Attendees of the International Day of Forests organised by NCCAF was held at council hall, Meluri village on March 21. (PC: NCCAF)
Meluri, March 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas’ Forum (NCCAF) observed the International Day of Forests on the theme, ‘Unbroken Forests, Unbroken Future’ at council hall, Meluri village on March 21.
The event was organised for CCAs covering Kiphire and Meluri districts focusing on the urgent need to protect and restore animal corridors to maintain ecological balance. Kiphire and Meluri districts, known for their rich forest cover, are crucial in Nagaland’s conservation efforts. Since both districts share an international border with Myanmar, they play a vital role—along with other eastern border districts—in creating diverse and continuous animal corridors that connect ecosystems across the region, informed Seve Ringa Vadeo, Secretary, NCCAF.
The programme was chaired by Seve Ringa Vadeo, Secretary, NCCAF and the invocation was pronounced by Seküsü Nyusou, Head GB, Riehoupe Village, followed by a brief overview of NCCAF’s initiatives and activities by Heirang Lungalang, Chairman, NCCAF.
A presentation was made by Siechutho Katiry, Wildlife Warden, Kiphire, who emphasised the importance of forests and biodiversity conservation. His presentation covered World Biodiversity Hotspots, Nagaland’s forest cover, and relevant constitutional provisions such as Article 48(A), Article 51A(g), and Article 371A, which safeguard forests and wildlife. He also elaborated on the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, stressing legal measures against hunting and habitat destruction.
In line with the theme, Katiry also emphasised the importance of an ‘Unbroken Commitment’ towards conservation efforts, urging communities, authorities and individuals to take continuous, active steps to preserve Nagaland’s rich biodiversity.
The keynote address was delivered Chenibemo Odyuo, Senior Project Manager, Foundation for Ecological Security, who discussed community-led biodiversity conservation in Nagaland.
The second session, moderated by Setsachum Sangtam, Treasurer, NCCAF, included an interactive session where stakeholders engaged in discussions on wildlife protection, legal frameworks, and conservation challenges. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Tokugha Sumi, Vice Chairman, NCCAF, followed by mass prayer to conclude the programme.
NCCAF in partnership with the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project, will continue hosting similar awareness programmes across the state throughout the year.
