Kohima: A Thematic Expert Committee visited Sukhai village in Zunheboto on September 29 to vet the Uza-Shi Bird and Fish Sanctuary for official Biodiversity Heritage Site status. The inspection team arrived to verify community conservation records against physical reality. “We are here to check whether it tallies on the ground with the paper,” said committee convenor YM Jami.
BMC Chairman Ivan Zhimomi led the session, detailing how locals tracked over 222 bird species and 200 varieties of butterflies and moths. The village also logged 31 types of reptiles and amphibians. These records include endangered species and rare rediscoveries. The community built the state's first People’s Biodiversity Register with help from The Energy and Resources Institute and the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board.
Uza-Shi serves as a crucial wildlife water source. It sits far from human settlements. Zunheboto Divisional Forest Officer Obed Bohovi Swu noted the district holds some of Nagaland's thickest forest cover. Local efforts include six editions of the Chengu Festival and the Green Hero Award.
Technical Executive Neitho of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board addressed local concerns regarding land rights. He stated that a heritage designation does not transfer ownership to the government. Communities will maintain control over their land. M Chalkapure, Chief Conservator of Forests, closed the event before Sukhai Head GB V Tokugha offered a final vote of thanks.
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