State conservationist bags Wetland Champions Award

SHILLONG, May 21: A conservationist from Meghalaya, Tambor Lyngdoh, was on Saturday conferred with the Wetland Champions Award in recognition for his contributions towards conservation of water ponds, fish ponds, wells and washing places.
Lyngdoh was among 12 others who received the award from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav during a national-level workshop to in Chennai.
Lyngdoh, who is the founding member of Ka Synjuk ka Hima Ar Liang Wah Umiam Mawphlang Welfare Society, expressed his elation at the recognition. “It is my privilege to be recognised as one of the Wetland Champions of the country,” he said.
It is pertinent to note that Lyngdoh’s concerted efforts have protected 9,250 hectares of dense forests, aided the regeneration of 5,000 hectares of open forests and mobilised 74 villages throughout the state to engage them in the conservation of forest ecosystems.
He has also implemented the first REDD+ project (a UN initiative to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) in India across 27,000 hectares effectively, uniting 10 local self-governance bodies to protect and sustainably manage community forests.
Apart from introducing homestays in Mawphlang since 1998, he has also been training local youths to work as tourist guides and Mawphlang Sacred Grove researchers.