Tsarila Sangtam
Independent Researcher, Kiphire
Nestled in the southeastern hills of Nagaland, Kiphire District remains one of the state’s greenest corners — a land where forests are not just natural resources but part of the people’s heartbeat. With nearly 72 percent of its 1,130 square kilometres under forest cover (NER Databank, 2023), Kiphire stands as a living testament to harmony between people and nature.
A Landscape Rooted in Green: According to the Forest Survey of India (2021), Kiphire’s forests stretch across 811.89 square kilometres, forming a lush blend of evergreen, semi-evergreen and bamboo-rich landscapes. These forests act as the lungs of the district, sustaining biodiversity, providing clean air and water and nurturing livelihoods rooted in the land.
Forests of Significance: Among the district’s natural treasures stands the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, near the Indo–Myanmar border. Declared in 1983, it is home to species like the hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear and Blyth’s tragopan — Nagaland’s state bird.
Equally vital is the Jingkhu Muzing Evergreen Forest, managed under traditional village ownership, which safeguards the Zungki River watershed and prevents soil erosion.
In Amahator Circle, the Muzing Athsing Forest acts as a natural buffer between farms and wildlands, while Singtsaji Forest sustains clean water and medicinal plants for nearby villages. The Yingphire Reserved Forest, protected by customary laws, stands as a model of community conservation — proof that tradition and ecology can coexist beautifully.
Why Kiphire’s Forests Matter: The forests of Kiphire provide more than timber or bamboo; they protect watersheds, stabilize mountain slopes and offer a refuge for countless plant and animal species. They also hold deep cultural meaning — where sacred groves, seasonal rituals and taboos against over-harvesting preserve ecological balance.
For local communities, these forests are classrooms of wisdom, reminding people that true prosperity comes from respect and restraint.
Linking Local Action with Global Goals: Kiphire’s traditional conservation practices reflect the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — global principles that mirror local values.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Forests ensure clean and reliable water sources.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Dense forests act as natural carbon sinks, moderating climate and reducing disaster risks.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting forests safeguards biodiversity and ecosystems.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Forest-based crafts and sustainable harvesting support local livelihoods.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Collaboration among communities, researchers and policymakers strengthens conservation.
By caring for their forests, the people of Kiphire are already contributing to these global objectives — quietly, effectively and with deep-rooted wisdom.
Preserving a Shared Legacy: Kiphire’s forests remind us that progress need not come at the cost of nature. As the district develops, its future must remain anchored in sustainable practices — blending traditional governance, scientific support, and policy cooperation.
Every bamboo grove preserved, every stream kept clean, and every taboo respected reflects a simple truth: nature’s wellbeing is our own.
From Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary to Yingphire Reserved Forest, Kiphire’s landscapes tell a story of care — of people living in rhythm with their environment. In an age of ecological uncertainty, these forests stand as symbols of hope, showing that harmony between land and life is not just possible, but already thriving in Nagaland’s green heart.
Grounded and Call-to-Action: As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, Kiphire’s forests offer lessons in coexistence. Their future will depend on the choices made today — by communities, policymakers and every citizen who values clean air, flowing rivers and living traditions. Protecting these forests is not just about preserving trees; it is about safeguarding the heart of Nagaland itself.
