Chizami discuss ways to improve livelihood through conservation

Dimapur, Nov. 10 (EMN): A daylong workshop on ‘improving livelihoods through conservation’ was organised by the Forest department of Phek and Kiphire Wildlife Division on Nov. 10 at VTC hall, North East Network (NEN) Resource Centre, Chizami village in Phek district. Assistant conservator of Forest for Phek, Enyiwekha Wezah spoke about the importance of forest conservation to reduce the impact of Climate Change. He said that the main objective of the workshop was to strengthen conservation efforts by publicising sustainable livelihood options. Close to 100 participants along with the resource persons had an interactive session. They discussed about various topics including ‘forest based livelihoods’, changes related to present day forests such as, depleting biodiversity, deforestation, shrinking forestlands, wildlife extinction, etc., and its impact on food productivity, water, and livelihoods. One of the resource persons Wekoweu Tsuhah highlighted about forests ecosystem services, exploring forest based livelihoods with a focus on sustainable harvesting, ecological regeneration and innovation. Seno Tsuhah, another resource person gave a presentation on ‘exploring alternative livelihood opportunities.’ She spoke on the need to relook at community resources and traditional skills that are available and invest on value addition to improve rural livelihoods. She also pointed out some of the best practices of revival and innovation in traditional crafts and local food-based enterprises. Further, she encouraged the participants to strengthen collectivism, innovation, and product diversification, collaboration and partnership with relevant government departments for livelihood support and services. Participants also shared their testimonies and about their community where women led initiatives to improve livelihoods. Revival of traditional crafts like grass-coat weaving, natural fibre processing, and natural dyes through skill training, knowledge sharing and documentation; and strengthening local market through organizing of weekly markets were among other testimonies. Majority of the participants were women from different villages like Lozaphuhu, Kikruma, and Tsekhwelu CCR and Forest department staff.