Monday 30 April 2012

Save Lamu Holds Stakeholder Meetings

On 25 and 27 April 2012, Natural Justice partner Save Lamu held two stakeholder meetings for Lamu County’s two districts: Lamu West and Lamu East. The meetings were designed to facilitate dialogue among community members, civil servants, and other organizations and individuals involved in and affected by the Lamu Area Port South Sudan-Ethiopia Transit corridor (LAPSSET) project. Over thirty stakeholders attended the 25 April meeting for Lamu West, including the District Commissioner and local chiefs. They listened to the community’s concerns and heard their demands, which included sharing of information by the government, preparation of an environmental and social impact statement, and investigating and addressing land rights violations. As the Chairman of the Lamu Council of Elders stated, the community “is informed, but never consulted.” Importantly, the District Commissioner acknowledged that an environmental impact assessment needs to be prepared for the entire LAPSSET project (as opposed to different phases of the project in piecemeal fashion) and that land rights are an important issue that needs to be dealt with. He committed to engaging with the community as plans for the port develop. 

The 27 April meeting for Lamu East took place in Faza, on Pate Island, and was attended by over fifty stakeholders, including community members, chiefs and religious leaders. Members of Save Lamu provided information on Save Lamu’s activities and goals. They shared assessments of positive and negative impacts of the port that had been prepared by community members during meetings held the previous month. Additionally, the Faza meeting allowed community members from Lamu East to learn about Save Lamu’s objectives, express their concerns regarding the port, and to raise issues with chiefs in attendance. With the 25 and 27 April meetings, Save Lamu took further steps toward ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in the development of the LAPSSET project. 

Save Lamu is a member of the African BCP Initiative, coordinated jointly by Natural Justice, CIKOD, Compas ED and the ABS Capacity Development Initiative for Africa.

Sunday 29 April 2012

Meghalaya CM in Delhi today, to take up issue of ‘discrimination’

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will arrive in New Delhi on Monday. He is expected to take up the issue of suicide of his niece Dana Sangma, who hanged herself on Amity University campus last week, allegedly after she was caught cheating during her MBA second semester examination.

Sangma had alleged discrimination against youths from the Northeast following Dana’s suicide and had blamed university officials for pushing her to the wall prompting her to take the extreme step. He is expected to meet senior officials in Gurgaon and discuss issues regarding the incident on a personal level.

The Chief Minister is also expected to address the media on the issue of discrimination against students from Northeastern states in NCR at the press club on Monday afternoon. Sangma had earlier told Newsline that he will be in Delhi and pursue the matter of his niece’s suicide personally.

After the incident, Sangma had said that he had also talked to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda over phone and apprised him about the situation. Sangma had also sent an official letter to Hooda describing how students from the Northeast have been subjected to discrimination in the NCR in the past as well.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister had also alleged that since Dana was was a tribal, she had been subjected to humiliation and discrimination. “We are proud of the diversity in out country, but a few people tend to do such things. I will follow up the matter with the National Commission of Schedule Caste and Tribes,” Sangma had said.

Sangma also sent a Assistant Resident Commissioner to investigate the matter of Dana’s suicide and officer has been given the copies of the performa which Dana was made to write after she was allegedly found cheating.

In the meantime, police have already lodged a case under Section 3 of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 and another case of abetment to suicide against the university. The matter is being investigated by an ACP.

A four-member National Commission of Women team had also visited the Amity campus a couple of days ago and questioned officials after taking suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Rs 10 lakh for info on Meghalaya rebel

The Meghalaya Police has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Sohan D Shira, a dreaded militant and self-styled commander-in-chief of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). The police have also put price tags on several other leaders, with cash rewards ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50,000.

State police chief N Ramachandran on Sunday asked people having information to “quietly” call up the police on a special telephone number and also send information to a specific e-mail address. “Quietly give us a ring and discharge your responsibility as a citizen,” the DGP said in a press release.

He also gave out a list of 12 “commanders” of the GNLA information about whom would fetch a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each. They included deputy C-in-C Rupanto R Marak, Baichung Ch Momin, Kram Marak, Savio R Marak, Babang William, Walshrang Sangma, Philiport alias Rakban, Hedeo Ch Momin, Jack Marak, Reading T Sangma and Bryan Sim R Marak.

“Sohan and all other commanders of the GNLA are wanted in senseless killings, bombings, kidnapping and extortion cases in Meghalaya,” the DGP’s statement said.

Headed by Champion R Sangma, a DySP of the Meghalaya Police who had deserted the force to float the underground group about three years ago, the GNLA has killed as many as 30 people in the state.

The police have also announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to persons who help the police in arresting any cadre armed with AK-series rifles and Rs 50,000 in nabbing a cadre with small arms or grenades.

Meghalaya gears up for blockade

SHILLONG: Law and order in the capital and its adjoining areas remained calm on Saturday, even as the administration is gearing up for the three-night road blockade called by the four NGOs in protest against the alleged inclusion of voters with "dubious" origin in the electoral rolls.

"Paramilitary forces are helping police maintain vigil in the state capital, which was witness to incidents of arson a few days ago," the officer said.

The traffic department is also preparing for the night road blockades called by the NGOs. "We have chalked out measures to ensure smooth flow of traffic and those taking law into their own hands or trying to impose blockades will be dealt with in accordance with the law," the police officer asserted.

Four NGOs - Khasi Students' Union, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front have called for a fresh series of road blockade, which is likely to hamper movement of traffic on national highway that is the lifeline for various other NE states. The NGOs alleged that persons of dubious antecedents have been enrolling themselves in the electoral roll of the state. The government, however, said the "doubtful voter' category, which is in vogue in neighbouring Assam is not applicable in Meghalaya.

Thursday 26 April 2012

Meghalaya govt does away with special cell for voter

Shillong, Apr 27 : Under pressure from ngos, the Meghalaya government today decided to do away with the special cell for enrollment of voters here, as a first step to check that no dubious voters were enrolled. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting convened by Home Minister H D R Lyngdoh and the Election Minister J A Lyngdoh with government officials. "The government has decided to remove the special voter facilitation cell at the DC's office as a first step to pacifying the NGOs," Lyngdoh told PTI. He said, the special facilitation cell would be shifted to the room of the additional district magistrate at the office of the DC. On the enrollment drives in four Khasi Jaintia Hills districts, the home minister said the government would decide at a later time. According to the government's decision, the voter registration forms would be distributed by the ADM in charge of East Khasi Hills district, D M Wahlang. East Khasi Hills district authorities have registered more than 3000 additional voters from January 5 this year, out of which less than 500 were non-indigenous eligible voters. Earlier in the day, talks were held between Meghalaya government and four tribal bodies, protesting the alleged enrollment of doubtful voters in the state. A delegation of the NGOs met the home minister and election minister, Chief Election officer P Naik and other senior election and police department officials and demanded that enrollment drives at special cells at the offices of deputy commissioners and sub divisional officers should be stopped. Khasi Students Union, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Synjuk Seng Samla Shnong and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front had yesterday called a two-day road blockade in protest against alleged enrolment of doubtful voters in the state. They demanded that migrants and foreign nationals did not get voting rights. "We have asked the government to put on hold the enrollment drive through special cells at the offices of the deputy commissioner and the subdivisions," Khasi Students Union chief Daniel Khyriem told reporters after the meeting. Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People acting president Joe Marwein said, "Enrollment drives should be conducted at village level to prevent any dubious voter from getting themselves enrolled in the state."

Saw mill set afire in Meghalaya

Shillong, Apr 27 : A saw mill belonging to Umroi MLA Stanly Wiss Rymbai was set on fire during the blockade hours at the Export Promotion Industrial Park, Umiam near here, police said today. Mawlong Saw cum Veneer Mills, which is located below the scenic Umiam Lake, about 15 kilometer from here, was reduced to ashes when miscreants lobbed a molotov bomb late last night. The firebrigade which rushed to the industrial park failed to douse the intensity of the flames. An FIR has been lodged at the Umiam PS against unidentified miscreants by the MLA. In a separate incident, unidentified miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at the chowkidar's quarter of the SDO Irrigation, Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district, police said. A computer and windows were damaged by the fire even as the timely act of the chowkidar prevented the fire engulfing the entire room, they said. In the wee hours today, a trucker was seriously injured when he jumped out of his vehicle on seeing that a petrol bomb was hurled. There were reports of stone pelting and hurling of molotovs in Umsning, Byrnihat and other areas, police said.

