Nagaland Forest Management Project Kohima holds annual review meeting

The participants pose for a group photo during the annual review meeting held at the conference hall, Forest Office Complex, Kohima, on Wednesday.

• DIMAPUR — The Divisional Management Unit (DMU) Kohima, Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), held its annual review meeting on Wednesday at the conference hall, Forest Office Complex, Kohima.
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• According to an update giving a brief overview of the NFMP, Dr. Sevono Seletsu, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and DMU head in Kohima, said that out of 185 target villages to be covered under the project, 144 villages across the state have been reached so far.
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• While highlighting the Forestry Intervention Model Areas, the DFO emphasised the importance of the PEC Model area and urged the JFMC members present to continue conserving the community land and increasing land restoration.
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• Under the provision of entry point activity (EPA) and water harvesting structure (WHS), the DFO mentioned that the project villages had taken up infrastructural activities based on the immediate felt needs of the community.

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• Highlighting the self-help groups (SHGs), the DFO informed that the provision of the revolving fund has not only enhanced their economy but, through the project, they have gained significant knowledge in bookkeeping. The DFO further urged the gathering to continue working together for a sustainable future.
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• A representative from the administration, Moasunep K. Jingru, EAC (Development), expressed belief that the project is doing well and urged the JFMC members present to understand the aims and objectives of the NFMP. He also emphasised the need for farmers to limit jhum cultivation and recognise the importance of conserving the forest. Additionally, he urged the JFMC members to remain vigilant, safeguard the environment, and prevent forest fires.
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• Yhunyilo Kent, Range Forest Officer and field management unit head, Tseminyu, and Savinuo Kikhi, Range Forest Officer and field management unit head, Chiephobozou Range, gave presentations on project activities in their respective project villages.
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• Meanwhile, the DMU support staff gave presentations on SHGs' livelihood activities, capacity-building programmes, books of records, success stories, and innovations under DMU Kohima. In addition, Akho Phira, FNGO (NAAME), also presented the activities undertaken by them in the past years.
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• JFMC members from batches I, II, III, and IV attended the meeting. They also shared their experiences on how the implementation of the project has positively impacted the community members.
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• It may be mentioned that under Kohima Division, there are two batches, namely Chiephobozou and Tseminyu, with a total of 13 villages. There are three villages under the Chiephobozou Range, namely Zhadima ‘A’ and Tuophema (Batch I villages) and Seiyhama (Batch II village), while in Tseminyu, there are 10 villages. Batch I village includes Nsunyu, while Batch II villages are Terogvunyu, Kandinu, and Phenwhenyu.
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• Batch III villages are Tseminyu, Ehunnu, and Tsosinyu, and in Batch IV, there are three villages, namely Gwachonlo, Zisunyu, and Sishunu.