Shillong, Aug 23: A consultation session on land rights and forest rights was held on Saturday here bringing together government stakeholders, traditional and local leaders, women leaders, civil society representatives and community members to discuss the protection and governance of land, forests and community resources.
Hosted by Grassroot, an indigenous peoples rights’ organisation, the consultation focused on customary land governance, forest rights, indigenous peoples’ rights and women’s participation in decision-making spaces.
The first session, ‘Land Rights and Customary Land Governance’, was moderated by advocate Erwin K Syiem Sutnga, with panellists comprising East Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner PK Sangma, advocate Robert Kharjahrin and president of Grassroot Mayfereen Ryntathiang.
The session highlighted the importance of strengthening traditional institutions, including the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Kur, in protecting customary land and community resources. The panelists emphasised the important role of these institutions within the broader customary governance framework of the Sixth Schedule.
The second session, ‘Forest and Community Resources Management’, was moderated by Juster Lyngdoh of MIIT with Wanshan Kharkrang of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Range Forest Officer of Shillong South Julius Blah and Asst Prof Reema V Diengdoh of Shillong College on the panel.
The session highlighted the ecological, cultural and livelihood importance of community-managed forests, the need for greater community participation in conservation, and the promotion of native and locally suitable tree species.
The final session, ‘The Role of Traditional Governance in Safeguarding Land and Forest Rights, with Emphasis on Women’s Contribution’, was addressed by Matthew Makdoh, nominated MDC. The session emphasised the need to strengthen women’s meaningful participation in decision making and the governance of land and forest resources, while improving public awareness and implementation of existing laws.
