Tura: More than 35 Nokmas from across the Garo Hills were honoured on Thursday for their vital contribution to forest protection and wildlife conservation, in a programme jointly organised by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), with support from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and the World Land Trust.
The event, held at SMELC, Tura, recognised the village headmen and their communities for dedicating ancestral aking land to create and protect Village Reserve Forests (VRFs)—a cornerstone of the long-running Garo Green Spine conservation initiative.
WTI, in collaboration with GHADC and the Meghalaya Forest Department, has spent over two decades restoring and securing forest patches between West Garo Hills and Nokrek National Park to strengthen connectivity with Balpakram National Park.
To date, 40 VRFs covering 6,753 hectares have been notified, enabling safe passage for elephants and other wildlife, while over 600 hectares of degraded forests have been revived.
Officials said the achievements would not have been possible without the Nokmas, whose decision to conserve their land has helped preserve biodiversity and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Chairing the event, GHADC Forest & Environment EM H.R. Sangma urged community leaders to continue expanding VRFs and protect wildlife.
WTI Trustee Emeritus Prof. P.C. Bhattacharjee described the project as a global model for community-led conservation.
GHADC also presented WTI with a Certificate of Appreciation for its 23 years of conservation work in the region.
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Accepting the honour, WTI Vice President Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari said the people of Garo Hills had created “a global example” by setting aside land for wildlife and ecological restoration.
The highlight of the programme was a community pledge in which Nokmas reaffirmed their commitment to protect their aking land and forests.
GHADC CFO Rangkhu Sangma said the day marked an important milestone, acknowledging the perseverance of local communities in conserving forests despite development pressures.
Sharing his experience, Kremith T. Sangma, Nokma of Selbalgre, said forest restoration efforts had brought back gibbons, deer and revived local streams.
The event also featured a traditional Wangala dance, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Garo Hills.
