WTI and GHADC Honours Nokmas for Pioneering Community-Led Conservation Efforts

 

Tura, December 4: In a remarkable celebration of community-led conservation, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), supported by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and the World Land Trust, felicitated the Nokmas—traditional village headmen—of over 35 villages across Garo Hills on 4th December 2025 at SMELC, Tura, Meghalaya.

For more than two decades, WTI has worked closely with GHADC and the Meghalaya Forest Department to secure and restore crucial forest patches between West Garo Hills and Nokrek National Park, aiming to establish a continuous wilderness corridor connecting to Balpakram National Park—an ecological landscape known as the Garo Green Spine. Through this long-term effort, 40 Village Reserve Forests (VRFs) covering 6,753 hectares have been notified, ensuring safe passage for elephants (locally known as Mongma) and other wildlife. Additionally, over 600 hectares of degraded forests have been successfully restored.

The centerpiece of this achievement has been the unwavering support of the Nokmas and their clan members, who have generously offered their ancestral aking land for conservation. By safeguarding their forests, they have strengthened wildlife connectivity, protected biodiversity, and ensured that the landscape remains healthy for future generations.

The felicitation ceremony was chaired by Mr. H.R. Sangma, EM Forest & Environment, GHADC, and attended by distinguished guests including Prof. P.C. Bhattacharjee, Trustee Emeritus, WTI; Mr. Rangkhu Sangma, Jt. Secretary & CFO, GHADC; Mr. P.R. Marak, Joint Secretary, GHADC; and Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Vice President & Chief of Conservation, WTI.

Prof. Bhattacharjee described the Garo Green Spine project as a global model of community-driven conservation, emphasizing that the success of WTI’s efforts would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of the Nokmas and local communities. The Nokmas also shared their experiences, acknowledging existing challenges while expressing gratitude to WTI and GHADC for continued support.

Highlighting 23 years of dedicated conservation action in the region, GHADC presented WTI with a Certificate of Appreciation. Dr. Tiwari praised the people of Garo Hills for creating an international example of community-led conservation, benefitting both wildlife and local livelihoods.

A major highlight of the event was the community conservation pledge, reaffirming the commitment of the Nokmas to protect their aking lands. Mr. Rangkhu Sangma noted that despite developmental pressures, the perseverance of local communities has helped preserve the region’s forests, rivers, and wildlife.

Sharing a success story, Mr. Kremith T. Sangma, Nokma of Selbalgre, noted that restored forests have brought back gibbons, deer, and rejuvenated streams vital for village needs. The event concluded with a vibrant Wangala dance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Garo people.