Meeting with Meghalaya NGO's inconclusive

Shillong, Apr 27 :With four tribal ngos holding night blockade of roads in four districts of the Khasi Jaintia hills in Meghalaya in protest against alleged enrolment of dubious voters, talks between them and the state government was inconclusive today. At the talks, the ngos opposed enrolment drives at special cells at the offices of deputy commissioners and subdivisional officers. "We have asked the government to put on hold the enrolment drive through special cells at the offices of the deputy commissioner and the subdivisions," Khasi Students Union President Daniel Khyriem told reporters after the meeting. "Instead enrolment drives should be conducted at the village level to prevent any dubious voter from getting themselves enrolled in the state," Acting President of Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Joe Marwein, said. The other two NGOs were the Synjuk Seng Samla Shnong and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front. The ngos met Home Minister H D R Lyngdoh, Election Minister J A Lyngdoh and officials of the election and the police departments. Chief Election officer P Naik maintained that there was no D-voter in the state. Meghalaya with a population of nearly three million has completed registering 13.75 lakh voters out of 14.9 lakh voters. Naik said the enrolment drive would continue as per Election Commission directives. Law and order in the four districts have been affected by the two day road blockade since yesterday. Extra para military forces have been deployed around sensitive installations in the city during the road blockade hours, East Khasi Hills district deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal told

Meghalaya Board results 2012 today

Meghalaya Board of School Education is likely to announce its results on April 26 at 9 pm. The results will be announced for Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (2012) for Science and Commerce.

To check your results, click here

Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) first started in 1974, but after 1996, when the University (NEHU) discontinued the Pre-University Course, it was taken over by the Board, since then all the financial matters, relating with SSLC and HSSLC branch were being dealt by the Board itself.

After 1996, the Board is handling all the academic matters related with framing of syllabus for all the classes, including SSLC and HSSLC.

Wednesday 25 April 2012

'D-voter category not applicable in Meghalaya'

SHILLONG: In the backdrop of sporadic incidents of violence by suspected NGO activists on the issue of issuance of electoral photo identity cards (EPIC), the state government on Wednesday made it categorical that it was strictly following instructions of the Election Commission (EC) in this regard and that the "doubtful voter" category was not applicable in Meghalaya.

Dwelling on the process of issuance of EPICs, chief electoral officer (CEO) Prashant Naik said it was an "open process with enough safeguards", even as he iterated that he had been following the directions of the EC. "I have officially communicated this to the NGOs," the CEO said. He added that the authorities were prepared to look into specific cases of objection as per provisions of law.

"Our idea is to include all eligible voters without any communal divide," said Naik. We agree that no foreign national should be included in the electoral roll," he said. He added that there was a mechanism available for checks and balances.

Asked about the issues raised by NGOs on alleged inclusion of foreigners in the electoral rolls, Naik exhorted them to formally file their objections. "We will take action. I am always available to talk as I am a public servant. If anyone is a foreigner, he has to be deported as per provisions of law," the CEO said.

Commenting on the issue of "doubtful voters", the CEO said the provision was applicable only to Assam and not any other state in the country because of "certain specific issues" related to the Assam agitation. Clarifying that there were two categories of Nepalese inhabitants in India, Indian Nepalese and Nepali Nepalese, he said only the former had the right to vote in this country as per provisions of the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950.

Emphasizing that electoral rolls were prepared on the basis that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible voter is included, he said there are 13.75 lakh voters in the state at present. "However, the projected number of electorate on the basis of census is 14.9 lakh," he added.

He said voters' facilitation cells have been opened in the office of deputy commissioners and sub-divisional officers for issue of forms for inclusion, deletion, transfer and correction of electoral roll as per EC guidance.

On the other hand, the state government on Wednesday invited the four NGOs agitating against the alleged enrolment of "dubious voters" in the state for talks.

No Dubious Voters in Meghalaya: Chief Election Officer

Meghalaya government today claimed that there were no "dubious" voters in the hill state.

"There are no doubtful voters in Meghalaya. 'Dubious' or 'D' voter category is applicable only in Assam as they are yet to have the EPIC card system", state Chief Election Officer P Naik told reporters.

The Election official, however, said, "If there are any such voters, people should come forward and let us know of these people".

According to the official, "Anybody can file their objection against those ineligible voters and the election department will take action as per law".

Meghalaya with a population of nearly three million has completed registering 13.75 lakh eligible voters. The projected voters on the basis of census population is 14.9 lakh.

On the low registration of voters, Naik said, "No state can have 100 per cent enrolment. We are somewhere in the middle compared to percentage of enrolment of other states in the country", admitting that there was pressure from the Election Commission to increase the enrolment of voters.

He said, "The electoral rolls are prepared on the basis that no eligible voter is to be left out and no ineligible voter is to be included and there are mechanisms for check and balance."

Special counters or voter’s facilitation cells (VFC) have been set up in all the districts and sub-divisions of the state for issue of forms for inclusion, deletion, transfer, correction of names in the electoral roll in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of India, the official said.

On the alleged issuance of residential certificates by few elected representatives in the state, Naik said, “As per the rule of the Election Commission, certificates issued by elected representatives having vested interest are not at all acceptable.”

He said, "We do not entertain such certificates from MLAs".

The election official also clarified that those Nepalese who are residents of the state and have citizen certificates are eligible to vote.

Tibetans residing in the state, about 700 of them, are not eligible to vote, he added.

Meghalaya's oranges,strawberries find market route to Bdesh

Shillong, Apr 26 : Meghalaya's famed oranges and the juicy strawberries of the hills will soon find its way to neighbouring Bangladesh through a local newly revived traditional 'border haat' at Balat, officials said today. "The inclusion of these agricultural items was made possible after officials of both the countries agreed that apart from the five kilometer radius, produce of the concerned district of designated haats will be allowed to be traded through the border haat," D M Wahlang, Chairman Balat Haat Management Committee (HMC) told PTI. The recently notified order from the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), NER said, "locally produced garments, melamine products, processed food items, fruit juice etc., produced in the concerned districts of the designated haats will be allowed to be traded at the haats." According to the HMC official, since strawberry and oranges are produced in East Khasi Hills district (the concerned district in which Balat falls), these produce could get their way to Bangladesh through the border haat. At present, Meghalaya is sixth producer of strawberries and is generally grown in Ri-Bhoi district and is a leading producer of the Khasi mandarin type of oranges. The new haat through Balat will significantly reduce distance, travel time of the perishable commodity and transportation cost for the farmers, officials of the HMC said.

'Meghalaya village bodies trying to snatch Assam land'

GUWAHATI: Sniffing fresh conspiracy to create tension in tribal villages along the Assam-Meghalaya border once again, the Garo National Council (GNC) on Tuesday alleged that a section of village bodies in Meghalaya are hand-in -glove with anti-social elements to snatch Assam land.

Concerned over the notice issued by the Hima Raid Mansaw Council to some Assam villagers for opposing settlement of people belonging to Maram Khasi group of Meghalaya in Assam, GNC, a social organization of the Garo community in Assam, urged the Assam government to beef up security along the Assam-Meghalaya border in lower Assam's Kamrup (Rural) and Goalpara districts.

"We are very much concerned over the Hima Raid Mansaw Council's move. One of the sardars of the Hima Raid Mansaw Council, along with some of officials of the council, want to carve out Garo-inhabited Bangjeng village and 22 other Khasi villages from Assam," alleged Benedict Areng, the president of GNC, while addressing the media here.

He said the sardar of the Hima Raid Mansaw Council has been able to include Samrang village in Meghalaya by settling 21 Maram Khasi families from West Khasi Hills in Samrang, which belongs to Assam. "Those villagers who protested the move of the sardar have been issued summons by the Hima Raid Mansaw Council to come to Umjaniang village to give a reply on April 21," questioned Areng.

The GNC had approached the Kamrup (Rural) district administration of Assam regarding the recent developments at Samrang village, but said the administration is yet to take steps on the issue. "Altogether 37 families living at Samrang village were allotted land pattas by Boko revenue circle of Kamrup (rural) district. They have got ration cards from the Assam government. How can the Meghalaya government claim the village. A similar approach has been adopted by the officials of Meghalaya government in 105 Assam villages along the Assam-Meghlaya border," said Areng.

