SHILLONG: A consultation on the progress of the 1st Registered 7 Certified Community -Based REDD +Project, a pilot project relating to preservation and promotion of forest and biodiversity conservation, watershed restoration and livelihood development was held at Hotel Pinewood here on Friday.
In what is the first of its kind initiative in the country, the project is an endeavour of the people of the 10 Khasi Hima and is supported by the Community Forest International, USA (CFI-USA) which facilitated the preparation and interaction between the various stakeholders besides ensuring the registration and acceptance of the initiative.
Attended by Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board John F Kharshiing, Executive Director of the Community Forestry International (USA) Mark Poffenberger and Dr BK Tiwari, a professor at the Centre for Environmental Studies, NEHU besides members of various Himas, the meet dwelt at length on environmental issues and forest conservation in Meghalaya which is considered a biodiversity hotspot.
The 1st Registered & Certified Community-based REDD+ project was validated and certified under Plan Vivo, UK standards-a framework for supporting communities to manage their natural resources more sustainably, with a view to generating climate, livelihood and ecosystem benefits– and is currently selling credits through private voluntary carbon markets to finance REDD+ mitigation and livelihood activities.
Through this REDD +Project, 62 villages are creating, restoring and protecting a forest wildlife corridor along the Umiam River, connecting Sacred Forest and forest fragments at the landscape level, which also the drinking water route for Shillong City.
The project involves 10 Khasi Hima (kingdoms) namely Hima Mawphlang, Hima Lyngiong, Hima Sohra, Hima Mylliem, Hima Nongspung, Hima Nongkhlaw, Hima Nonglwai, Hima Pamsanngut, Elaka Mawbeh and Hima Laitkroh which lie along the Wah Umiam sub-watershed around Hima Mawphlang.
This project intends to cover an area of 27,138 hectare, under the 10 Khasi kingdoms.
State Planning Board Co-Chairman Kharshiing said that REDD+ was a unique pilot project and India’s first REDD+ strategy. “I am hopeful the project would be replicated in different parts of the NE region in the future,” Kharshiing said.
“Through this endeavor there would be much needed awareness created throughout the state on the need for regulating human behavior with innovative interventions to provide alternative livelihoods,” he added.