2.    ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP

The Regional Centre : NAEB functions through a Core Group, members of which are drawn from the University faculty having different backgrounds and an Advisory Management Committee comprising the Vice-Chancellor of NEHU (Chairman), Coordinator of the Regional Centre (Convener), Joint Coordinator of the Regional Centre, Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCF) or the Chief Conservators of Forests (CCF) of the seven north-eastern states, Chief Conservator of Forests (Central), Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at Shillong, representatives from non-governmental organizations, distinguished persons working in the field of afforestation and eco-development and a representative from National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India (Annexure-I).

Besides the Core Group, the Centre has its own research staff and supporting administrative staff (Annexure-II). The Centre also utilizes the expertise available with the faculty of the University for conducting various problem-specific studies. The Centre has a computer based data processing and storage facility. As and when required, the Centre utilizes laboratory facilities available in different departments of the NEHU for analytical /experimental purposes.

3.    TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND WORKSHOPS

During the year under report the Centre organized following training-workshops in five states of north-eastern India.

3.1.  Training of Trainers (ToT) on Microplanning, PRA, Accounting Procedures, Value Addition of NTFPs, Institutional Linkages such as SHGs and other aspects under NAP in Mizoram.

A three-day ToT programme was organized at Aizawl during 25-27 July, 2007. The Programme was inaugurated by Mr. Pu C. Ramhluna, PCCF-cum-Secretary of Environment & Forest, Mizoram. There were forty two participants including JFMC and SHG members, Range Officers, ACFs, DCFs. Resource persons were from the various departments, Govt. of Mizoram such as Forests and Rural Development, faculty members of Mizoram University and representatives from NABARD. There were four technical sessions where following topics were presented by the invited resource persons and discussions were held:

l     Constitution of Self-Help-Groups by Joint Forest Management Committees for successful implementation of National Afforestaion Programme–
Dr. Lalnilawma, Mizoram University.

l     Accounting Procedure of JFMCs –Shri Khamzagim, Finance & Accounts Officer, Environment and Forests, Government of Mizoram.

l     Organic Fertilization and Conservation of Soil in Agriculture – Ms. Lucy Zaithangpuii, Horticulture Department, Government of Mizoram.

l     Microplanning and PRA for success of NAP – Shri Lalthangliana Murray, IFS, DFO Aizawl,

In addition to the above, the senior officials of the state forest department discussed the following topics during the technical sessions :

l     Vermicomposting

l     Economic empowerment of rural women through SHGs under JFMCs

l     Improvement options for NTFP and cash crop production in Mizoram

l     Need of micro-credit and micro-financing for SHGs in Mizoram

l     Prospect of IGAs under JFMCs in Mizoram

On the final day a practical training on preparation of Microplan was organized at N Lungleng village underAizawl Forest Division. At the end, an open house discussion was organized where the following recommendations were formulated for effective implementation of NAP.

Recommendations :

v    Considering the importance of Self- Help-Groups for successful implementation of NAP through JFMCs, it was recommended that SHGs be strengthened through NAP programme.

v    It was recommended that the FDAs should facilitate the micro-credit /finance for the development of forest-based enterprise by the JFMC members and SHGs to diversify forest based livelihood activities.

v    It was recommended that training programmes on microplanning for the villagers and frontline staff should be organized before the beginning of eleventh five year plan period.