Tuensang and Mokokchung host zonal consultations for drafting the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Policy.
DIMAPUR — Zonal-level stakeholders' consultation workshops on the proposed Nagaland Community Conserved Areas (CCA) Policy were conducted in Tuensang on July 28 and Mokokchung on July 29.
According to an update, the workshops were organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
The consultations form part of an ongoing participatory process to develop a state-level policy that recognises and strengthens community-led conservation while respecting customary governance systems and indigenous stewardship of natural resources.
The Tuensang consultation, held at Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT), brought together representatives from community conserved areas (CCAs) across Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, Kiphire, and Mon districts. The workshop was attended by village council and CCA committee representatives, along with officials from the Forest department, Tuensang Division.
The Mokokchung consultation, held at Sangtemla Union Hall, was attended by CCA representatives from the Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts, together with officials from the Forest department, Mokokchung Division.
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Participants were briefed on the objectives of the consultation, the rationale for developing a state-level CCA Policy, the policy development process, and the expected outcomes of the consultation. The workshops highlighted that the proposed policy seeks to create an enabling framework for recognising CCAs while safeguarding customary ownership, strengthening community institutions, and promoting long-term conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The consultations were conducted through thematic group discussions, enabling participants to share their experiences and recommendations based on local realities. During the thematic discussions, participants deliberated on the qualities that an area should possess to be recognised as a CCA, governance and management arrangements, the recognition process under the proposed policy, and the support mechanisms required for effective and sustainable CCA management.
Discussions highlighted that CCAs should be voluntarily conserved and managed under customary governance systems, with clearly defined community institutions and a strong commitment to conserving biodiversity, water sources, and culturally significant sites.
Participants also stressed the central role of village councils and CCA management committees; meaningful participation of women and youth; transparent recognition processes based on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC); and the need for sustained technical, institutional, and financial support to strengthen community-led conservation while ensuring that governance and decision-making remain with local communities.
It was mentioned that the recommendations and insights generated through the Tuensang and Mokokchung consultations will contribute to the development of the Nagaland CCA Policy draft.