In one of the first of its kind initiative the Pormawlai Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) has launched a project on clouded leopard conservation.
The project funded by Panthera in collaboration with the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF), Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat project, and Indian Youth Biodiversity Network (IYBN)-Meghalaya chapter aims to protect and preserve the habitat of this majestic species through long term community engagement.
To commemorate this significant milestone, a statue of the clouded leopard was unveiled at the Pormawlai village, which was attended by Dr. Jim Sanderson, Program Manager for Wild Cat Conservation, and Dr. Giridhar Malla, member of the IUCN cat specialist.
Dr. Sanderson spoke about the conservation of small cats all around the world and Dr. Malla briefed about the ongoing projects in the Northeast.
Chairman of the Pormawlai BMC, Rapthap Ryntong shared his inspiring journey of forest restoration, which began in 2016.
The event included discussions with representatives from the Wildlife Department, Social Forestry, Nongstoiñ, and the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board.
Representatives from four other BMCs of Nongdaju Kodang Rashir, Riangmaw Margaret Mawsor, Riangkhain Damen Mawsor, and Iawnaw Destarwell Nianglang also attended the event.
This project implementation in these BMCs is a testament to the community’s dedication to environmental stewardship and serves as a role model of grassroots conservation efforts. It highlights the importance of collaborative initiatives in protecting the planet’s precious biodiversity.
