MOU WITH JAPAN ON DEVELOPMENT OF SIKKIM FORESTS

Sikkim signs MoU with Japan for sustainable development of forest resources

Thursday, 05 February 2009 06:38 SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, February 4: Sikkim government has signed a MoU with a Japanese agency for carrying out feasibility study for ‘Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim’.
The MoU was signed between the State forest department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday.
A JICA team lead by Ryotaro Hayashi who is the deputy assistant director, South Asia division of JICA Tokyo office had visited Gangtok to finalize the terms of reference for the preparatory study and signed the document, informs an IPR release.
Nami Shinohara and Vanit Sarin from JICA (Delhi Office) were also in the team.
The project submitted by the State forest department has already been officially listed in the rolling plan for Japanese assistance after obtaining clearance from the Union Forest Ministry and Department of North Eastern Region (DONER), Department of Economic Affairs and other Central agencies, the release adds.
“The main objective of the study that will commence early in next financial year is to formulate the scope of the work and details for the forthcoming project. The main project on implementation would uplift the living standard of the local inhabitants as well as conserve forest resources and biodiversity by supporting entry point activities, eco-tourism and participatory biodiversity conservation and forest protection, thereby contributing to the environmental protection and poverty reduction in Sikkim”, the release states.
The project will thus envisage improving the economic status of communities living in fringe forest areas through non-consumptive management of the forest areas under their control.
The sense of ownership among the communities has already been developed through ongoing projects of the State forest department and Joint Forest Management (JFM) committees and Eco Development Committee (EDC) functioning in various areas.
The externally aided project which is proposed to be implemented soon is further set to revive the pride and interest of the people in their rich natural and cultural heritage thereby steering them towards the conservation and preservation of these common resources, the release said.