HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 28: Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and WWF-India signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Wednesday aimed at developing and implementing strategy for conservation of forest and wildlife conservation in Karbi Anglong, Assam.
The signing of the MoA took place between chief executive member (CEM), KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang and Dipankar Ghose, senior director, Biodiversity, WWF India at the conference hall of Old KAAC secretariat.
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The agreement marks a commitment to collaborative conservation initiatives that respect and empower local communities in protecting their natural resources.
Speaking on the occasion, CEM, Tuliram Ronghang stated “This is an important day for us, where we are looking forward to ensure future sustainability for our people and nature.”
“The partnership with WWF-India is a crucial step towards developing an inclusive strategy for conservation of forests and wildlife that we will endeavour to implement jointly with WWF-India and other agencies and organisations,” he added.
The Principal Secretary, KAAC, Mukul Kumar Saikia, IAS said, “The KAAC is excited to get into this formal collaboration with WWF-India for securing the natural heritage within the jurisdiction of the Council.”
“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with WWF-India through establishment of a participatory approach to conserve wildlife and their habitats,” he continued.
Dipankar Ghose, senior director, Biodiversity Conservation, WWF-India said “This formal approval from the highest decision-making authority at the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council for our efforts to conserve the rich biodiversity of Karbi Anglong is inspiring.”
He further said, “WWF-India has been working in this region for more than two decades and this formal agreement will strengthen our collaboration for promoting a community based conservation approach. We are committed to supporting the KAAC and the local communities to secure their forests and wildlife.”
WWF-India has been actively engaged for inclusive conservation efforts in Karbi Anglong since 2004, working to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
The MoA outlines a framework for joint initiatives between KAAC and WWF-India, focusing on several key areas like community-based conservation.
The approach will empower local communities to manage and protect their natural resources effectively and sustainably.
Ecological security, where both parties will work together to ensure the long-term ecological security of the region, addressing climate change impacts, protection of threatened species and the conservation of water catchments.
Sustainable livelihoods that aim to support sustainable livelihood initiatives aligning with the cultural heritage of local communities. It also include provisions for securing wildlife corridors that connect Kaziranga National Park with the forests of Karbi Anglong, facilitating the movement of wildlife and preserving habitats and a capacity building by WWF – India will assist KAAC in the establishment of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) and provide technical support for the implementation of conservation strategies
The signing of the MoA and the introduction of policy guidelines for recognising CCAs signify a progressive step towards inclusive conservation in Karbi Anglong, recognising the vital role of local communities in safeguarding their natural heritage. Both WWF – India and KAAC are committed to maintaining transparency and collaboration throughout the implementation of these initiatives, fostering a sustainable future for the region’s rich biodiversity.
MP Amarsing Tisso executive members EMs, KAAC, member of Autonomous Council (MAC) and principal secretary, KAAC, Mukul Kumar Saikia were present at the meetingfrom KAAC side.
WWF-India was represented by Dr Dipankar Ghose, Sr director, Biodiversity, WWF India, and Dr PJ Bora, Representative of WWF. Dr Vijay Gupta, IFS, additional principal chief conservation, Karbi Anglong and DFOs were also present.