Flag march in Meghalaya capital ahead of road blockade

Shillong, April 25 : Meghalaya police and paramilitary forces staged a flag march in the capital apprehending violence following a two-day road blockade called from tonight in four districts of the Khasi Jantia hills.

Four NGOs, Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, the Synjuk Seng Samla Shnong and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front have called the road blockade in protest against alleged enrolment of doubtful voters in the state.

They have demanded steps to ensure that migrants and foreign nationals did not get voting rights. The official vehicle of Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai was torched yesterday. Police patrol has also been intensified in vulnerable areas, East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal told PTI.

He said that para military forces would be deployed around sensitive installations in the city during the road blockade. Director General of Police, N Ramachandran has directed district police chiefs to take preventive measures to maintain peace. Police arrested 12 KSU members alleged to be behind the stray incidents since Monday. They were released later on PR bonds.

Ulu Papar Community Congress

Harry Jonas attended a Community Congress focusing on biocultural diversity from the 18-22 of April. The Congress was hosted by the communities of Ulu Papar, held in Buayan and organized by the Global Diversity Foundation's community researchers. It was attended by a range of community members, including from Batu Puteh, Kudat and the Kinabalu area. 

Over the two main days of work, community representatives, NGOs and Sabah Parks representatives engaged in a number of sessions including on indigenous and community conserved areas, medicinal plants, community-based tourism, agriculture and tree planting, land issues, traditional knowledge, customary law (tagal), and the development of Ulu Papar. Community members also developed a draft resolution that among other things references the Ulu Papar Biocultural Community Protocol. In addition to the work, participants enjoyed Kampung Buayan's hospitality and good food, played football (Kg Buayan triumphed!), engaged in cultural performances and sang songs together. Harry thanks Pastor Julius and Irene for putting him up, JKKK Albert and KK John for hosting the Congress, and GDF for the excellent organization.

View photos from the Congress here.

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Shillong, Apr 25 : In a move to get closer to their roots, the indigenous Khasis living in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam has invited the Meghalaya government to the 50th anniversary celebration of the village. Scheduled to be held on May 3, Kalibitti village in East Karbi-Anglong district has decided to celebrate the day in due grandeur. Among the invitees were Union Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H Pala, State Congress chief D D Lapang, Education Minister R C Laloo, prominent NGOs besides citizens of the state. We have decided to invite the Meghalaya government and its people in order to bridge the gap between our tribes in Assam and Meghalaya, Karbi-anglong District Khasi Students Union (KD-KSU) political secretary Glowstarwel Tyrngai, told reporters at a news conference today. Tyrngai who is also the headman of Kalibitti village said, "the occasion will give us a chance to reconnect with our roots", adding that "since the inter-state divide in the 70s, the Khasis living in Assam were left orphaned". Kalibitti village was founded by three gentlemen  Jattar Rupsi, Holy Rupsi and T Phawa who were originally from Bataw in Jaintia Hills district. The village now has a total of more than 200 households. Most of the people are engaged in beetle leaves, beetles nuts, turmeric, and ginger cultivation as their source of livelihood. Highlighting the problems faced by the Khasis living in Assam, Tyrngai however said, One of the major problem faced by us is the non-accessibility for government job adding that the educated youths in the village hardly get a job in the government. In term of developmental activities, he said, less facilities are being extended to the village, as of now we have only one government school set up. He said there are around 30,000 khasis living in East Karbi Anglong district and are recognized as Schedule Tribe.

Monday 23 April 2012

Security stepped up in Shillong after arson attacks

Shillong, April 24  — Security was stepped up Monday in the Meghalaya state capital after activists went on rampage torching vehicles following a public rally against the inclusion of doubtful voters in the electoral rolls, police said.

A Meghalaya government vehicle was totally gutted when unidentified arsonists hurled an inflammable substance at it a few metres away from the venue of the rally at Motphran.

Later, a truck was set on fire at Mawlai area and a haystack at Pynthorumkhrah.

"The attacks were a premeditated one. All the attacks have taken place after the public rally. We have stepped up our security arrangement and additional security have been deployed in certain parts of the capital to prevent further attacks," Meghalaya Director General of Police N. Ramachandran told IANS.

Three influential social organisations - the Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front Monday convened the rally demanding withdrawal names of "dubious voters" from the electoral rolls.

The organisations have also called for a two day-night road blockade beginning Wednesday.

Police picked up 20 KSU activists in connection with the torching of the government vehicle. However, all the 20 were released after police found them that they were not behind the arson attack.

Resource Kit on PA Governance Update

From IUCN.org
After an in-depth review of the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) Programme of Work on Protected Areas, the CBD and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas identified a lack of progress on governance, participation, equity and benefit sharing. The CBD requested that GIZ lead the development of a resource kit on protected area of governance with support from many key actors in protected areas management. 

The structure of the resource kit is currently in two volumes. The first volume is focuses on defining key conceptions and ‘offers some step-by-step advice on how to assess the state and quality of governance of protected area systems and sites, identifying gaps and understanding possible remedies.’ The second volume ‘contains activities to help trainers to design and conduct capacity development workshops.’ 

The final version of the resource kit will be ready for comments in late June, 2012. Read more and find how to volunteer to comment on the resource kit here.

Sunday 22 April 2012

Experts suggest fresh approach to ease Shillong water woes

SHILLONG: Even with summer just about to set in, Meghalaya's annual water crisis have started and the several ambitious water-supply projects that were inaugurated with much fanfare have come to nothing. Experts believe that authorities should now start looking at easy and affordable solutions to the crisis. "For example, the abundant natural springs in Meghalaya could to be scientifically developed to providing safe drinking water in the state, especially in rural areas," said an environmentalist. The urban areas, including Shillong, have several natural springs. Lack of official initiative to harness the bounty of nature in a comprehensive manner is missing.

The pristine springs are the main source of water supply and outlet of ground water in Meghalaya, the Central Ground Water Board had pointed out long ago. In fact, about 200 springs have a discharge rate of 120 litres per minute in rural Meghalaya.

"The Central Ground Water Board conducted resource evaluation studies, but there has been no movement in this regard ever since," an official said. "Development of springs will solve the crisis. The board had also identified an artesian belt in West Garo Hills where no power is needed to lift the ground water," he says.

Saturday 21 April 2012

Meghalaya Governor turns strawberry farmer!

SHILLONG, April 22  – “Let me take you down, cause I’m going to the strawberry field…”. Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary seems to be humming this legendary Beatles song these days on his way to the strawberry fields at the Raj Bhavan.
Mooshahary, the former chief of the National Security Guard and Border Security Force, revealed the softer side of his personality and said he has been farming the “fruit of love” at the Raj Bhavan for sometime now.

The Governor, who was speaking at the Strawberry festival held annually by the Meghalaya Horticulture department and the Ri-Bhoi Strawberry Growers’ Association, said he has managed to farm at least 100 kg of strawberry at the Raj Bhavan fields. The Governor said that the amorous fruit is not just economically viable, but also has tremendous health benefits.

In terms of nutrition, strawberry has some of the essential vitamins needed for good health. The fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and energy.

As part of Meghalaya’s Horticulture development programme, strawberry cultivation has been given tremendous support by the State Government.

The cultivation of the fruit was introduced as a pilot project in Ri-Bhoi district and is now a major agro industry for some of the growers in the State. Currently, Meghalaya is the largest producer of strawberry in the North East.

Meanwhile, the annual strawberry festival has become a tourist attraction and also provides a platform for the farmers to interact directly with the buyers. C Rangad, Director of Horticulture said, some of the farmers in Ri-Bhoi were earning substantially due to the huge demand for the fruit.

