CM Rio launches World Bank-funded ELEMENT Nagaland Project

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially launched the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Nagaland Project at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on Wednesday.

The ELEMENT Nagaland Project, funded by the World Bank-International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), will be implemented over five years in 225 villages across 16 districts, according to a DIPR report.

It will be carried out by the Society for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Nagaland (SoCRAN) under the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Cell. The project focuses on four key components, including strengthening capacities for integrated landscape management to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

Speaking at the launch, Rio highlighted that Nagaland, which covers 2.1% of the country’s geographical area, plays a critical role in sustaining livelihoods, preserving culture, and providing ecological services. However, he cautioned that these assets are under increasing threat due to climate change and socio-economic shifts.

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He cited erosion of natural resources, landslides, shifting cultivation and climate impacts as factors that have heightened the vulnerability of poor rural communities. Rio added that forests are not only natural assets but are deeply tied to the life, customs and traditions of tribal and rural communities.

The chief minister said the project would ensure meaningful participation of women and marginalised groups in governance and enterprise development. He noted that its holistic approach is designed to address both ecological and livelihood challenges, creating a model of inclusive and sustainable development in Nagaland.

He stressed the need for collaboration among state agencies, research institutions, development partners, NGOs and local communities and called upon the State Project Steering Committee to provide strategic oversight.

Inviting all stakeholders, including government officials, technical experts, community leaders and World Bank partners, he expressed hope that the project would restore natural heritage and ensure peaceful harmony between people and nature for both current and future generations.

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Lead Environment Specialist at the World Bank, Dinesh Aryal, highlighted the importance of forests in Nagaland, noting their cultural, economic and environmental significance. He cautioned that forests are under threat from both climate-related and anthropogenic factors and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Nagaland government’s efforts to manage forests sustainably.

He stressed the need for a dedicated director to oversee the project and the initiation of the budget process ahead of the fiscal year to ensure timely release of funds. Aryal said he hoped the project would benefit communities and promote sustainable forest management in the state.

Secretary and Project Director, ELEMENT, Kumar Ramnikant, said the initiative comes at a time when Nagaland is facing challenges such as declining forest cover, soil erosion, water resource pressures, and the impacts of climate change.

He said communities, heavily dependent on forests for their livelihoods, are directly affected, making it critical for the state to adopt a more integrated and long-term approach to landscape management. He stated that the ELEMENT project is Nagaland’s response to these realities, designed to promote ecological restoration alongside livelihood enhancement, with communities as key partners in the process.

Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the significance of the ELEMENT project and stressed the importance of effective implementation, timely completion and active community involvement to ensure its success.

Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, along with a host of additional heads of departments (AHoDs), heads of departments (HoDs) and departmental officials, attended the event.