Shillong, Oct 7: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Thursday inaugurated a day long workshop on Universalizing Community Led Natural Resource Management in Meghalaya at State Convention Centre which was also attended by Minister, District Council Affairs etc Lahkmen Rymbui and Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, R V Suchiang.

Speaking during the Inaugural, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that the conference is of great importance as everyone is aware of the impact of climate change on lives.

“Everyone of us has to do our bit in minimizing the effects of climate change by reversing it where possible or by adapting to it and most importantly by maintaining a balance between livelihood and environment,” he said. He added that there is always a conflict between economic growth and maintaining the ecological balance. “We as a government and different stakeholders of the society have come here today to address this issue of maintaining this delicate balance which with the help of technology we can actually achieve,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also said that it is equally important to create parallel livelihood opportunities for the people. He also added that the objective of mitigating the effects of climate change can be achieved only when the different stakeholders work in coordination.

“The District Councils are very important institutions in our society and therefore we need to ensure that our efforts are coordinated and I hope this workshop will bring in better coordination and synchronization between the State Government and the District Councils,” he said. He also urged for active community participation especially the involvement of the youth in the climate mitigation programmes.

The workshop was also attended by the Chief Executive Members of the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia Autonomous District Councils.

The workshop aimed at enhancing ecosystem services and resilience to climate change by mainstreaming community led natural resources management reviewing the policies, legal and institutional framework involving autonomous district councils, forest department and other departments for strengthening capacity and convergence.