Shillong, Nov 29: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (MBB), North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) and The Nature Conservancy Centre (TNCC) to support activities related to conservation, restoration and improved management of natural resources and associated knowledge by communities.
The pact aims to build biodiversity management committees in preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers and capacity building of communities for the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act (2002).
A customised training manual for the needs of Meghalaya in preparing the People’s Biodiversity Registers was also launched through the shared commitment of MBB, NESFAS and TNCC to preserve its natural heritage.
NESFAS executive director Pius Ranee during the opening speech highlighted the significance of preserving indigenous knowledge and biodiversity. “Our partnership with Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, TNCC and its parent organisation has been instrumental in upgrading People’s Biodiversity Registers. So far, we have completed the upgradation of 71, and anticipate reaching close to 300 by 2026. The process involves more than documentation; it is holistic and includes capacity building of communities, identification of nature-based solutions, and planning for landscape-level conservation among many others. We are grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration with MBB and TNCC as we strive to scale these initiatives further across Meghalaya”, he stated.
Dr Sushil Saigal, executive director, TNCC, provided further background on the ongoing project. He noted that TNCC is “a hands-on organisation led by science. We collaborate with governments and communities to implement nature-based solutions that benefit both nature and people. By partnering with NESFAS, we hope to support the already strong linkages between people and nature in the state of Meghalaya. This is a long-term commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.”
R Nainamalai, member secretary of MBB, addressed the gathering by stating the importance of People’s Biodiversity Registers in conserving biodiversity. “NESFAS and TNCC’s people-centric approach to conservation is impressive. Tools like the training module developed by NESFAS are crucial for effective conservation”, he stated. He appreciated the ongoing efforts by NESFAS for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Meanwhile, founding chairperson of NESFAS, Phrang Roy reflected on lessons learned from the past and urged the people to shift their focus to nature-based solutions. “Climate change and income inequality require immediate attention in light of the present-day challenges. To address them, understanding indigenous knowledge and applying community-based approaches is crucial. Empowering local communities and supporting initiatives such as the People’s Biodiversity Registers will help us protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for us. It is also essential to prioritise capacity building and knowledge strengthening to further nourish these initiatives,” he said
He concluded his speech with a call-to-action wherein he spoke about creating a world where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.
A Farmers’ Market was also set up for local farming communities to showcase their products and hence empower them. A plethora of fresh farm produce and other goodies was displayed for the attendees to interact and purchase directly from the farmers where people thronged the vibrant stalls to experience vibrant indigenous flavours.