Meghalaya is largest producer of strawberry in North-East

Shillong, Apr 22 :  Meghalaya is the largest producer of strawberry in the North-East and is the sixth largest producer of the 'fruit of love' in the entire country, officials said today. Lauding the government's effort to promote the people's livelihood, Governor R S Mooshahary said cultivation of strawberry serves two purposes. "One is for promoting wealth but alongside this horticultural crop contains lots of nutritional properties which is good for health." "The concept of strawberry cultivation by the farmers should not be concentrated only for commercial purposes but should also leave aside some for their children to get the advantage of health nutrients that fruit has," he said. The Governor who is a strawberry grower himself has produced about 100 kg of strawberry at the Raj Bhavan campus. "Meghalaya has enormous potentials in term of horticultural produce and the state will not only be famous for the clouds and rains but soon it will become popular of its horticultural products," Mooshahary said. "Strawberry cultivation has contributed a lot to the welfare of the people and has to a larger extent increase the living and economic standards of the farmers in term of health care and education," Director of Horticulture C O Rngad said at a Strawberry Festival organised by the strawberry farmers association here. He said, "some of these enterprising farmers earned up to 6 figure income which is a major boon to the state of Meghalaya," adding that the demand for this fruit has tremendously increased over the years."

Friday 20 April 2012

Mukul Govt completes 2 years

SHILLONG, Apr 21 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today completed two years in office, saying his Government is about “institutionalising development plans through new ideas.”
Sangma said that his Government would release a performance report highlighting its achievements during the past two years. The report would be released on April 25.

“We are embarking upon new ideas of institutionalising development plans, he said adding, the Meghalaya United Alliance Government (MUA) is assessing whether it has been able to keep some of the promises made to the people of the State.

He, however, admitted that there were lacunas in implementing some of the developmental programmes in the State. Although many developmental projects are going on in the State, they are marred by delays.

Sangma said that some projects do face hurdles during implementation due to various factors like the State’s hostile terrain; however, the Government is trying its best to see that the delays are minimised. “Certain deficiencies are there in the system and we are trying to address this issue,” he added.

Touching on the insurgency problem, Sangma said that his Government was trying to address the root cause of the problem rather taking shortcuts to find solutions.

“Addressing the root cause of insurgency is the most important strategy of the Government. “It is not justified for the Garo National Liberation Army to piggy-ride on the issue of a separate State for their criminal activities,” Sangma said.

Hills to star in Hindi thriller

Bollywood filmmaker to showcase Shillong in new movie ANDREW W. LYNGDOH An aerial view of Shillong.

Shillong, April 20:
 This hill city and its breathtaking suburbs which have long been touted as a dream destination for budding filmmakers, will finally be the backdrop of a Hindi film.

A 1.5 crore thriller called Shillong, which will have as its protagonist Arfi Lamba, who played the role of Bardi in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, will take the audience on a breathtaking journey through the hills and vales of Meghalaya.

While Lamba is a self-confessed admirer of the Northeast, the director of the film, Chinmoy Sarmah, is from neighbouring Assam. Shooting will begin in June, said Sarmah at a news meet today to announce the making of Shillong.

The story revolves around a Shillongite, who has lived for most of his life in Mumbai, and returns to the city in search of his parents and his roots.
The protagonist, therefore, will have to travel far and wide from Lad Rymbai to Sohra and the film will feature budding local actors. While 80 per cent of the film, to be released during Diwali, will be completed here, the remaining will be shot in Mumbai.
The thriller, a joint production of the Bombay Berlin Film Production and FDFS Motion Pictures headed by a local entrepreneur, Narupa Mylliempdah, will mostly be in Hindi but will have bits in Khasi and English.
It will also feature local music.
“Through the thriller, we will explore the beauty of Shillong and showcase the place before filmmakers of Bollywood as a film destination,” Sarmah said, adding that the film would also be highlighted at the Berlin Film Festival.
Sarmah, who gave up a lucrative corporate career to make films, has to his a credit one more film, his maiden venture, Gullak, which is already doing the rounds in various film festivals across India.
Lamba, on the other hand, is originally an engineer in the petro-chemical industry, but has been active in the Mumbai theatre and modelling circuit.

New IUCN Academy e-Journal

From IUCN.org
The third issue of the IUCN Academy e-Journal, which focuses on innovations in social justice and environmental governance and was edited by Elizabeth Kirk and Alexander Paterson, is now available online. The journal includes interesting articles and country reports from scholars in more than 25 nations. 

The first article, ‘Neoliberal Land Conservation and Social Justice’ by Jessica Owley, explores some of the social and economic concerns stemming from conservation easements and how they might be addressed. In ‘Environmental Justice, Social Change and Pluralism’, Jordi Jaria i Manzano interrogates underlying assumptions in the western constitutional model and searches for means to engage global and local communities in redefining concepts of social welfare and environmental justice. Finally, Michelle Scobie’s ‘Environmental Governance and Marine Governance in the Caribbean’ examines the connections between regional marine governance and social justice. 

A description of the e-Journal by the editors can be found here. Download the complete e-Journal here.

Cardiff sciSCREEN at Cheltenham Science Festival

Cardiff sciSCREEN will be at Cheltenham Science Festival. Sponsored by the Medical Research Council, we will be screening and discussing the film Take Shelter on Saturday June 16th from 7 - 10.30pm.

Speakers on the night will include:
The event will be held at the Parabola Arts Centre. For more information on this event and on the Cheltenham Science Festival please click here.

Thursday 19 April 2012

Centre asks Meghalaya govt to start business at Balat haat

Shillong, Apr 20 :  The Union Ministry of Trade and Commerce has asked Meghalaya government to start business at the second border haat at Balat sans formal inauguration, officials said today.
The Union Minister for Trade and Commerce, Anand Sharma, was supposed to inaugurate the second ''border haat'' (traditional market) in the North east along with his counterpart from Bangladesh.
However, due to their (VIPs) tight schedule, the Ministry has asked the state authorities to start business at the haat at their convenient time in consultation with officials from Bangladesh.
"We have received an official intimation from the Ministry to have businesses begin at the Balat border haat," Director of Commerce and Industries W Langstang told PTI.
While the authorities have set May 1 as the first day to begin trade at the ''haat'', the Haat Management Committees (HMC) from both the countries will be meeting on Arpil 26 at the venue to finalise on all formalities before the first day of business, an official of the HMC said.
Aimed at facilitating trade, commerce and goodwill between residents across the Indo-Bangladesh International border, the Balat ''border haat'', the second in Meghalaya, is also the second ''haat'' in NE awaiting formal inauguration after Kalaichar border haat in West Garo Hills district was inaugurated in July last year.

Drilling for uranium not cause of fish deaths: Officials

Shillong, Apr 20 : The official probe into the fish deaths at a river near Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya has ruled out exploratory drilling for uranium as the cause of the deaths, officials said today. Geologists R B Surong and E Nongbri submitted their report to the state government today. "The findings of the report has clearly stated that the death of fish occurred only in river Kynshi and not in river Rilang which are the two river sources that converge at Ranikor river," Deputy Chief Minister B M Lanong told reporters. Elaborating more on the findings of the probe, Lanong said the water flowing from Wah Rilang was "crystal clear" while the water from Kynshi was found to be "muddy, reddish brown in colour and having lots of impurities". Lanong, who also holds charge of Mining & Geology department, quoted the report saying, "Contamination may be due to the presence of a number of tributaries flowing from various areas having coal mines and coal depot from villages like Maweit, Diengngan, Mawhar and Nongjri besides others." "The dead fish did not show any marks on the body of fish which should be the effect of uranium radiation," Lanong said. Experts also argued that if it is attributed to mining of coal and other minerals, the impact should have been seen the whole year through and not only on a specific day. The report further stated that another possibility may be due to toxicity of the river where local people use toxic substances for catching fishes for commercial purposes, the Deputy Chief Minister said. The probe also recommended a detailed investigation to ascertain the cause of death of fishes. "Analysing of the water sample and post-mortem of the dead fishes and other necessary examination needs to be done by experts and well equipped laboratories in order to ascertain the death of fishes," Lanong said. Meanwhile, water samples from rivers in West Khasi Hills district have been collected for further testing. Several thousand fish were found floating dead at Ranikor river, some 140 km from here, last Friday. The fish deaths have created a panic among residents and NGO blamed the exploratory drilling of uranium in the upstream as the reason behind the incident.

South Africa Consultation on BABS Regulation

DSC_0462
On 18 April 2012, Johanna von Braun and Laureen Manuel of Natural Justice participated in a half day workshop organised by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) of South Africa on the proposed amendments to South Africa’s bioprospecting, access and benefit sharing (BABS) regulations. The workshop is one of many stakeholder consultations being held nationwide during April and May 2012. 

