KAMJONG, Aug 29: The Hao Foundation organised a one-day seminar on forest and environmental conservation at Khamlang village in Kamjong district on Saturday, with around 100 students and youths participating in the programme.
Hosted by the Khamlang Students’ Union, the seminar focused on growing environmental concerns, climate change, sustainable forest management, traditional conservation practices, land rights and the impact of developmental projects on indigenous communities.
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Addressing the gathering as a resource person, human rights and environmental activist Themson Jajo highlighted the major environmental challenges confronting communities today. He identified loss of biodiversity, ecosystem collapse and climate change as three core environmental issues requiring urgent attention.
Jajo called for greater efforts towards afforestation, protection of existing forests, sustainable utilisation of forest resources and preservation of community reserve forests. He also spoke on carbon trading, the environmental consequences of government development projects and the implications of reserve forest areas for native and indigenous inhabitants.
Another resource person, Khaphung Keishing, emphasised the role of indigenous culture and customary practices in promoting sustainable forest management.
He observed that the forefathers, despite having little or no formal education, had developed a judicious approach towards the use of forests and their resources. Their strict adherence to customs and traditions, he said, enabled them to preserve reserve forests around villages and maintain rich forest areas for future generations.
The existence of large and mature trees in community-protected forest areas stands as evidence of the wisdom of traditional conservation practices, Keishing noted. Expressing concern over the changing climate, he urged the younger generation to actively participate in forest protection and conservation initiatives.
Advocate Tungrei Ngakang, another resource person, stressed the need for appropriate land laws in the hill areas. He pointed out that the absence of proper registration of hill lands in government land records has deprived tribal communities of various opportunities and benefits.
Ngakang explained the importance of having appropriate land laws and highlighted the need to strengthen community forest management. He also briefed the participants on the provisions and criteria governing government compensation for land affected by the construction of highways and other developmental projects.
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Hao Foundation Convener Thotreiso Keishing encouraged the participating students and youths to make full use of the various opportunities and schemes provided by the government for tribal communities. He also urged the younger generation to value, preserve and practise their traditional customs and culture, while taking collective measures to protect the environment and sustain community resources.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks to the resource persons and participants for their contributions towards making the programme a success.
