By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 6: As many as 47 community representatives from 46 villages across eight blocks participated in the 3rd State Level Community Conserved Area (CCA) Convening held on Friday at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Nongsder, Ri-Bhoi district.
According to a statement here, the event continued the momentum of the 1st and 2nd convenings, where communities had resolved to form the Meghalaya Community Conserved Area Forum (MCCAF), drawing inspiration from the Nagaland Community Conserved Area Forum (NCCAF).
Community Conserved Areas are biodiversity-rich landscapes traditionally safeguarded by local communities through customary practices and local governance systems, reflecting a long-standing commitment to preserving forests, water sources, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The latest convening led to the formalisation of the MCCAF, with 10 office-bearers—including two women—selected by consensus to represent Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills. The constitution of the MCCAF was also unanimously finalised following extensive discussions and consultations.
Sanjay Sharma, Regional Head of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) for the North East, encouraged the MCCAF to be “the drivers of community-led conservation” and to continue the legacy of their forefathers in protecting biodiversity and natural resources.
During the meeting, Fowler Darnei was elected president of the MCCAF, who shared his personal journey from hunter to conservationist and urged federating CCAs to “work unitedly for preservation of the forest, water resources, culture and traditional practices”.
Attention Syiemlieh, who was elected secretary of the MCCAF, stressed that while office-bearers have been entrusted with responsibilities, “it is through the collective efforts of the general body that can bring about the success of the MCCAF”.
The official MCCAF logo was also finalised during the session.
Prestine R. Marak, who was elected vice-president of the MCCAF, noted that representatives from the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia regions had united to form the forum, while emphasising that the three tribes “should make efforts towards the success of the MCCAF by working and planning together”.
