Zonal consultations held on Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Policy

Dimapur, July 31 (MExN): Two zonal-level stakeholder consultation workshops on the proposed Nagaland Community Conserved Areas (CCA) Policy were held in Tuensang and Mokokchung on July 28 and 29 as part of an ongoing effort to develop a state policy recognising and strengthening community-led conservation.

The consultations were organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

According to a press release, the proposed policy aims to create an enabling framework for recognising Community Conserved Areas while safeguarding customary ownership, strengthening community institutions and promoting the long-term conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The Tuensang consultation, held at Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT), brought together representatives of Community Conserved Areas from Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, Kiphire and Mon districts, along with Village Council and CCA Committee members and officials of the Forest Department's Tuensang Division.

The Mokokchung consultation, held at Sangtemla Union Hall, was attended by CCA representatives from Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts and officials from the Forest Department's Mokokchung Division.

The Tuensang workshop began with a welcome address by NCCAF Chairman Heirang Lungalang, followed by introductory remarks from FES Regional Head Sanjay Sharma. In Mokokchung, the introductory remarks were delivered by Imliyanger Jamir, Chairman of the Tzula (Dikhu) Green Zone CCA.

Participants were briefed on the objectives of the consultations, the rationale for developing a state-level CCA policy, the policy development process and the expected outcomes. The workshops included thematic group discussions on criteria for recognising Community Conserved Areas, governance and management arrangements, recognition procedures and support mechanisms for sustainable CCA management.

During the discussions, participants recommended that Community Conserved Areas should remain voluntarily conserved under customary governance systems, supported by clearly defined community institutions and a commitment to protecting biodiversity, water sources and culturally significant sites.

They also highlighted the importance 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 sustained technical, institutional and financial support while ensuring that governance and decision-making remain with local communities.

The consultations concluded with participants reiterating that the proposed policy should strengthen existing customary conservation systems rather than replace them. They further stressed that the policy should empower communities, promote inclusive governance and provide practical institutional support to ensure the long-term sustainability of Community Conserved Areas across Nagaland.

The recommendations from the Tuensang and Mokokchung consultations will be incorporated into the draft Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Policy, the release stated.