Conrad reiterates commitment to sustainability & forest conservation, calls for community participation

Shillong, Nov 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving its natural resources, particularly its vast forest cover, while reinforcing the importance of community involvement and regional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The Chief Minister underscored that sustainable management of Meghalaya’s forest cover, which spans approximately 76% of the state, remains a priority to safeguard biodiversity, improve water security, and promote socio-economic resilience in the region.

He made this commitment at the 13th JICA National Workshop on Forestry in India, revolving around the theme, “Adapting Together: Community Driven Solutions for Climate Resilience”, being held from November 13 to 15 at Taj Vivanta, Shillong and organised by Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) under the auspices of Project for Community based Forest Management & Livelihoods Improvement in Meghalaya (MegLIFE).

CM Sangma expressed pride in the state’s achievements in reducing maternal mortality, a success story that has drawn international attention, including being highlighted in a case study at Harvard Business School. He stated that this drive for change in the healthcare sector is now being channelled into broader initiatives, including environmental sustainability, to ensure long-term prosperity and stability for Meghalaya. “We are extending the enthusiasm we have shown in bringing down the MMR rate in the state which had become a case study for Harvard Business School to other sectors like socio-environment and forestry for which this workshop plays an important role,” he said.

Recognizing the complexities of sustaining such efforts, he emphasized the importance of autonomy for teams tasked with these initiatives, noting that empowerment enhances problem-solving capacity and confidence.

The Chief Minister also stressed on the vital role of community participation, noting that Meghalaya’s environmental future depends on a strong, inclusive network that integrates local stakeholders and governmental bodies. He explained that the government’s “Payment for Ecosystem Services” (PES) model, which compensates local communities for conserving forest resources, has had a substantial positive impact.

“Upon looking at the introduction of Payment for Ecosystems and its implementation it seems like a lot of investment to pay the community for taking care of our forests but the value of their efforts has a much larger impact because we are preventing the damage of our environment in the long run and also creating livelihood and a strong sense of care for our natural resources,” he explained.

CM Sangma also announced a new water conservation project that involves mapping 5000 springs using latest technology with the intention to conserve water by putting up automatic check dams. He also highlighted the need for immediate interventions and also future preventions of other certain crop diseases through various innovative studies and research.

The Chief Minister further assured stakeholders, including JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and state agencies like MegLife and MBDA, of the government’s continued support in advancing these initiatives.

He also pushed for JICA’s need to work with others sister states of the region as the environment is not constrained to geography as the region as a whole is a sensitive area environmentally and would face severe consequences if not attended at the earliest.

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