Temshinaro
DIMAPUR, APRIL 21
It was on April 22 of 1970 that the environmental movement started with the celebration of the first Earth Day. The idea was initiated by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson with the objective to conserve and protect the world’s environment.
Since then, nations from across the globe have adopted the tradition of observing April 22 as World Earth Day. This year’s theme for the event is “Trees for the earth.”
Located in one of the subcontinent’s identified global biodiversity hotspots and ecologically-sensitive region is Nagaland. The state has a total of 78.21% share in the forest region of the country according to the FSI 2015 report. With majority of the population still dependent on agriculture and forestry for livelihood, and with her increasing population, the pressures on ecosystems, forests and environment of Nagaland have become enormous.
Traditional practices such as ‘jhumming’ (slash-and-burn cultivation) was sustainable in the past when the population of the state was low. However, decades later, the practice is contributing to the stress on the state’s ecosystem. With an economy that is overwhelmingly dependent on natural resources, Climate Change now poses a major challenge to the hill state.
Various projection models show an increased stress on ecosystems due to increased number of extreme weather events and their adverse effects on the mainly rain fed agriculture systems in the state.
Under the establishment of the Principle Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the Forest department of Nagaland has detailed the role of forest and environment in the state. Conservator of Forests (Publicity & Training), PCCF, Temjenyabang told the Eastern Mirror on Thursday that out of the state’s total 78.21% of forest area, only 5991 sq. km (36.13%) are ‘very dense’ or are dense forests. The rest have been classified as ‘open’ or ‘degraded forests.’
It was also mentioned that the loss of forest cover in the state during the period 2013-2015 was put at 78 sq. kms which has reached a consequence that adversely affects the climate, hydrology with many water sources drying up and agriculture productivity due to loss of soil fertility which in turn affects the livelihood of a large section of the populace. He said that unless the issue is addressed adequately, the development gains by various sectors could be undone and even reversed by the negative impacts of climate change.
He emphasized the need for ‘coherence’ between climate change strategies at the state level; one that would bridge not only inter-departmental convergence but inter-sector strategies as well.
On this year’s Earth Day theme –Trees for the Earth – the officer said that with forests and trees being natural carbon sinks, the theme was a big step in the war against climate change. It dovetails the objectives of the department, Temjenyabang said.
The State Forest Development Agency, which is under the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), has brought an area of 57918 Ha covering 1, 161 villages so far. The biggest strength of Nagaland is the strong traditional institution of village councils and strong community bonds to their ecological capital.
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With the support of various stakeholders, the Forest department has also proven the concept of community-based wildlife protection by providing safe passage to the Amur Falcons. The conservation efforts for the migratory birds received wide acclaim and recognition from across the globe.
Meet a Green Fighter: The Green Foundation
Green Foundation is a non-profit, apolitical, environmental advocacy group established in 2008 at Wokha. It is a non-governmental organization that seeks to educate the people about the need to conserve the environment.
As part of this year’s Earth Day report, Eastern Mirror introduces you to the organization.
Since its inception, Green Foundation has undertaken scores of activities relating to environmental conservation, Climate Change, animal and wildlife conservation, ‘afforestation’ activities, oil spills, coal mining, water, and pollution etc.
According to information provided by the organization, Green Foundation was the first group to alert the authorities to take action against the trapping, shooting, selling and transportation of Amur Falcons in Wokha district. The foundation said to have initiated own conservation efforts for the Amur Falcons through various mediums such as using the print and the social media, or conducting seminars and spot campaigns.
Being an advocacy, the principal aim of the group is to spread information and knowledge about environmental conservation; help individuals and social groups to acquire knowledge about the negative impacts of pollution, environmental degradation and climate change; disseminate information about the causes and impact of Global Warming and Climate Change; engage community leaders and policy-makers to lead, act and participate in responsible and effective ways of addressing social and environmental concerns.
