traditional landownership systems and community-based forest governance prevalent in the region. He stressed the importance of understanding the Northeast’s distinct socio-cultural context while addressing forest rights and safeguarding indigenous communities’ traditional rights and practices.
Dr Abhinandan Saikia, Assistant Professor at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, TISS, Guwahati, Assam, spoke on “Environmental Governance: Role of Community.” His session explored the importance of community participation and collective action in promoting sustainable resource management.
Dr Saikia discussed climate change, environmental governance, resource conservation and the role of women and local communities in environmental protection. He highlighted the transdisciplinary nature of climate change studies and the importance of Environmental Impact Assessment in addressing environmental challenges.
He also discussed jhum cultivation, describing it as more than an agricultural practice, but a way of life for the communities that practise it. He emphasised the socio-economic and ecological dimensions associated with jhum cultivation and the need to understand its wider significance while examining natural resource management in the region.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which faculty members and students raised questions, exchanged views and sought clarifications on various aspects of community-led natural resource management.
Dr Merensangla Longkumer, Assistant Professor in the Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, delivered the vote of thanks.
