Y Kikheto Sema and Supongnukshi Ao during the observance of International Day for Biological Diversity at St Xavier College Jalukie.
On International Day for Biological Diversity, Nagaland Govt advocates community participation
DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (MExN): Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC) and Chairman of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, Y Kikheto Sema on May 21 stressed that biodiversity conservation must become a collective responsibility involving communities, institutions and individuals across Nagaland.
Speaking at the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity at St. Xavier College Jalukie, Sema said biodiversity conservation was no longer merely an environmental issue but “a survival issue for humanity,” noting its direct link to food security, water resources, health, climate resilience and livelihoods.
Referring to the theme ‘Acting Locally for Global Impact,’ he said environmental protection begins with local action and pointed to everyday practices such as tree plantation, reducing plastic use, conserving water and protecting forests as important contributions toward global biodiversity goals.
Sema highlighted Nagaland’s ecological significance within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, while expressing concern over increasing threats including deforestation, pollution, forest fires, soil erosion and unsustainable extraction of natural resources. On climate change, he remarked that it is “no longer barking, but biting.”
Citing forest reports, he said Nagaland had recorded considerable forest cover loss in recent years and called for stronger community participation in conservation efforts. He noted that over 95 percent of land and forests in Nagaland are under community ownership, making public involvement essential in protecting biodiversity.
Addressing students and young people, Sema urged them to become “Ambassadors of Nature” through practical conservation measures and participation in biodiversity documentation initiatives such as People’s Biodiversity Registers.
He also called for biodiversity education to be integrated into schools, eco-clubs, churches and community awareness programmes. Stressing the need to balance development with conservation, he said Nagaland has strong potential for community-led eco-tourism rooted in biodiversity and Naga culture.
The programme was organised by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board in collaboration with the Peren Forest Division under DEFCC as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity observance.
Short speeches were also delivered by Chairman, NCCAF, Heirang Lungalang; APCCF, DEFCC, Supongnukshi Ao; and Principal of St Xavier College Jalukie, Rev Dr Fr Francis S Cheerangal.
