TURA: A consultative meeting on ‘Sustainable Management of Community Forests and Biodiversity Conservation for Livelihood Improvement Project’ with a team from Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was held recently at the DRDA Conference Hall here.
The consultative meet was organised by the state project management unit of MBDA in collaboration with the West Garo Hills district administration and had representation from departments like Soil and Water Conservation, Forests and Environment, Textiles, Water Resources, Agri-Horticulture, AH and Veterinary, GHADC, Fisheries, IBDLP and allied livelihood promotion agencies.
Delivering the opening note during the meet, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, who is the chairman of IBDLP, gave an overview on the ongoing practices and scenario in the region about water and soil conservation, forest management and livelihood dependant on forests biodiversity. He also briefed the JICA Team on the various departmental activities trying to address the issue of livelihood through management of soil, water and forest resources. Dr Hiromi Yamauchi, team leader and forest management, JICA, gave a brief presentation to the stakeholder on the objective of the visit to the district and expectation from the interaction with various stakeholders.
Chief Forest Officer, GHADC Rangku N Sangma, gave a brief outline and presentation on the activities of District Autonomous Council in respect to forest management and community involvement in securing and managing biodiversity; secure catchments areas and enhance livelihood of people through the development and sustainable use of forest resources.
Others who spoke during the consultative meeting were Sachin Gavade, DFO (Territorial Division), Tura; Taddeus R Marak, EE Water Resources, Merril N Sangma, District Horticulture Officer; Corbett Sangma, AS&WCO, S & W (T) Tura and others.
