Special guest, officials, resource persons and NCCAF members during the 10th anniversary celebration at Khonoma on November 19.
Morung Express News
Khonoma | November 19
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nagaland’s natural heritage, the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) marked its 10th anniversary in a programme at Community Hall, Khonoma Terhuotsiese Khono Basa on November 19.
Mhiesizokho Zinyü, in the absentia of the Minister for Horticulture and Women Resources Development, in his address, reflecting on the origins and progress of community conservation efforts in Nagaland, described it as being close to his heart, particularly as one of the surviving founding members of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary Trust, established in 1998.
He expressed concerned that over time, the traditional expertise of the Naga people in sustainable natural resource is facing challenges due to overexploitation driven by human greed.
He noted that like the NCCAF, many communities across Nagaland have initiated conservation efforts, designating their forests as Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) recognising the dire need for action towards preservation and conservation.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that contributed to the forum's success, Zinyu thanked the organizations such as NEPED, the Foundation of Ecological Security (FES), and the Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Nagaland, for their guidance and support.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the critical role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in global conservation, citing a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) study that found IPLC lands cover 32% of the earth’s terrestrial surface, with most in good ecological condition.
Referencing the UN Environment Programme’s recognition of IPLCs as key custodians of ecosystems, he stressed on the need for unity and active participation to overcome challenges posed by powerful economic and political interests.
Calling for continued commitment to conservation, Zinyü urged the people of Nagaland to protect the natural resources gifted by God, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
“May our children and their children inherit our love for the environment and speak of the good deeds of their forebearers,” he stated.
K Libanthung Lotha, Team Leader of NEPED, praised Khonoma village for its pioneering role in conservation efforts. “Khonoma has shown us the way by taking up this venture. We will continue to support and collaborate with each other in the future for the protection of our natural heritage,” Lotha said, reaffirming NEPED's commitment to sustaining conservation initiatives.
Sanjay Sharma, Regional Team Leader and Senior Program Manager of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), described the day as a historic milestone for Nagaland. He highlighted NCCAF’s growth from modest beginnings into a robust institution. “In the face of challenging and struggling times, NCCAF has reached a level where it has become a channel for external advisory and programs, serving as a significant institution that works for the communities of Nagaland in conserving natural resources,” Sharma stated.
Describing NCCAF as a fearless organization and the voice of the people, Sharma expressed his hope for its continued growth. “We envision NCCAF as a strong institution dedicated to the conservation of nature,” he added.
During the second session, group discussions were held on the challenges and opportunities for youth and women in conservation, sustainable development goals and challenges for CCAs and policy, governance and management of CCAs.
The resource persons were Bano Haralu, Sanjay Sharma; Dr Y Nuklu Phom Advisor NCCAF; Dr Kezie Metha, Member PoU, NEPED; Pikato V Jimo, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Gwasinlo Thong, Advisor NCCAF.
