Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launches biodiversity conservation project in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya

Key facts

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments.
• The project is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a grant of $4.88 million for 2025-30.
• In Tamil Nadu, the programme covers the Sathyamangalam landscape, including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
• In Meghalaya, the project covers the Garo Hills, including the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park, and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Conservation efforts will be integrated into Village Employment Councils (VECs), which are equivalent to gram panchayats.
• Key objectives include strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and Biodiversity Management Committees by mainstreaming biodiversity in local developmental plans.
• The project aims to promote innovative financing through Access and Benefit Sharing (ACS) arrangements, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) co-financing, and green micro-enterprises.
• The initiative focuses on advancing the economic and governance roles of women, scheduled caste, and tribal communities through knowledge management and capacity building.