Forest and biodiversity management in the Himalayas

active

The aim of the project is to sustainably strengthen the management of so-called Community Conserved Areas (CCA) in seven selected landscape areas in Nagaland in order to protect biodiversity and improve the living conditions of the affected population. The project activities are expected to be carried out in 6 of 11 districts in Nagaland, which comprise a total of 70 villages and 12 CCAs. The plan is to bring together existing CCAs in networks. The population of Nagaland and thus also the target group of the project consists almost exclusively of indigenous tribes. The target group includes the population living near the CCAs, in particular the community members whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on the use of natural resources in/around the CCAs. A total of four program components are planned: 1) development of management plans at the level of the communities, CCAs and landscape areas, 2) implementation of the management plans by community-based organizations, 3) improvement of income opportunities and livelihoods of the local population, and 4) training and capacity building of the various program stakeholders. The project is being run by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB). The Forest Department and Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development, NEPED (both state institutions) are the implementation partners at the local level. The total cost of the project is expected to be EUR 9.4 million, of which EUR 6.5 million will be provided as an FC grant within the framework of the project. The Indian contribution is estimated at EUR 2.9 million.