Shillong, Dec 6: Forty-seven community representatives from 46 villages across eight blocks in East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills have formalised constitution of the Meghalaya Community Conserved Area Forum (MCCAF).
Three state level community conserved area consultations were held before the forum was formed on December 5 at a meeting held at the State Institute of Rural Development in Nongsder, Ri Bhoi.
MCCAF selected 10 office bearers, including two women representing the three regions, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
Community Conserved Areas are biodiversity-rich landscapes traditionally protected by local communities through customary practices and locally governed institutions. These areas reflect the community’s long standing commitment to conserving forests, water sources, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) Regional Head Sanjay Sharma encouraged the forum to be the drivers of the community led conservation and continue the work done by their forefathers towards conservation of the biodiversity and natural resources.
Fowler Darnei, elected President of the MCCAF shared his journey of becoming a conservationist from a hunter and requested all the federating CCAs to work unitedly for preservation of the forest, water resources, culture and traditional practices and work together for a strengthened forum.
Prestine R Marak, elected Vice-President of MCCAF, mentioned that CCA representatives from Khasi, Garo and Jaintia region have joined to form the MCCAF and the communities of the three tribes should make efforts towards the success of the MCCAF by working and planning together.
Attention Syiemlieh, elected Secretary of the MCCAF in his speech highlighted that, while the roles and responsibilities have been entrusted to the office bearers, it is through the collective efforts of the general body that can bring about the success of the MCCAF.
Yaranajit Deka, Senior Programme Manager along with team Meghalaya of FES facilitated the convening during the consultations around finalisation of the constitution of MCCAF and selection of office bearers. The official logo of the forum was also finalised during the convening through discussions.
