The FBMP held its half-yearly review meeting in Mokokchung, assessing biodiversity conservation progress and community-based resource management.
DIMAPUR — The Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (FBMP) Project conducted its half-yearly review meeting on July 3 at Marepkong Community Hall in Mokokchung district to evaluate ongoing activities, address implementation challenges and chart the future course for biodiversity conservation and community-based natural resource management in Nagaland.
The meeting was notable as it was held outside Kohima for the first time, providing an opportunity for officials and project personnel from different implementing districts to engage directly at the field level and strengthen coordination efforts, an update stated.
FBMP is a German government-assisted initiative financed through KfW Development Bank. Launched in 2021, the project is jointly implemented by the Forest Department and NEPED across five districts.
It covers 13 conservation landscapes and involves 64 villages through community conserved area management committees.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Hukato Chishi, Deputy Project Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (STC).
Representatives from the Forest divisions of Tuensang, Wokha, Kohima, Peren and Mokokchung, along with NEPED-I and NEPED-II, presented updates on project implementation, achievements and challenges encountered during execution.
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The review examined a wide range of activities, including biodiversity conservation initiatives, springshed proposals, mitigation measures for human-elephant conflicts, implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and memorandums of understanding, institutional and physical connectivity, GIS surveys, geotagging and financial progress.
Other important topics included project documentation, livelihood interventions, convergence with related programmes, installation of signage, preparation of natural resource management maps and inspection of civil structures undertaken under the project.
Participants also discussed the conservation fund, the selection of pilot villages and strategies for livelihood enterprise development.
Special emphasis was placed on encouraging greater participation by churches and faith-based institutions in environmental conservation and community initiatives.
Officials stressed the importance of timely implementation, proper documentation, accurate reporting and regular field monitoring to ensure the successful execution of project objectives across all participating districts.
The meeting concluded with remarks from Aochuba, Chief Conservator of Forests (NTC), followed by a concluding address and a roadmap for future activities presented by Sidramappa Chalkapure, Chief Conservator of Forests (D&P) and Project Director of FBMP.