The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) held its tenth anniversary workshop series for Wokha and Tseminyu Districts on September 26 at the WDVCCA & WDVDBA Hall in Wokha. The series was marked under the theme “Sustaining Nature for Generations: 10 Years and Beyond.”
G. Thong, Advisor to the NCCAF in his keynote address highlighted the vital responsibility of preserving the region’s rich biodiversity, which is part of the globally recognised Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot. He likened the protection of this natural heritage to a service to the Creator. He pointed out the contrast of the State Forest Department convering only 2 percent of the region’s green cover and the village communities manage 98 percent without receiving adequate recognition or support. Thong called for a strengthened NCCAF to ensure that these communities gain the recognition they deserve. He celebrated Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants special rights to the Nagas, affirming that it enables local populations to maintain ownership of their land and heritage. He stressed the importance of protecting cultural heritage not just for the present generation, but for future ones as well, urging village communities to organise and collaborate effectively.
Heirang Lungalang, Chairman NCCAF reflected on the forum’s origins, tracing its formation to a meeting on 19 November 2014, where fewer than 20 Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) came together. Today, the NCCAF comprises 29 CCAs.
Lungalang called for collective action to foster a culture of preservation that benefits all generations.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Elithung B. Odyuo, Assistant Conservator of Forests in Wokha, discussed the significance of community conservation initiatives in Nagaland, noting that over 90 percent of the state’s forests are community-owned. He underscored the importance of wildlife in forest regeneration and advocated for collaboration between communities and government for effective conservation strategies.
The programme featured short speeches from Vandan Eri, President of the Wokha District Village Council Chairman’s Union, and Kegwasing Keppen, President of the Rengma Village Council Chairman Forum.
In the second session, Tapas Das from the Foundation for Ecological Security engaged attendees on biodiversity conservation, emphasising the critical role of Community Conserved Areas.
The introductory session was led by Seve Vadeo, Secretary of NCCAF, and the event concluded with remarks from Tokugha Sumi, Vice-Chairman of NCCAF, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment to safeguarding Nagaland’s natural heritage for future generations.
