13th JICA National Workshop of Forestry Projects in India held in Meghalaya with participants from Kenya

Shillong, 20 November 2024

Taking forward over three decades of collaboration between India and Japan, the 13th JICA National Workshop on Forestry Projects India, focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation, transformative technology, and community approach for sustainability, was held in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The workshop, which centred around the theme ‘Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Transformative Technology, and Community Approach for Sustainability’ was organized in Shillong by Meghalaya Basin Development Board (MBDA), the Executing Agency of the JICA supported MegLIFE project (The Community-based Forest Management and Livelihood Improvement in Meghalaya), from November 13 to 15, 2024.

This workshop convened key stakeholders, including forest officials, government representatives, experts, and community leaders, to discuss sustainable forest management, climate change adaptation, and natural resource conservation. Participants from 12 Indian states, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Ministry of Finance, and Kenya Forestry Research Institute also attended as special guests. The workshop was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. C.H. Vijayashankar and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri. Conrad Sangma, closed the valedictory session.

The event provided a platform to discuss innovative solutions and to share best practices to address pressing environmental challenges faced in India and the world, in general. The workshop consisted of three main technical sessions, focusing on various aspects of sustainable forestry and climate resilience. A lead presentation was made by JICA India on JICA’s more than three decade long assistance to the forestry sector in India and JICA’s perspectives on the three themes of the workshop and the way forward. This was followed by a detailed presentation on JICA supported MegLIFE project being implemented by the MBDA.

The first session addressed climate change adaptation and mitigation, highlighting integrated strategies for ensuring long-term sustainability of forests and natural resources. Participants explored various innovative practices such as spring-shed management, wetland management, digital solutions to create carbon sinks and to link with carbon markets, planting trees outside forests, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Emphasis was placed on creating synergies between conservation efforts and economic development, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of forest management initiatives.

The second session focused on the role of transformative technologies in advancing natural resource management. The Uttarakhand Forest Department discussedthe efforts taken to mitigate natural disasters by adopting a Japanese technology called chisan, which combines landslide protection and forest restoration measures. Discussions centred on how digital tools, including modern data stack, remote sensing, and data analytics, can improve project implementation, enhance monitoring, and enable more effective decision-making. Participants also explored the potential of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, to support forest health assessments, biodiversity monitoring, and climate change adaptation strategies, offering new opportunities to optimize natural resource management.

The final session highlighted the critical role of community-driven approaches in achieving sustainability, as well as private sector engagement for sustainable forest management. The importance of empowering local communities and leveraging community institutions to drive climate actions was a key focus. Strategies for enhancing sustainable livelihoods in climate-vulnerable rural areas were discussed, with particular attention paid to how forestry can contribute to green economies. The session emphasized the need for innovative, inclusive models that integrate environmental conservation with economic benefits, ensuring that local communities can thrive while protecting the natural resources upon which they depend.

In addition to participants from India, the workshop saw the valuable participation of representatives from Kenya, including two officials from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and one from the JICA Kenya Office. Their presence contributed to enriching discussions on forestry management in Kenya, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities in the country’s forestry sector. This workshop also contributes to triangular cooperation between India and Japan by sharing knowledge and expertise across borders, offering a platform for learning and exchange similar environmental challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. WAKAMATSU Eiji, Senior Representative, JICA India, said, “The workshop’s strong focus on cross-sector collaboration and the role of partnerships in advancing sustainable development goals showcases JICA’s commitment on supporting India’s forestry sector. We believe that by integrating community knowledge, modern technology, and policy initiatives, we can create a resilient and sustainable future for the people and the environment.”

The workshop also acknowledged the continued support of international cooperation in fostering climate resilience. India and Japan's partnership through JICA’s projects has been instrumental in advancing forestry and natural resource management efforts in Meghalaya, reinforcing the shared commitment to sustainable environmental practices and climate action.

By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the workshop served as a significant step in furthering efforts to strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and create an ecosystem of collaboration to address global environmental challenges.

At the end of the three technical sessions, group discussions were held amongst the participants on all the three themes of the workshop and a set of recommendations were listed which will be shared with not only all the participants but the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Government of India for consideration and incorporation in future policies. These recommendations will also be considered by JICA for the formulation of future project policies and for incorporation in the ongoing forestry projects in India.