Scheme to help locals preserve forests in EKH

SHILLONG, June 29: With the intent to financially help the local communities in conserving the natural forests, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme was launched by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo, here on Wednesday.
Under this scheme, financial support of Rs 8,000 per hectare per year for five years will be rolled out.
In addition, an additional reward amount of Rs 5,000 per hectare per year will also be given to those natural forests already registered as community reserve with the Forest department and an amount of Rs 2,000 per hectare per year will be given to those with very dense forests or traditionally recognised as sacred grove or which have a living root bridge or are located in eco-sensitive zones around protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuary or wildlife corridors.
If the forests are not yet registered, the applicant can apply for registration with the Forest department and later submit a copy of receipt while applying for the scheme.
In her address, East Khasi Hills DC Isawanda Laloo highlighted the objectives of the scheme stating that it is aimed at providing financial support to the villages, communities, clans and individuals willing to conserve existing natural forests for a period of 30 years in order to counter the losses due to conservation measures and sought the cooperation of all concerned for successful implementation of the scheme in the district.
It is being implemented under Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) and was launched by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on June 13.
The programme was organised by the DC’s office in collaboration with the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and District Project Management Unit, East Khasi Hills.