Nagaland’s Forest Project Recognized with SKOCH Award

The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) has been honored with the SKOCH Award 2024, a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding contributions to national development. The award was presented during the 100th SKOCH Summit held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on February 15, 2025. Ango Konyak, Deputy Project Director of NFMP, and Wennyei Konyak, Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House in New Delhi, accepted the award on behalf of the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (DEFCC), Government of Nagaland (GoN). The project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is focused on improving forest ecosystems, rehabilitating jhum (shifting cultivation) areas, and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable practices.

The NFMP is a significant initiative with a 10-year timeline, aiming to conserve forests and uplift communities through targeted interventions. The project spans 185 villages across 11 districts in Nagaland and covers an area of over 79,000 hectares. The core goal is to enhance forest management, promote environmental conservation, and generate sustainable livelihoods in rural areas, with the formation of self-help groups being a key component of the project.

Key Objectives

• Project Goal: Improve forest ecosystems, support income generation, and rehabilitate jhum areas.
• Implementation: The project is managed by the DEFCC, Government of Nagaland, with assistance from JICA.
• Duration: 2017-2027.

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Coverage

• Area Covered: 79,096 hectares under forest intervention, with 185 villages across 11 districts and 22 forest ranges.
• Livelihood Support: 555 self-help groups to be formed under the livelihood component.
• Focus Areas: Sustainable forest management, environmental conservation, and improving livelihoods through village-specific interventions.

Award

• SKOCH Award 2024, presented as part of the 100th SKOCH Summit.
• The SKOCH Award is one of India’s highest independent honors for states and organizations, recognizing excellence in governance, public service, and social development.
• The NFMP’s successful implementation showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and international agencies like JICA in promoting sustainable forest management and improving the well-being of rural populations.