NCCAF marked its 10 Years anniversary workshop series for Wokha and Tseminyu District at Wokha.
Morung Express News
Wokha | September 26
The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) marked its tenth anniversary workshop series for Wokha and Tseminyu Districts. The event, held at the WDVCCA & WDVDBA Hall in Wokha, under the theme “Sustaining Nature for Generations: 10 Years and Beyond.”
In his keynote address, G Thong, Advisor, NCCAF, underscored the profound responsibility of safeguarding the region's rich biodiversity, situated within one of the world's Global Biodiversity Hotspots—the Indo-Myanmar Region. He stated that protecting this vital natural heritage is akin to serving the Creator. Thong highlighted the contrast in resource allocation between the State Forest Department, which oversees only 2% of the green coverage, and village communities, which manage 98%, yet the Village Communities to whom these forest belongs are not given their due share and recognition.
Emphasising the crucial role of village communities in preserving global biodiversity, he called for a strengthening of the NCCAF to ensure these communities receive their rightful recognition. He also celebrated Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants special rights to the Nagas, asserting that it enables the local populace to retain ownership of their land and heritage.
He also emphasised the fundamental aims and objectives of the NCCAF, stating that the rich cultural heritage inherited from our forefathers does not belong solely to the present generation; it also belongs to our children and their children. Therefore, it is crucial that we protect and preserve this heritage for future generations. To achieve our goals, it is essential for village communities to organise and strengthen themselves, becoming more assertive and proactive, while joining hands to support one another.
Chairman of NCCAF, Heirang Lungalang, reflected on the forum's beginnings, tracing its roots to a meeting on 19th November 2014, where fewer than 20 Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) united to form the forum. Today, the NCCAF comprises 29 CCAs, with a coverage of 120 villages. He highlighted that according to their guidelines, each CCAs has to manage at least 5 square kilometres of conservation area. Lungalang urged collective action for the benefit of all generations, fostering a culture of preservation for the future.
Elithung B. Odyuo, Assistant Conservator of Forests in Wokha, discussed the significance of community conservation initiatives in Nagaland, noting that over 90% of the state's forests are community-owned. Odyuo stressed the importance of wildlife in forest regeneration and advocated for collaboration between communities and government for effective conservation strategies.
During the programme, short speeches were deliveredby Vandan Eri, President,Wokha District Village Council Chairman's Union and Kegwasing Keppen, President, Rengma Village Council Chairman Forum.
Later, in the second session of the program, Tapas Das, Foundation for Ecological Security engaged the attendees on biodiversity conservation, highlighting the vital role of Community Conserved Areas.
The introductory session was led by Seve Vadeo, Secretary of NCCAF and the event concluded with remarks from Tokugha Sumi, Vice-Chairman of NCCAF, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment to protecting Nagaland's natural heritage for future generations.
