Chizokho Vero
February 7
KOHIMA: Since the advent of agriculture to the initiation of resource-intensive industrial processes, human actions have been affecting the environment and its biodiversity, according to the book “State Level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Nagaland that was released by the forest minister Kheto this morning at Hotel Japfu.
Lack of awareness and an indifferent attitude towards the environment emerge as the important factors affecting the biodiversity.
The whole state of Nagaland is rich in biodiversity. A few areas of the state are still pristine and harbour a wide variety of endemic species of plants animals and microorganisms and are experiencing anthropogenic threats of various kinds, the book says.
Nagaland boasts of the tallest rhododendron and the tallest rice plant in the Guinness book of world records, Naga King chilly is a contender for being the hottest chilly in the world. There are numerous rare and endangered species of plants; Blythe’s Tragopan, the state bird and the Mithun, the state mascot are themselves rare species in the world.
“The state is endowed with rich biological diversity yet this resource has been under threat due to increasing human interventions in the recent years, and unless a holistic perspective on management practice is adopted, the scenario is likely to become alarming,” said Kheto.
The minister stressed the need to have a scientific action plan based on conservation initiatives undertaken by the local communities so that indigenous knowledge and practices are gainfully tapped and at the same time ensuring long term livelihood security.
The book penned various factors affecting biodiversity in the state. Nagaland is one of the least industrialized states of the country. However, the adverse impacts of industrialization can already be seen in Tuli and Dimapur. A large number of saw mills and other wood based industries are locally affecting the biodiversity of the state, the book said.
Deforestation on a hilly state like Nagaland often irreparably damages the local ecosystem leading to the loss of native flora and fauna.
Although hunting has been officially banned, a large number of wild animals are still being killed for meat in Nagaland. This is a serious threat, but some public awareness is developing and the people are stating to realize the importance of wildlife and biodiversity.
In Nagaland, shifting cultivation is one of the leading causes of wild fires. In some parts of the state where traditional burning of forest is practiced, large chunks of natural flora and fauna are destroyed.
It also penned that a large proportion of the population of Nagaland depends on traditional medicines derived from plants and animals. Often, extraction of these herbs is not done in a sustainable manner thus affecting the biodiversity.
Nagaland has recorded the fastest population growth during recent decades. This may, the book said, lead to increased pressure on natural resources, loss of forest cover due to spread of agriculture on forest lands thus affecting destruction of natural ecosystems, soil erosion, population fragmentation and increased pressure on biological and other natural resources. Large scale plantations of teak and monoculture of other commercial tree is also changing the vegetation structure in several parts of Nagaland.
“”Creation of jobs for the unemployed will help conserve biodiversity as it will reduce the pressure on forests and other natural ecosystem, “the book says.
The Doyang and Likhimro Hydel projects are bound to cause adverse impacts on the biodiversity of Nagaland, the book continued.
Stating that the state has been blessed with richness of biodiversity and bio resource, eminent writer Chalse Chasie said “our effort need to become firmer bolder and purposeful,” in conservation of biodiversity.
The time has come for us to think big and to think in term of putting Nagaland in the biodiversity map of the world, Chasie added.
B.R. Thong, IAS, commissioner and secretary forest said the forefathers are the best conservator of biodiversity, adding that they maintain harmonious relationship with nature.
A. Rongsenwati Ao, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests said that Nagaland Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is an initiative of the department of forests, ecology, environment and wildlife supported by Ministry of Forests and Environment, which envisages preparing detailed BSAP of all the states in consonance with the National Strategy and Action Plan.
