A two-day launching workshop of the Resource Organization on Jhum and Biodiversity (ROJB), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), began on 23rd September 2025 at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur. The programme will continue till 24th September.
The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Dharmendra Prakash, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & HoFF and CPD, NFMP. The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Vilodi Sakhnie, Pastor of Town Baptist Church, Dimapur, followed by a welcome address delivered by M. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Addl. PCCF & Project Director (HRD & RE). A vote of thanks for the inaugural session was delivered by Dr. Prabhat Kumar, IFS, CEO of ROJB Nagaland, who acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders, resource persons, and community representatives.
Chief Representative of JICA India, Takeuchi Takuro, in his address, termed the initiative a milestone for Nagaland’s forestry sector. He stated that ROJB would act as a knowledge hub to integrate scientific research, indigenous practices, and innovative policies in tackling challenges related to Jhum cultivation and biodiversity conservation. He also highlighted the achievements of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), including over 38,000 hectares of plantation and the formation of 429 self-help groups to strengthen community livelihoods. He reaffirmed JICA’s long-term partnership with Nagaland in building a resilient and ecologically sound future.
MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs & Election and Special Guest, Tovihoto Ayemi, lauded the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the project team, and JICA for their dedication in making the initiative a reality. He underlined the cultural, social, and ecological significance of jhum cultivation, describing it as a way of life that sustains food security and community bonds. Stressing the urgent need to address shrinking fallow cycles, declining soil fertility, and biodiversity loss, Ayemi said ROJB is envisioned as a centre of excellence to generate knowledge, strengthen community action, and ensure coexistence between Jhum and biodiversity.
Ayemi also launched the official website and logo of ROJB, marking the formal unveiling of the initiative. On the occasion, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed with partner institutions to strengthen collaboration in research, policy development, and community engagement.
The Project Management Consultancy (PMC) perspective was presented by Jayesh Bhatia, Managing Director of Intellecap. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based strategies, collaborative partnerships, and sustainable livelihood models to address ecological and social challenges of the Northeast. He also highlighted the role of ROJB in promoting policy advocacy, knowledge management, and institutional networking.
The workshop featured four technical sessions with keynote speakers Dr. Vincent Darlong, Environmental Scientist and Deputy Chief Technical Advisor, Indo-German Development Cooperation; Mr. Supong, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Environment, Biodiversity & Research); Amba Jamir, policy and development strategist; and Jayesh Bhatia, MD, Intellecap.
Panelists comprised eminent experts such as Dr. David C. Vanlalfakawma (Mizoram University), Nagato K. Aye (NEIDA), Dr. Sachin Sharma (ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute), Dr. Jayanta Choudhury (Nagaland University), Prof. John Zothanzama (Mizoram University), Subrata Kumar Singh (Foundation for Ecological Security), Dr. Amit Kumar (Wildlife Institute of India), Dr. Selim Reza (bamboo livelihoods expert), Dr. Aditi Tailor (ICFRE), Dr. Ramendra Barman (Fisheries Dept, Assam), Pravin Agarwal, IFS (Tripura cadre), Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi (Assam State Biodiversity Board), and Mr. Van Shanborlang Buhphang (MegLIFE).
The experts will deliberate on themes such as carbon sequestration, bamboo ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, shifting cultivation, community-led wetland and forest management, policy frameworks, and sustainable rural development.
(I.Tiakumla.Ao IA Dimapur)