South Africa is a global leader in its bioprospecting legislation but there are many challenges surrounding the implementation of the environmental laws and policies. The purpose of the consultations, therefore, is to draw on the experiences and suggestions of the various stakeholders to inform the amendment process. Some of the challenges raised by participants at the workshop related to benefit-sharing and material transfer agreements, difficulties with issuing authorities, lengthy waiting periods with permit applications and the dynamics between the national and provincial legislatures. Participants called for, among other things, simplified processes where only major users of indigenous biological resources are regulated and for increased capacity and resources at the offices where applications for permits are processed. 

When the consultations are complete, the DEA will develop draft language incorporating concepts and ideas collected from participants. The proposed amendments to the regulations will be then presented to stakeholders for further comment and input.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Meghalaya government orders probe into dead fish found in river

Shillong:  The Meghalaya Government has ordered a probe into the incident of several thousand fish being found dead in a river near the Indo-Bangladesh border in the remote West Khasi Hills district last weekend, officials said on Tuesday.

Dead floating fish were first detected by local anglers on Friday last at river Kynshi, some 150 km from capital Shillong.

"We have deputed a team of experts to conduct an inquiry to ascertain the reasons behind the unnatural death of fish," Deputy Chief Minister B M Lanong said.

While the report is expected to be submitted within this week, the Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of Mining and Geology did not rule out the possibility of exploratory drilling for uranium in upstream areas of the river.

Government scientists also feared that the fish were poisoned either by miscreants throwing poison in the river or unscientific mining.

Meanwhile, a team of scientists from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board today collected waters samples of Kynshi and Rilang rivers to ascertain its quality.

Local influential NGOs like the Khasi Students Union blamed the exploratory mining conducted in the area to be behind the death of fish.

Major rivers of another district in the state, Jaintia Hills district, have also been declared "dead and unsafe for human consumption" as it is "acidic" due to unregulated and unscientific coal mining in the areas.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Meghalaya exploring tie-up with Belgian company

SHILLONG, April 16 – Meghalaya Government is exploring a tie up with a Belgium-based company Oprins, to “introduce innovative practices,” in bamboo production.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who attended the 9th World Bamboo Congress at Antwerp, Belgium recently also paid a visit to Oprins’ bamboo tissue culture laboratory located at Rijkevorsel village, close to the Netherlands border.

The laboratory is the biggest bamboo tissue culture laboratory in the world. “Though located in a region where bamboo does not grow naturally, the facilities at Rijkevorsel are capable of producing about one million bamboo seedlings per year,” an official statement said.

Tissue culture grown bamboo seedlings have many advantages over other vegetative methods of propagation. High quality and disease-free bamboo planting material can be produced on a large scale throughout the year by tissue culture. The seedlings are small in size thus reducing transportation costs.

These seedlings are raised under controlled conditions using the latest technology. Oprins also ensures that it uses only rain water for irrigation and all the runoff, after watering the plants, is saved and recycled. The seedlings at Oprins lab are mostly for ornamental purposes and are in high demand throughout Europe.

Bamboo, meanwhile, is also being tested for use in many non-traditional applications like furniture, roofing, garments and also in the automobile industry. Being cheap, quick growing and light, bamboo can help in reducing dependency on fossil fuels as it is an ideal material for bio-mass energy.

Moreover, bamboo charcoal can be produced in larger quantities with minimal environmental affects carrying with it the possibility of revolutionising the traditional understanding of charcoal.

Sangma said that use of such technological innovations can make bamboo an economically viable crop and improve the livelihood of the people in Meghalaya. Meghalaya Government, he stated, would actively explore the possibility of a Public Private Partnership project with companies like Oprins to introduce innovative practices in bamboo production.

Thursday 12 April 2012

More married couples in matrilineal Meghalaya

SHILLONG: With registration of marriages recently been made compulsory in Meghalaya, households in the state, according to the 2011 Census, have registered an increase in the number of "couples".

Revealing this here on Thursday, assistant director, directorate of census operations, B Das Gupta said the state also had the highest fertility rate in the country. On the other hand, 21st century Meghalaya still faces problems of open defecation, accessibility to sources of lighting and potable water although the scenario has marginally improved compared to a decade ago, especially in the field of communication.

In the 2011 Census, the population was recorded at 29,64,007 (14,92,668 males and 14,71,339 females) and the decennial growth rate stood at a staggering 27.82 per cent. The figure was an increase of 645,185 from the 2001 census. A decade ago, Meghalaya's population stood at 2,318,822.

Census data 2011 on houses, household amenities and assets, which were released here on Thursday, highlighted that out of 5,38,299 households in the state, 34.3 per cent still practice open defecation. Out of 4,22,197 homes in rural Meghalaya, the percentage of open defecation stands at 43.1 per cent while the percentage in urban areas, consisting of 1,16,102 households, is 2.4 per cent.

At the same time, the percentage of households not having latrines has marginally decreased from 48.8 per cent in 2001 to 37.1 per cent in 2011. In rural areas, the percentage has declined from 59.9 per cent in 2001 to 46.1 per cent in 2011. In urban areas, the same has come down from 8.4 per cent in 2001 to 4.3 per cent in 2011.

"All seven districts in the state saw a marginal dip in the number of households not having any kind of latrine," the data revealed. As far as lights are concerned, out of 5,38,299 households, 60.9 per cent have the facility - 51.6 per cent in rural and 94.9 per cent in urban areas. In 2001, the percentage of households with electricity was 42.7 per cent out of 4,20,246 households.

At the same time, however, the data revealed that out of 4,22,197 households in the rural segment, the percentage of those not having any source of lighting is 0.9 per cent, which is an increase of 0.1 per cent from the 2001 Census.

In South Garo Hills, the percentage of households with no source of lighting has increased from 0.1 per cent in 2001 to 1.4 per cent in 2011, while in Jaintia Hills, it was from 0.9 per cent in 2001 to 1.3 per cent in 2011. In West Garo Hills, the percentage marginally increased from 0.6 per cent in 2001 to 0.7 per cent in 2011.

In the urban areas (1,16,102 households), the percentage of households without any source of lighting has decreased from 0.5 per cent in 2001 to 0.3 per cent in 2011. As far as accessibility to water is concerned, out of 5,38,299 households, 39.3 per cent had access to tap water, 25.4 per cent to well water while 5.4 per cent found access to hand pumps/tube-well water.

But a worrying factor, as per the data, is the fact that 11.5 per cent of the households were using untreated tap water while 18.4 per cent remained uncovered by well water. However, Meghalaya has improved in the field of transportation with more households across the seven districts in possession of vehicles.

Out of 5,38,299 households, 5.4 per cent were found to have two-wheelers, while an equal percentage had cars, jeeps or vans. In 2001, the range was between 2.7 and 2.9 per cent from among 4,20,246 households.

21st century Meghalaya still faces problems of open defecation, accessibility to sources of lighting and potable water although the scenario has marginally improved compared to a decade ago, especially in the field of communication.

New Contributions on Forest Peoples' Rights from RRI

With immense historical injustices and significant challenges around forest rights and tenure for forest peoples, an incredible amount of work needs to be done to address these challenges. In this context, a new report entitled ‘Turning Point: What Future for Forest Peoples and Resources in the Emerging World Order?’ has been released by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI). 

According to the abstract, the report ‘takes stock of the current status of forest rights and tenure globally, assesses the key issues and events of 2011 that shape possibilities to improve local rights and livelihoods, and identifies key questions and challenges that the world will face in 2012 and beyond.’ 

A recent illuminating interview with Jeffrey Hatcher, Director of Global Programs at RRI, ‘commenting on the large-scale creation of indigenous territories in Brazil, and the role of indigenous peoples in forest conservation, also highlighting the Brazilian experience.’ 

Read the full RRI report here. Read the full transcript of the interview with Mr Hatcher here.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Wool bank likely to be set up in Shillong

SHILLONG, Apr 12  – The first ‘wool bank’ in the North East is likely to be set up here in the capital city of Meghalaya with the Central Wool Development Board (CWDB) and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) working towards it in coordination with the State Government, officials said today.

“Meghalaya has a great potential in this regard like other Northeastern States and we deserve to have wool industry or bank in different States of the region,” Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong said while speaking at a round table discussion on creation of wool bank in NE States.

Lanong who is also holding the Veterinary portfolio, observed that the State has vast stretches of prairies, which were “tree-less lands”.

