MTR team with community members during field visit in Mokokchung district.
MOKOKCHUNG, SEPTEMBER 21 (MExN): The Mid-Term Review (MTR) Mission of the “Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland” Project (FBMP) was conducted on September 19 and 20 across selected project villages under Mokokchung Forest Division. The project, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW (German Development Bank), is being implemented under the Mokokchung Forest Division and covers Batch-1 villages of Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, Alongkima and Waromung, and Batch-2 villages of Unger, Changtongya Old, Akhoya and Nukshiyim.
According to Dr Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung, the project aims to promote sustainable and effective management of forest and biodiversity in Nagaland, support improved connectivity and conservation of biodiversity, create and enhance livelihood opportunities for dependent communities, and establish incentive mechanisms rewarding communities for effectively protecting and maintaining their Community Conserved Areas (CCAs).
The field mission was led by Dr Sentitula along with Moamongba, Assistant Conservator of Forests, and staff of the Forest Division. The MTR team comprised Steffen Schuelein, MTR Consultant; Dr Chonbenthung Kikon, National M&E Expert, PMC; Paul R, LE; Zulukumzuk Pongen, BME; and Chumbeni Ngullie, Social Media Coordinator.
On September 19, the team visited Changtongya Old Village (Azunglu CCA) under Batch II with en route stops at Unger EPA, where beautification work of Unger Sungkum (village gate) was underway through the construction of a retaining wall and inscription of the phrase “Unger-Waro Mopongok Yim,” and Akhoya EPA, which is constructing a Water Reservoir Tank. The Changtongya Community Conserved Area, Village Council, and Self Help Groups (SHGs) extended a warm welcome to the mission. Livelihood activities such as vermi-compost production were reviewed and found to be running successfully with good prospects for sustainability. Productive discussions were held with the community institutions on both successes and challenges, with practical solutions identified collaboratively.
On September 20, the team visited Khar and Mongchen villages (Tsurong CCA) Batch I, joined by representatives from the Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission (NBRM). At Khar, the team reviewed ongoing nursery development under the Tsurong CCA Management Plan. This was followed by a visit to Mongchen where the community showcased their CCA area, construction of a resting/inspection hut, and patrolling paths. The Mongchen Village Council, SHGs, and CCA representatives welcomed the team and engaged in discussions focusing on challenges such as livestock disease outbreaks in piggery, which is currently the village’s sole livelihood activity. Awareness-building on hunting practices and capacity development for SHGs were also emphasized.
The mission noted significant progress towards project objectives, especially the integration of livelihood generation with biodiversity conservation. Community members appreciated the project’s participatory approach, which not only provided livelihood assets but also encouraged proposal development and independent idea presentation, strengthening long-term skills, particularly among women SHGs. Villagers emphasized the value of learning ecosystem functions, afforestation techniques, and practical forest conservation measures. The trust and collaboration developed between the Mokokchung Forest Division and community members were highlighted as a foundation for future progress.
Steffen Schuelein expressed his gratitude to the Mokokchung Forest Division team and the visited communities for their warm welcome and hospitality. He commended the communities for their commitment, noting that the project has created strong motivation for intensified biodiversity conservation.
For the remaining project years, the mission recommended further strengthening of CCA conservation activities, inter-village cooperation, and awareness and capacity-building initiatives. The MTR team concluded the visit by wishing the participating communities continued success and encouraging them to “keep up the good work.”
