Kohima, Nagaland – Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio officially launched the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management in Nagaland (ELEMENT Project) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima. The initiative, funded by the World Bank–International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), aims to restore forests, strengthen ecosystem services, and support sustainable livelihoods across the state. The ELEMENT Project will run for five years and cover 225 villages across 16 districts of Nagaland. It will be implemented by the Society for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Nagaland (SoCRAN) under the Agriculture Production Commissioner Cell (APC Cell). The project focuses on four key components, including: Strengthening integrated landscape management, promoting sustainable natural resource use, supporting ecological restoration, Enhancing community participation, especially women and marginalized groups.
Rio: “Forests Are the Heart of Our Communities” Launching the project, CM Neiphiu Rio called ELEMENT “a milestone in our collective commitment to restore and conserve Nagaland’s unique landscapes and rich forest wealth.” He highlighted that though Nagaland covers only 2.1% of India’s geographical area, its forests play a critical role in: Sustaining rural livelihoods, preserving indigenous culture and traditions, Providing ecological services such as clean water, soil stability, and biodiversity protection.
However, Rio warned that climate change, landslides, soil erosion, shifting cultivation, and resource degradation are increasing the vulnerability of rural and tribal communities. He stressed that the project’s inclusive approach—with women and marginalized groups as key stakeholders—will combine ecological restoration with livelihood development. Rio urged state agencies, NGOs, research institutions, development partners, and community leaders to work hand-in-hand for successful implementation. He emphasized that the ELEMENT Project is not just about restoring forests but about building harmony between people and nature for future generations.
Dinesh Aryal, Lead Environment Specialist at the World Bank, praised Nagaland’s forests for their cultural, ecological, and economic significance. He expressed concern over threats from climate change and human activity, while reaffirming the World Bank’s support for sustainable forest management in the state. Aryal stressed two critical requirements for the project’s success:
1. Appointing a dedicated Project Director to oversee operations
2. Initiating the budget process early to ensure timely fund release
He expressed hope that the project would benefit communities while safeguarding forest ecosystems. Project Director Kumar Ramnikant said ELEMENT comes at a crucial time when Nagaland is facing declining forest cover, soil erosion, water stress, and climate change impacts. He explained that since communities depend heavily on forests for their livelihoods, it is essential that they are not only beneficiaries but also active partners in landscape management. “The ELEMENT Project represents an opportunity to restore Nagaland’s landscapes while improving resilience, livelihoods, and overall community well-being,” Ramnikant stated.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen stressed the importance of timely completion, effective implementation, and active community involvement for the project’s long-term success. The launch event also featured the unveiling of the ELEMENT Project logo and was attended by Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, AHODs, HODs, and several senior government officials.
The launch of the ELEMENT Project marks more than just the beginning of another government programme—it represents a turning point in Nagaland’s journey towards sustainable development and environmental resilience. By combining forest restoration with livelihood security, the initiative acknowledges a reality often overlooked: that ecological health and community well-being are inseparable. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s emphasis on women, marginalized groups, and local communities as equal stakeholders highlights an important shift away from top-down approaches to one that is participatory and inclusive.
Nagaland CM Launches ELEMENT Project to Restore Forests, Strengthen Communities time when Nagaland faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change, soil erosion, and deforestation to cultural disruption and economic vulnerabilities—the ELEMENT Project emerges as both a response and a roadmap. Supported by the World Bank, its success will depend not only on the availability of funds but also on timely execution, strong leadership, and the willingness of institutions, NGOs, and communities to work collaboratively. More importantly, the project signals that the forests of Nagaland are not merely resources to be consumed, but living systems intertwined with the identity, traditions, and survival of its people. If implemented with vision and accountability, the ELEMENT Project could serve as a model for other states in India grappling with similar ecological and developmental challenges. It holds the promise of transforming degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems, while giving communities the tools and opportunities to live in harmony with nature.
Ultimately, the success of the ELEMENT Project will not just be measured by restored forest cover or financial outlays, but by the resilience it builds—resilience in ecosystems, in livelihoods, and in the cultural spirit of Nagaland’s people. In this way, the project is not only about safeguarding today’s environment but also about ensuring that future generations inherit a landscape that continues to nurture, sustain, and inspire.