The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) has been honored with the SKOCH Award 2024 for its sustainable forest and environmental conservation efforts. The award was presented during the 100th SKOCH Summit held in New Delhi. The SKOCH Award 2024 underscores the success of NFMP in balancing environmental conservation with economic development, making it a model initiative for other states to follow.
About Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP)
Implemented by: Nagaland’s Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Objective:
- Improve forest ecosystems.
- Rehabilitate jhum cultivation areas (shifting agriculture).
- Enhance livelihoods through sustainable forest management.
Scope of the Project:
- Duration: 2017-2027.
- Coverage: 185 villages across 11 districts and 22 forest ranges in Nagaland.
- Forest Area Covered: 79,096 hectares under forest intervention.
- Livelihood Component: Formation of 555 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support income generation.
- Led by: Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) for need-based, village-specific interventions.
About the SKOCH Award
- Prestigious honor recognizing outstanding contributions in governance, technology, economics, and social sectors.
- Organized by: SKOCH Group, a leading socio-economic think tank in India since 1997.
- Supported by: CEO’s Association for Inclusive India (CAII), which promotes inclusive growth through social, digital, and financial inclusion initiatives.
- Known for its rigorous and independent assessment process, making it one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Significance of Award for Nagaland
- National recognition for the state’s forest conservation efforts.
- Encourages sustainable development practices in tribal and rural communities.
- Strengthens community participation in forest management and livelihood enhancement.