Jan. 28, 2025: The Manipur Biodiversity Board (MBB) in the Forest Department has begun the revision process for the Manipur Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (MBSAP) in collaboration with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) and GIZ-NERAQ. The first Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop, held today at the Forest Headquarters in Imphal, saw the participation of various government departments, academia, policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and community leaders. The focus was on strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of the state’s rich biodiversity.
In his inaugural address, Anurag Bajpai, PCCF & HoFF, highlighted the critical role that forests and their ecosystems play in preserving biodiversity and supporting livelihoods in Manipur. He emphasized that forests are the largest source of raw materials in the state and urged the participants to develop a time-bound action plan that could drive future conservation efforts while ensuring tangible benefits for local communities. Bajpai stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to address the interconnected challenges of biodiversity conservation and to ensure the successful implementation of the revised MBSAP. He also suggested involving students from universities and colleges in the revision process to integrate the perspectives and technological expertise of the current generation.
The discussions focused on identifying gaps in the existing MBSAP and aligning it with national and global biodiversity frameworks. Stakeholders engaged in group sessions to assess challenges, exchange insights, and prioritize conservation needs. Interactive dialogues were held to outline key objectives, strategies, and timelines for updating the MBSAP.
The workshop marks a significant step in promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration to protect Manipur’s unique biodiversity through the revision of the state’s biodiversity strategy and action plan. The aim is to develop a comprehensive roadmap with a time-bound action plan and implementation mechanisms. The revision process is expected to be completed by April 2025.