He said the Veterinary department has plans to begin rearing of cattle including sheep in a “big way” in Meghalaya urging other States also to make use of the funds available with the CWDB.

States like Meghalaya, Nagaland (mainly Kohima), Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim has longer winter and this would be beneficial from the perspective of employment generation and improving livelihood, he said.

Observing that most of the cattle reared in the State were used for meat consumption, Lanong said it was time for diversification of animal farming into woollen and garment industry, even as he noted that sheep rearing was rare in the State.

According to the Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya has “natural infrastructure”, and would “go ahead” with setting up of “woollen industry” in order to open new vistas for employment and economic growth even as he observed that the State was still at the “receiving end” vis-à-vis wool.

Advisor to the ICC, Nakib Ahmed noted that winters were longer in the hilly North East and therefore the wool industry would have a thriving climate in the region and benefit the economically weaker sections of the society.

“The wool industry in India is a thriving Rs 5,000 crore business employing thousands of people,” Ahmed said adding that the industry was the seventh largest in the world.

The Central Wool Development Board, constituted in 1987 has been assigned functions for growth and development of wool and woollens, marketing intelligence, marketing of wool and woollens, price stabilisation, testing of wool and woollens, product development and advice to government.

Government representatives from several Northeastern States besides NGOs took part in the discussion.

“Setting up of the wool bank is ideal as the demand of woollen products is vast due to the fact that Northeastern part of India is comprised mainly of hilly States and where the duration of winter is longer than other parts of the country,” Lanong said.

The Central Wool Development Board today was urged to constitute a Wool Bank in the North East taking in view the ample use of woollen products and to promote, so that the woollen products can also be locally produced.

BIOPAMA Programme Inception Workshop

© Jim Thorsell
The BIOPAMA (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management) Programme started at a global inception workshop held at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. Over fifty programme partners and experts participated in the workshop to better understand the project’s aims and contribute to programme planning. The programme will be implemented in two components, one focused on Protected Areas and the other on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). The Protect Areas component will be managed jointly by IUCN and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre while the ABS component will be managed by GIZ’s ABS Capacity Development Initiative

The project will establish regional observatories to adapt the project to regional contexts and facilitate dialogue between local, national, regional and international stakeholders. According to IUCN’s press release, the project will make better use of data on biodiversity and socio-economic issues to “enhance the understanding of the ecological and human factors that influence the management of protected areas. Regional capacity building programmes will be developed in partnerships with existing institutions, such as regional training centres and universities. These programmes will involve updating and expanding curricula on conservation and protected areas, developing tool kits to solve priority regional issues, training of decision makers, protected area staff, and others. The observatories will build on global efforts for collecting data, directly from the ground, from national services, and from international institutions holding relevant information on biodiversity, pressures and threats. They will have the general mandate of ensuring the awareness and effective buy-in to the necessity to maintain efforts on biodiversity conservation of political institutions of the three regions.” 

Read more the BIOPAMA Programme and the inception workshop here.

Tuesday 10 April 2012

Meghalaya govt. gives 1-week time to GNLA for arms surrender

Shillong, Apr 10 (PTI) The Meghalaya government today served a week's ultimatum to the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) to surrender all its arms before the government or else 'force' would be used against them, officials said today. The ultimatum was served following police reports that a large number of youngsters were presently at the camp of the GNLA apart from few armed militants, Meghalaya Director General of Police N Ramachandran told PTI. "We have given them seven days' time to give themselves up to the authorities with whatever weapons they have, failing which the police will have to use force to attack and destroy those camps," Ramachandran said. The police chief warned that security forces will be compelled to use 'lethal arms' as the militants are equipped with 'sophisticated' weapons. Intelligence sources said about 120 persons were presently housed in the main camp identified by the police in one of the thick jungles of Garo Hills. Maintaining that the security forces have so far exercised 'utmost restraint' while carrying out operations against the GNLA militants to avoid collateral damage and civilian casualties, the DGP said the GNLA militants have been resorting to barbaric killings of innocent citizens, kidnappings for ransom and extortion of money in the name of welfare of the tribal people. The ultimatum was served ahead of the 'mourning day' announced by the militant outfit from 6 AM - 6 Pm on April 12.

Monday 9 April 2012

New Website on India's Forest Rights Act

Via fra.org.in/
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is a vital tool for communities in India to claim restitution for the deprivation of forest rights and begin to undo the historic injustices done to these communities. Unfortunately, implementation of the Act has been limited. To support communities and their allies to proactively claim the rights granted to them by the Forest Rights Act, an Orissa-based non-profit, Vasundhara, has developed and launched a website on the Act.

The website, fra.or.in, includes well labelled links to general information on the Forest Rights Act and resources on how to use and understand the Act. The resources include a Citizen’s Report on the Act, national and state orders and circulars, guidelines, and background on community forest rights.

The Act can be accessed in English here and Odia here. The website can be accessed here.

Vanishing ‘sacred groves’ of Meghalaya

SHILLONG, Apr 10 – Patches of forest measuring anywhere between 0.1 hectares to 1,200 hectares which are bio-diversity hot spots have been unique to Meghalaya for centuries, but now they are falling into disarray owing to reasons as diverse as poverty, cultural change and migration.

Local Khasi tribes consider the forests as “sacred groves”, some of which have even little streams criss-crossing them, but yet poverty of their owners is forcing them to sell the exotic varieties of trees and other resources found there.

“There are hundreds of tribal clans whose forests have not been documented and they are diminishing due to harsh economic circumstances and unplanned human activity,” the chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs, JF Kharshiing, said.

Seeking the urgent attention of the government to the dwindling forests, Kharshiing said, “In view of the global concern on climate change, the government should take immediate steps to engage with the owners of the rare forests in the State”.

Kharshiing, who is also the co-chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board, said the government should institute some sort of incentive and award system to preserve the forests.

Surrounded by Castanopsis Kurzii trees, the forests are considered “nature’s own museum” with a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna including plants seldom seen in other parts of the world. Aroids, pipers, fern-allies and orchids are found in abundance in these groves.

So far 115 such “sacred groves” have been documented in the State even as researchers engaged in the study believe that there are many more which are yet to be documented due to fund constraints.

We have so far documented and listed 115 sacred groves located in different parts of the State. Most of them are found in Khasi hills (West, East and Rib hoi), Jaintia hills and a few in the Garo hills,” a professor at the North Eastern Hills University, BK Tiwari, said.

“We are moving for getting financial supports from funding agencies for our new projects on sacred groves, but we have suggested to the State Forest department to get the work done as ours is more for academic purposes,” he said.

Tiwari acknowledged that the State Government had extended financial help to the Mawphlang grove, located about 25 km south of Shillong, but wanted other groves to be equally paid attention to.

The researcher said that the NEHU has decided to propose to the government to explore the possibility of providing incentives to these community-preserved forests to help them continue to manage and preserve them.

Manila Declaration on ICCAs

Signing of the Manila Declaration via iccaforum.org
The “Nature in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors” Conference in the Phillipines, attended by leaders of indigenous communities, government representatives, local and international NGOs and UN agencies in Manila over the 29-30 March, 2012, adopted the Manila Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs). The adoption of the declaration was the culmination of three sub-national workshops held in November, 2011, which engaged over 100 indigenous leaders on the status of ICCAs, the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in ICCA processes and the threats the leaders’ communities face. 

This broad engagement with community leaders is reflected in the text of the Declaration. The Declaration seeks to guide government and other actors in how to appropriately recognise and engage with ICCAs. Among other things, it asks government to “support the indigenous peoples’ capability to manage their ICCAs... [and] do not invent new systems or processes from somewhere else that will undermine them.” 

Please read the full text of the declaration here. The press release offers more context and can be found here. Find more community declarations here.

Supporting Bhutan's ABS Policy Drafting Process

Kabir Bavikatte from Natural Justice and Morten Tvedt from the Fridjof Nansen Institute were in Bhutan from the 28th of March to the 7th of April to provide legal assistance to the Bhutan's National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) to develop Bhutan's Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Policy. Bhutan, which is a signatory to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, began the process of developing its national ABS Policy in April 2011 with the assistance of Kabir and Morten. The multi-stakeholder consultation in April 2011 led to a draft national ABS Policy. 

