In continuation of the 1st and 2nd State Level Community Conserved Area (CCA) meetings where communities decided on coming together to form the ‘Meghalaya Community Conserved Area Forum’ through the learnings of the Nagaland Community Conserved Area Forum (NCCAF), a 3rd State Level Community Conserved Area (CCA) meeting of community was held on December 5 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Nongsder, Ribhoi district of Meghalaya
Community Conserved Areas are biodiversity-rich landscapes traditionally protected by local communities through customary practices and locally governed institutions. These areas reflect the community’s long standing commitment to conserving forests, water sources, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The meeting was attended by 47 community representatives from 46 villages across 9 blocks spanning East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills of the state of Meghalaya. The meeting led to the formalization of the MCCAF with 10 office bearers including two women representing the three regions, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills who were selected on consensus and entrusted with the roles and responsibilities.
The meeting also unanimously finalized and formalized the constitution of the MCCAF through discussions and consultations.
Sanjay Sharma, Regional Head, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) for the North East encouraged the MCCAF to be the drivers of the community led conservation and continue the work done by their forefathers towards conservation of the biodiversity and natural resources.
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Fowler Darnei, elected President of the MCCAF shared his journey of becoming a conservationist from a hunter and requested all the federating CCAs to work unitedly for preservation of the forest, water resources, culture and traditional practices and work together for a strengthened forum.
Attention Syiemlieh, elected Secretary of the MCCAF in his speech highlighted that, while the roles and responsibilities have been entrusted to the office bearers, it is through the collective efforts of the general body that can bring about the success of the MCCAF.
Yaranajit Deka, Senior Programme Manager along with team Meghalaya of FES facilitated the convening during the consultations around finalization of the constitution of MCCAF and selection of office bearers. The official logo of MCCAF was also finalized during the convening through discussions.
Prestine R Marak, elected Vice-President of MCCAF, mentioned that, CCA representatives from Khasi, Garo and Jaintia region have joined to form the MCCAF and the communities of the three tribes should make efforts towards the success of the MCCAF by working and planning together.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Daiophika Thangkhiew, Project Manager of FES.
