Zonal consultation on Nagaland’s Community Conserved Areas Policy held in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — A zonal-level stakeholders consultation meeting on the development of the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas (CCA) Policy was held at Hotel Europa Inn, Dimapur, on Wednesday.

The event was jointly organised by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPeD).

CAA are biodiversity-rich landscapes protected and managed by local communities through customary practices, traditional knowledge, and locally governed institutions. These areas reflect the community’s long-standing commitment to conserving forests, water sources, wildlife, and cultural heritage, according to an update.

The consultation brought together community leaders from Peren, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur districts, including representatives from village councils, CCA management committees, women’s groups, youth organisations, tribal bodies, and civil society organisations. The aim was to gather community perspectives and recommendations towards shaping a comprehensive state-level policy for CCA.

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The programme commenced with a welcome address by Heirang Langalung, chairman of NCCAF, followed by introductory remarks from Sanjay Sharma, regional head of FES North East, who emphasised the importance of community-led conservation, local governance, and safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge in Nagaland. A vote of thanks was delivered by Imlikumba Jamir of FES.

The consultation session was facilitated by Chenibemo Odyuo and Yaranajit Deka from FES, who briefed participants on the objectives of the zonal consultation, the need for a state-level CCA Policy, the structure of the group discussions, and the expected outputs.

Following the brief inaugural segment, participants engaged in thematic discussions. They deliberated on criteria for recognising an area as a community conserved area and reflected on governance and management structures, including the roles of village councils, women, youth, CCA management committees, NGOs, and government departments in ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making. Participants also discussed governance and management procedures essential for the effective functioning of CCA.

The groups further deliberated on the procedural steps required for formal CCA recognition, such as the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), necessary documentation, and the institutional roles involved in reviewing and endorsing CCA proposals.

In addition, participants explored opportunities for sustainable economic activities and identified incentive structures and support systems needed for strengthening long-term community-led CCA management in Nagaland.