The national ABS Policy has been through a number of public consultations since, most recently in Central and Southern Bhutan. Kabir and Morten were involved in some of these consultations assisting the NBC in a re-draft of the ABS policy based on the inputs from these consultations. The NBC will conduct further community consultations on the Policy in the East of Bhutan after which the draft ABS policy will be presented to the Gross National Happiness Commission and the Cabinet of Bhutan for approval. The Policy, if it is approved, is likely to become one of the most innovative ABS policies in the world as it will ensure the conservation and sustainable use of Bhutan's biodiversity while foregrounding the social, spiritual and economic wellbeing of Bhutan's communities.

Sunday 8 April 2012

Vanishing 'sacred groves' of Meghalaya

Vanishing `sacred groves` of MeghalayaShillong: Patches of forest measuring anywhere between 0.1 hectare to 1200 hectares and which are bio-diversity hot spots have been unique to Meghalaya for centuries, but now they are falling into disarray owing to reasons as diverse as poverty, cultural change and migration.

Local Khasi tribes consider the forests as "sacred groves", some of which have even little streams crisscrossing them, but yet poverty of their owners is forcing them to sell the exotic varieties of trees and other resources found there.

There are hundreds of tribal clans whose forests have not been documented and they are diminishing due to harsh economic circumstances and unplanned human activity, The chairman of the Grand Council of (tribal) Chiefs, JF Kharshiing, said.

Calling for urgent attention of the government to the dwindling forests, Kharshiing said. In view of the global concern on climate change, the government should take immediate steps to engage with the owners of the rare forests in the state."

Kharshiing, who is also the co-chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board, said the government should institute some sort of incentive and award system to preserve the forests.

Surrounded by Castanopsis Kurzii trees, the forests are considered "nature's own museum" with a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna including plants seldom seen in other parts of the world. Aroids, pipers, fern-allies and orchids are found in abundance in these groves.

So far 115 such "sacred groves" have been documented in the state even as researchers engaged in the study believe that there are many more which are yet to be documented due to fund constraints.

"We have so far documented and listed 115 sacred groves located in different parts of the state. Most of them are found in Khasi hills (West, East and Rib hoi), Jaintia hills and a few in the Garo hills," a professor at the North Eastern Hills University, B K Tiwari, said.

"We are moving for getting financial supports from funding agencies for our new projects on sacred groves, but we have suggested to the State Forest Department to get the work done as ours is more for academic purposes," he said.

Tiwari acknowledged that the state government had extended financial help to the Mawphlang grove, located about 25 km south of Shillong, but wanted other groves to be equally paid attention to.

The researcher said that the NEHU has decided to propose to the government to explore the possibility of providing incentives to all those community-preserved forests to help them continue to manage and preserve them.

Research scholars at the NEHU have documented a total of 546 vascular plants, both flowering and non-flowering, from the five groves in Jaintia hills alone.

Angiosperms with 515 species were the dominant component followed by 28 species of pteridophytes and 3 species of gymnosperms. A total of 110 angiospermic families, 15 pteridophytic and 3 gymnospermic families were identified from the five sacred groves.

While more than 3100 species of flowering plants have been documented in Meghalaya, the five sacred groves alone contribute to about 15 per cent of the total flora of the state and 32per cent of the total flora of Jaintia Hills, Krishna Upadhya, one of the researchers, said.

He said, 91 species recorded in the five sacred groves are either rare, endangered. Out of 91 species, 60 species are endemic to Northeast or eastern Himalayas.

Upadhya said that the distribution of these species shows that 88 species are found in the Indian subcontinent, 45 species are exclusive to Northeast and 26 species are exclusive to Meghalaya. Many plants are medicinal too.

Among the other threats that scientists felt could impact these small forests are the change in people's attitude and socio-cultural practices, erosion of religious beliefs and traditional values, increased population pressure, encroachment and destruction of primary forests.

CAG report blames MeECL for Meghalaya power crisis

SHILLONG: Meghalaya government's ambitious project to provide electricity to all the hamlets in the state, this year, may not be realized, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report has stated.

"The planning of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) was impractical and the possibility of providing electricity to all households by the end of 2012 as envisaged under National Electricity Policy (NEP) appears to be remote," the latest CAG report, recently tabled in the state assembly, remarked.

As per the findings till March 31, 2006, of the 6026 villages in the state (as per 2001 Census), 3568 villages (59.21 per cent) were electrified. Under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), MeECL aimed to provide electricity to 5388 villages by January, 2012, but only 55.89 per cent of target has been achieved during the period 2007-11.

The CAG report noted several other deficiencies like "under utilization" of scheme funds, delayed completion of works, provision of excess capacity transformers, high variation in rates of materials while implementing RGGVY.

"The Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme, launched three years ago, meant to strengthen the distribution system and reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses was yet to be taken up for implementation," the report read.

The CAG further pointed out that the MeECL was yet to take up energy audit or implement energy conservation measures. It also said that distribution reforms envisaged under National Electricity Policy were not fully achieved by MeECL and increase in distribution capacity was not commensurate with the growth in demand.

"MeECL failed to complete power projects in time leading to high dependence on outside power purchase resulting in high cost of power," the report pointed out.

The CAG recommended timely implementation of central schemes, strengthening distribution network, effective system of billing and revenue collection, expediting cent per cent metering for consumers and completion of pending power projects besides timely redressal of consumer complaints and conducting energy audit.

Meghalaya celebrates Easter

Shillong, Apr 8 : Easter, a celebration to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, was observed by all Christians throughout Meghalaya today.

Various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Church of God, Baptist Church besides other Christian denomination, arranged special programmes like sunrise service, Easter Sunday sermons and choirs to mark the day.

Christians believe that the resurrection of Jesus was a sign of victory over sin and death. Greeting the people of the state on the occasion, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary said, "Easter should inspire people the world over to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness which Christ symbolises". Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, "Easter is a celebration of faith...

We are given the opportunity to give our lives new meaning and direction". On Friday, faithfuls all over the state observed Good Friday to mark the death of Jesus on the cross to save mankind, as per Christian belief.

The day was observed with solemnity and prayers with special sermons on salvation and partaking in the 'Lord's Supper.' Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year.

Thursday 5 April 2012

New Book on Extractive Industries, Indigenous Peoples, MNCs and States

The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development has released a new book titled "The Politics of Resources Extraction: Indigenous Peoples, Multinational Corporations, and the State" by Terence Gomez and Suzana Sawyer. 

From the website, "International institutions, including the United Nations and World Bank, and numerous multinational companies (MNCs) have voiced concern over the adverse impact of resource extraction activities on the livelihood of indigenous communities. Yet the scale and scope of problems confronting indigenous peoples caused by mineral extraction projects endorsed by governments, international agencies and MNCs is monumental. This raises a paradox: Despite the burgeoning number of international charters and national laws asserting the rights of indigenous peoples, they find themselves subjected to discrimination, dispossession and racism. The authors explore this paradox by examining mega resource extraction projects in Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Chad and Cameroon, India, Nigeria, Peru and the Philippines."

Read more here.

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Khasis play archery to commemorate event

SHILLONG, April 5 – Hundreds of tribal archers from all over Khasi Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya today took part at an archery competition commemorating the first attack on a British garrison by a legendary Khasi tribal king.

It was on April 4, 1829 that the legendary King U Tirot Sing Syiem led the first attack on the British garrison at Nongkhlaw, which then changed the course of history in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.

The archery competition was organised to commemorate this historical event attracting hundreds of archers to the game, which is an inalienable part of the Khasi-Jaintia culture.

“The annual competition also gives encouragement to other Khasi ‘States’ (Himas) to organise such events in order to protect and promote this ancient sport,” says Sumar Sing Sawian, organising secretary of the Apphira Archery Committee, which organised the 23rd annual competition called ‘Ka Rongbiria Ki Hima Ka Ri Hynniewtrep’ on Wednesday.

“Arrows, which are called ‘Khnam’ in Khasi are an integral part of our life from birth to death,” he says. Three arrows are part of the naming ritual performed after the birth of a Khasi boy, Sawian says.

“One arrow symbolises the defence of one’s own self, another for the defence of the family and the other defence of the clan,” he says.

“Three arrows are shot towards the north, south and west before lighting a funeral pyre. These arrows are meant to safeguard the soul of the deceased in its journey towards the divine abode,” Sawian says adding that archery has been an integral part of the Khasi-Jaintia culture since time immemorial.

