Guwahati: The Centre has launched a five-year biodiversity programme in Meghalaya, centred on the Garo Hills region with a focus on local involvement and community-level decision-making.
The initiative is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change along with the National Biodiversity Authority. It is funded by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme, with financial support of over Rs 40 crore. Tamil Nadu has also been selected as another area for implementation.
Officials said the work will cover major biodiversity locations such as Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, where forest areas overlap with lands managed by local communities.
Unlike many other states, the programme in Meghalaya will rely on traditional local bodies. Village Employment Councils will take part in planning, with the aim of linking conservation efforts to local development activities.
The plan also includes strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees and creating platforms where government agencies, local representatives and civil groups can work together to design and carry out conservation plans.
Livelihood support is a key part of the programme. It will encourage small eco-friendly businesses, promote benefit-sharing systems and use CSR funding so that local communities can earn from conservation-related activities.
Officials said the programme will ensure broader involvement by bringing women, indigenous communities and other less-represented groups into conservation-related decision-making.
The initiative also follows India’s long-term biodiversity roadmap and international climate commitments, and plans to record effective practices so they can be adapted in other regions.