A Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) consultation meeting was held at Community Managed Training Center Hall, Pfutsero, under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) JICA, bringing together representatives from 19 project villages to discuss the operationalization of a collective JFMC platform for enhanced community-led forest management and rural development.
Organized by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with the Divisional Management Unit (DMU) Phek, the meeting aimed to strengthen institutional arrangements, participatory decision-making, and convergence with existing government schemes.
The event was attended by village council members, JFMC executive committee representatives, women leaders, and youth, ensuring diverse perspectives in the discussions.
The key discussions and outcomes were – The need for a JFMC platform in the State, where participants discussed the importance of establishing a structured and collective platform for JFMCs to ensure greater impact in community-led forest governance.
Operational Framework for JFMC Platform – Deliberations focused on the structure, objectives, and decision-making mechanisms for an integrated JFMC platform.
Institutional Strengthening – The meeting emphasized the need for clear roles, responsibilities, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the platform’s long-term success.
Community Engagement & Resource Mobilization – Strategies were explored for leveraging government programs and external partnerships to strengthen JFMCs.
Action Plan for the next three months – A roadmap was drafted to guide collective efforts in implementing the JFMC platform effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, NFMP FNGO team leader, Phek & Senior Project Manager FES, Chenibemo Odyuo, emphasized the significance of community-led forest governance, highlighting the need for integration, participatory decision-making, and a structured platform for JFMCs. He further added, “Strengthening JFMCs through collaboration and convergence is key to ensuring sustainable forest management and rural development.”
Regional team leader FES, Sanjay Sharma, stressed the need for community-driven conservation initiatives and assured continued support in strengthening local institutions.
Senior Program Manager FES, Yaranajit Deka, motivated the participants by highlighting the critical role of local communities in protecting and managing their forests.
He emphasized, “This platform has immense potential to amplify community voices, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and drive meaningful change in forest governance. The collective action of JFMCs will shape the future of sustainable forest management in Nagaland.”
The consultation meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to enhance collaboration, institutionalize the JFMC platform, and work towards long-term sustainability in community forest management.