GIS Expert, NFMP demonstrating the GIS Lab.
Kohima, February 19 (MExN): The Union Minister of State (Environment, Forest and Climate Change and External Affairs), Government of India Kirtivardhan Singh had an interactive meeting with senior officials of Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, in Kohima on February 18.
A press release received here stated that in his opening remarks, Dharmendra Prakash, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Nagaland gave an overview of the forests of Nagaland, emphasizing their ecological, economic and cultural significance.
He highlighted the department’s efforts to build institutional strength and implement community-driven conservation initiatives. He also discussed about the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the damage caused by elephants and the importance of timely compensation for affected communities.
Mhonbemo Patton, IAAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, DEFCC, in his welcome address briefed the Union Minister about issues of unique landholding system of Nagaland and about traditional practice of jhum cultivation and the challenges faced by the communities, such as the shrinking jhum cycle and human-elephant conflict.
Temjenyabang, IFS, CCF (HQ), made a presentation on the department’s activities and the externally aided Projects like the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland (KFW Project) and the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP). Pravanjan Mohapatra, the Team Leader (PMC-NFMP), shared the impact assessment of the NFMP.
During his remarks, the Union Minister of State underscored the importance of involving communities in baseline surveys and other conservation efforts. The Minister also recommended the inclusion of bamboo cultivation in future NFMP plans, acknowledging its immense potential for sustainable development.
The Union Minister visited GIS Lab and a demonstration was given about data capture and processing thereof.
