Community to conserve Saramati

In a glowing example of community initiatives for conservation of the environment, a vast area of forest under Saramati Range under Pungro sub-division, Kiphire district has been declared Community Conserved Area at a historic function held Saturday last. The formal declaration of the community conserve area which was held at Penkim village was graced by state parliamentary secretary for IPR, economic and statistic R. Tohanba. In his speech Tohanba encouraged others to follow the example of the people of Saramati range. Director of SACON Dr. Bhupathi was also present on the occasion. Catalyst and facilitated by NEPED and SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore) 17 villages out of the total 19 villages on Saramati Range came together as a cluster community and formed Saramati Awung Conservation and Management Society (SACAMS) earlier for community conservation purpose. It was learnt that NEPED and SACON jointly took up the initiative to strengthen the community effort in Nagaland towards conservation. With regard to this, the joint team of experts led by Dr.Venguta from NEPED as coordinator and late Dr.Ravi Sankaran from SACON as assistant had earlier toured the entire Saramati Range as part of its effort to strengthen the community effort in Nagaland and created awareness among the villagers. A series of meeting were held with villagers of Saramati Range which had brought about formation of Saramati Awung Conservation and Management Society. NEPED facilitated in the formation of the society and also in drafting the constitutions. Saramati Range boasts of having among the richest biodiversities that houses many rare as well as endangered species of flora and fauna and various kinds of orchids. It is covered with rich, natural and diverse forests, ranging from sub-tropical ever green and semi ever green to temperate broad leaved and Alpine vegetation. According to the local populace, vast and virgin forest of Saramati range housed rare species such as wild Mithun, Hollock Gibbon and even Lion were reported to be sighted recently. With the declaration of Saramati Range as Community Conserved Area, there are five such CCA in the five eastern district one each in Phek, Kiphire, Tuensang, Mon and Longleng. Conservation would also help promote eco-tourism, which has become a global high point.

Published at Nagaland Post on 6 Nov. 2009