The Divisional Management Unit (DMU) Kohima under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) held its annual review meeting.
144 villages covered so far
KOHIMA, APRIL 16 (MExN): The Divisional Management Unit (DMU) Kohima under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) held its annual review meeting on Tuesday at the Forest Office Complex in Kohima. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of project implementation and reviewing activities conducted across project villages.
Presenting an overview of the project, Dr Sevono Seletsu, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Head of DMU Kohima, reported that 144 out of the targeted 185 villages have been reached under the NFMP so far. She highlighted the significance of Forestry Intervention Model Areas, particularly the PEC (Participatory Eco-Development and Conservation) Model, encouraging Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) members to continue efforts in conserving community land and restoring degraded landscapes.
Dr Seletsu also addressed Entry Point Activities (EPA) and Water Harvesting Structures (WHS), explaining that these initiatives were based on the immediate needs of the communities. Additionally, she noted that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the project have benefited from Revolving Funds, improving their economic standing and financial literacy.
Speaking at the event, Moasunep K. Jingru, Extra Assistant Commissioner (Development), emphasized the importance of understanding the project’s objectives. He urged JFMC members to promote sustainable farming practices by limiting jhum cultivation and prioritizing forest conservation. He also called for greater vigilance in preventing forest fires.
Range Forest Officers Yhunyilo Kent (Tseminyu) and Savinuo Kikhi (Chiephobozou) delivered presentations on activities in their respective areas. DMU support staff presented reports on SHG livelihood initiatives, capacity-building programs, record-keeping, and success stories under the project. Akho Phira from the partner NGO NAAME shared updates on activities carried out in previous years.
JFMC members from four batches participated in the meeting and shared experiences of how the project has positively impacted their communities.
Under the Kohima Division, there are 13 project villages grouped into two ranges: Chiephobozou and Tseminyu. The Chiephobozou range includes Zhadima ‘A’, Tuophema, and Seiyhama, while Tseminyu range covers ten villages, including Nsunyu, Terogvunyu, Kandinu, Phenwhenyu, Tseminyu, Ehunnu, Tsosinyu, Gwachonlo, Zisunyu, and Sishunu.
The program began with an invocation by Shevelu Kire, was chaired by Accounts Assistant Kevisenuo Nancy Belho, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Planning and Livelihood Expert Neiwhenu Kennao.
