CAMARADERIE FOR BIODIVERSITY

Eastern Nagaland communities strengthen conservation effortsNagaland tourism packages

CHOKLANGAN, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): A three-day workshop focused on community conservation was held from November 27 to 29 at Choklangan village in Noklak district, bringing together over 500 participants from 50 villages across the region. 

Organized by LEMSACHENLOK in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, Foundation for Ecological Security, Kalpavriksh, and the ICCA Consortium South Asia, the event aimed to connect Eastern Nagaland communities in creating biodiversity peace corridors.

The workshop focused on community-conserved areas (CCAs) in Eastern Nagaland, which represent vital landscapes where local communities play an active role in preserving biodiversity. The event provided a platform for CCA representatives to exchange experiences, challenges, and success stories, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies.

Community leaders insights on conservation
Chairmen and Head Gaon Buras (GBs) from various CCA villages shared their efforts in wildlife conservation, highlighting the adoption of rules and regulations alongside traditional practices to preserve forests and wildlife. Their collective commitment underscored the importance of local initiatives in the broader context of environmental sustainability.

On the second day, Neema Pathak Broome, Secretary of Kalpavriksh and Coordinator of the ICCA Consortium, addressed the workshop, focusing on the role of indigenous communities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed the need for recognition and financial support for these communities, urging collaboration for sustainable education, healthcare, and economic development in remote areas. During the event, she also inaugurated a Community Fishery Pond at Choklangan, which will provide an economic resource for the local population.

On sustainable development and biodiversity conservation
Dr. Tsewang Namgail, Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, presented on the global development model, warning against the environmental costs of rapid industrialization. He advocated for the “3S” principle—Slow, Sensible, and Sustainable—as a framework for future development, urging a balance between human progress and environmental preservation.

T. Imlitoshi Walling, Principal of People’s College Mokokchung, discussed the importance of gender equality in sustainable family and community development. He said the mindset developed out of the patriarchal way of Naga life where the male head very often relegates all family matters to the wife or females needs rethinking. 

Times have changed where we live in a society that demands the proactive involvement of both male and females to be involved in all family or home activities starting with helping out in household works to decision making, Walling emphasized. 

Dr Temjensangla Pongener, Associate Professor at Fazl Ali College Mokokchung, highlighted the significant role of women in community development. Mongngoi Phom, Associate Pastor of Longleng Town Baptist Church, spoke on the church’s role in fostering community sustainability.

Learning from Ladakh’s conservation practices
The workshop also featured a team from Ladakh, who shared their experiences in managing their CCA. Their insights on the operational framework and functions of their conservation initiatives provided valuable lessons for Eastern Nagaland communities. 

Additionally, the team highlighted the significant role of eco-tourism in promoting sustainable development, illustrating how responsible tourism can support both environmental conservation and economic growth for local communities.

Dr Y Nuklu Phom, Chairman of LEMSACHENLOK, highlighted the need for Community Conserved Areas (CCA) to expand beyond local boundaries and connect larger landscape corridors. He also shared on the need for CCA camaraderie toward creating Biodiversity Peace Corridors beyond the region which contributes towards achieving the UN-SDGs.

Conservation and livelihood
On the final day, Samom Khelen Singh, DFO of Tuensang, delivered a speech on the importance of protecting the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. He emphasized that conservation must go hand in hand with community livelihood, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates human development with nature preservation.

During the event, Singh also launched the AlijoCademia Centre, an ongoing initiative by LEMSACHENLOK aimed at providing accessible educational resources to four remote villages—Aniangan, Langnok, Kingjong, and Wui.

The workshop also displayed traditional folk dances from Wui and Choklangan villages. Participants also showcased local products such as traditional shawls, bags, pottery, and handicrafts. A solidarity message was shared by Rev Hempao, President of the Khiamniungan Tribal Council, and a welcome address by the Henung Village Council Chairman.