The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) have launched a five-year project aimed at strengthening grassroots biodiversity governance in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya.
The project, titled ‘Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments’, will be implemented from 2025 to 2030 with financial support of USD 4.88 million from the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme
In Meghalaya, the initiative will cover key ecological sites in Garo Hills, including the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas consist of a mix of government forests and Reserve Forests and are identified for community-led conservation efforts.
The project will integrate biodiversity conservation into local development planning through Village Employment Councils (VECs), which function as local governance institutions in the region. It also aims to strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and establish coordination among forest departments, local authorities and community groups for preparing biodiversity-focused plans.
According to officials, the initiative will promote financing mechanisms such as Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions and green micro-enterprises to support livelihoods linked to conservation activities.
The project also includes capacity-building measures and documentation of local practices for replication in other regions, with a focus on participation of women, Scheduled Castes and tribal communities.
The initiative is aligned with India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030) and international biodiversity and climate commitments.
Article Credit: northeasttoday