Forest stakeholders train for biodiversity conservation and forest management

GANGTOK, 17 June: ¬A total of 105 forest stakeholders attended a two-day training on the management of JFMCs and EDCs of the east and north districts which ended today at the Forest conference hall.
The training was conducted by the JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management project for members of JFMCs and EDCs, Range Officers, Community Organisers and Panchayat members.
The first day of the training covered the theoretical part of biodiversity conservation, while today, the participants received practical sessions.

The training programme explained the project component under the Joint Forest Management model of SBFP projects. It also discussed the technique of micro planning using PRA Tools like APPA, SMART and FRA.
The training had resource persons from the Forest Department and representatives from different organisations, while the RMDD Special Secretary, Sandeep Tambe took a session on the leadership skills and Under Secretary [MGNREGA], Tashi Palmu, shared experiences in micro-planning for village development.
The training covered the topics at micro planning, PRA tools, book-keeping, use of GPS, joint forest management, leadership skills and documentation etc.
Divisional Forest Officer [SBFP] East & North, Dechen Lachungpa, who was also the training coordinator, explains that the training was designed to impart clear information to the selected “Initial Intervention Villages” [IIVs] on the details of items under “Joint Forest Management” Project- SBFP.
The project over a period of three years will be selecting 180 JFMCs and EDCs. This year, 45 JFMCs and EDCs have been selected as IIVs.
These IIVs were selected keeping in mind the cluster approach and the applicability of “Spread effect Village” for selection of committees in the following year.
In addition, certain ‘Criteria Indicators’ for selection of IIV were also applied. The selected IIVs for the North and East District are Theng Chungthang [Chungthang KNP], Leek [Dzongu KNP], Shipger [Dzongu KNP], Singba Faka [Singba Wildlife], Lachung Shingring [Lachung Territorial], Sarchok Dombang [Lachung Territorial], Paney Phensong [Phodong Territorial], Ranmthang Tanek [Phodong Territorial], Kabi Rongpa [Phodong Territorial, Lachen [Lachen Territorial], Rabom [Lachen Territorial] in north district.
In east district, Tsomgo [Kyongnosola Wildlife], Sang [Fambonglho Wildlife], Tumin [Fambonglho Wildlife], Ranka [Fambonglho Wildlife], Phadamchen    [Pangolakha Wildlife], Dalapchen [Pangolakha Wildlife], Kopchey [Rongli Territorial], Luing [Gangtok Territorial] East Pandam    [Pakyong Territorial], Sirwani [Singtam Territorial] Tumlabong [Ranipool Territorial].
Similarly in the South and West District also 23 numbers of such IIVs have been selected. To support the activities under the Joint Forest Management a team of NGOs have also been appointed under the Project were ECOSS for North District, VHAS for East District, KCC for South and West Districts.
In addition to support the NGOs, 25 Community Organizers have been selected who will work in tandem with the JFM committees.