The Khasi-Jaintia Hills abound with myths is associated with archery too. In a Khasi mythology, it is the Divine Mother ‘Ka Mei Hukum,’ who governs the world of archery. Her blessings are sought before the commencement of every game of archery.

So popular is archery here that the game is held every day of the week except on Sunday, based on the outcome of which, fortunes are won or lost.

‘Teer’, as it is called, is a traditional form of betting which has since been legalised in the State. It sustains the age-old sport of archery of the indigenous people and has no parallel elsewhere in the world.

For those who have luck on their side, ‘Teer’ offers the maximum returns for the most minimum bets in the world.

The game involves a row of archers shooting at a circular target made of hay. The number of arrows that remain on the counting frame after several rounds of shooting is the lucky number for the day.

No action against Meghalaya MLA

Bruised and battered journalist Walton Lyton, moments after he was assaulted by a Meghalaya MLA, Founder Strong Cajee. All because this picture of the MLA caught napping in the assembly was published. Walton Lyton, assaulted Journalist, said, He just came. I don't remember. He just came punched me, beating me. I fell down. When I fell down I try to turn, then he beat me again. Then kicked me or so badly injured. Then I was you know I was shocked. How a MLA doing that? While Walton landed in hospital the MLA has gone scot free.

Political parties have expressed solidarity with the assaulted journalist but have left the action against the MLA to the Speaker's discretion. Debora C Marak, President of Meghalaya PCC, said, Because it has happened in the House, inside the Assembly so whatever action they have to take they will take from the Assembly side. It is completely under the control of the speaker right now. Dr W Kharlukhi, President (Meghalaya), NCP, said, We feel that he is in the wrong. Nobody should spare. No one is above the law be he an MLA, a chief minister. We all citizen of India, nobody is above the law and no one should be allowed.


But the Speaker giving no firm assurance, Charles Pyngrope, Speaker Meghalaya Assembly, said, As the Speaker I have requested the parties to sort this out amicably and he has apologised like I mentioned earlier but since the FIRs are still there. The police will have to take its investigation to the logical conclusion. The assault on this journalist prompting the Press Council of India to demand action but nothing of the sort has come about.

Monday 2 April 2012

NGT Cancels Clearance for Orisha Steel Plant

Photo credit: green.in.msn.com
India’s National Green Tribunal cancelled clearance for a major South Korean steel plant in Orisha on Friday. The steel plant was being constructed despite a committee of enquiry constituted by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) finding that environmental and forest clearance permits had been illegally issued. Communities continued to protest the plant in the face of numerous arrests. 

The National Green Tribunal has directed that a ‘fresh review of the project’ be undertaken before any clearance to proceed with construction is issued. Key issues to be considered in this review are water, pollution, impact on surrounding wetlands and mangroves, and cyclone risk. Please read more about the cancelled clearance here

Sunday 1 April 2012

Gaharu for Social and Ecological Justice

Harry Jonas of Natural Justice spent the day with Dr. Anthony Tibok (pictured) in Kuala Penyu, Sabah. Dr Tibok demonstrated how growing Agarwood (a type of tree) in community forests promotes the conservation of forests while providing community members a good revenue stream. Gaharu, a resin produced by the tree, is prized for its aromatic qualities and is highly sought after in, among other places, the Middle East. Interestingly, Gaharu grows best in shaded areas, making it ideal for growing in pre-existing forests. It therefore provides a very useful crop to communities who are keen on keeping their forests standing but also seek to generate an extra income. More information on Gaharu is available here. Harry thanks Anthony for a fascinating day.

HC seeks report from Meghalaya on steps to control pollutants

Shillong, Apr 2 : Taking suo moto action on the CAG report on air, water and environmental pollution in Meghalaya, the Gauhati High Court has sought clarification from the state government on steps taken to check it. The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court directed the state government on Thursday to provide details of the steps taken by it to monitor, control and manage air, water and waste pollution in the state within three weeks. The court cited the CAG report in which 28 of the 31 water bodies in six districts of Meghalaya have been declared "unfit" for drinking. "It is seen that the CAG has come down heavily on the inability of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for not being able to conduct regular monitoring of water bodies in the state resulting in the water bodies being deemed unfit for consumption," the order stated. In its order, the court also expressed grave concern over the poor compliance of rules by the Shillong Municipal Board and healthcare establishments coupled with the ineffective monitoring by the MSPCB which has resulted in continued environmental pollution and health hazards leading to increase in the number of patients suffering from air- and water- borne diseases. The CAG had stated that 139 of the 178 health institutions in Meghalaya were found "guilty" of functioning without proper authorization from the state pollution control board. "This matter has captured the attention of the Court which has viewed it with great concern," the directive said. Advocate S P Mahanta was appointed as amicus curiae while senior government advocate N D Chullai accepted the court notice on behalf of the state government. The matter will come up for hearing later in April.

'Phantasm' grapples Mawlai Mawiong

Shillong, Apr 2 : Residents of Mawlai Mawiong, East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya are spending sleepless nights for close to two weeks now, with fear of "phantasm" grappling them.

It is reported that strange activities, only described as sorcery, have been taking place all over the Mawiong area.

"Things" perceived as dwarfs, not more than 4 feet tall having long beard, are reported to cut and take away small pieces of clothes mainly of female, commonly from the shawls put under the sun to get dried in the day.

But some have reported of clothe pieces taken from those kept in a locker.

While the cutting and collection of pieces of clothes occurs during the day hours, the night turns fearsome, especially for the women folk.

Paradoxically, all reported cases of cloths having their pieces missing 'strangely' belong to females.

Women, whose clothe(s) were cut by unidentified beings, have reported of being molested at night.

They have reported of strange 'cold hands' frisking all over their body, while in sleep.

However, when they opened their eyes, the sensation of someone frisking their body disappears and no one is seen around.

But these strange incidents occur only after the lights go out at night, during the load shedding period.

Some have claimed of citing a group of dwarf like being moving at such wee hours, who mysteriously disappear once alarm is sounded.

The locals are convinced that these dwarfs like being are behind these incidents, but none has spotted them out.

More glaringly, the youths in the area are now undertaking night patrolling.

This effort did pay off on Wednesday, when one such 'dwarf' was spotted escaping from a house, where an alarm was sounded.

A mob of locals with torches in their hands quickly built and chased after the culprit.

The 'dwarf', however, seems to have extraordinary running speed, eye - witnesses claimed.

The mob could not catch the 'dwarf'.

So, they decided to surround him from all corners.

The mob did manage to surround the 'dwarf thing'.

And as the mob rejoiced hoping to have put an end to this mysterious menace, the 'dwarf thing' entered a small bush and disappeared! .

This stunned the mob gathered.

In utter disbelief, the mob was left only more terrified.

When the Headman of the area was approached to shed some light on the matter, he totally ignored of being in the know-how of anything such.

Meghalaya needs sufficiency revolution, says Lapang

NONGPOH (MEGHALAYA): Chief adviser to the Meghalaya government and former chief minister D D Lapang on Monday urge d the farmers of the state, particularly those from Ri-Bhoi district to start a revolution for achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production.

Citing the example of the Green Revolution he said that there was a need for a "sufficiency revolution" in Meghalaya. The state currently meets its requirements by buying food grain from other states.

Lapang was addressing the farmers at a meeting organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), NEH Region, Umiam in collaboration with the newly-formed Farmers Economic Development Agency (Feda). He pointed out that Ri-Bhoi area was blessed with natural resources and infrastructure.

"The question is whether Ri-Bhoi will take the advantage to grow," he said and urged the ICAR to support the farmers. He also said that the government could arrange for subsidies to the poor weavers, who would then be able to purchase spinning machines from the market at cheaper rates.

ICAR director S V Ngachan reiterated the council's dedication towards improving the lot of the farmers by providing them with modern farming technology, besides improving the agriculture sector in general in the region.

Working president of Feda, CB Syiem, said the agency was working towards bank-loan provision for the farmers.

Senior scientist A K Tripathi said the ICAR was engaged in providing "critical inputs", which included the latest agricultural tools developed by the council to the farmers. "We have also provided a variety of high-yielding seeds and improved livestock to the farmers," he said.