Meghalaya, 4th December 2025: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), with the support of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and World Land Trust, came together to felicitate the Nokmas (village headmen) belonging to 35+ villages from different parts of the Garo Hills on 4^th December 2025.

WTI has been working with the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and the State Forest Department for over two decades to secure and restore the forest patches located between West Garo Hills and Nokrek National Park with a view to establishing wilderness connectivity with Balpakram National Park- a landscape titled as Garo Green Spine. To date, the project has notified 40 Village Reserve Forests (VRFs) covering an area of 6753 hectares and has ensured the right of passage for elephants (Mongma) and other wild animals in the landscape. The project has also restored over 600 hectares of degraded forest patches.

WTI has been working with the local community and the State Forest department for over 20 years to reconnect fragmented forests across the Garo Hills | Photo by Team WTI

The Nokmas and their clan members have played a critical role by graciously offering their aking land for the establishment of these VRFs. By protecting their ancestral land, they are not only helping to connect fragmented landscapes and protect the biodiversity, but are also safeguarding their land and forests for future generations.

In recognition of their contribution to nature conservation, a felicitation event was organised on the 4^th of December 2025 at SMELC, Tura, Meghalaya. The event was chaired by Mr. H.R. Sangma, EM Forest and Environment, GHADC. Other dignitaries included Prof. P.C. Bhattacharjee, Trustee Emeritus, WTI; Mr. Rangkhu Sangma, Jt. Secretary and CFO, GHADC, Mr P.R.Marak, Joint Secretary GHADC  and Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Vice President and Chief of Conservation, WTI. Prof P.C.Bhattacharjee stated that the Garo Green Spine Conservation Project is a conservation model and acknowledged WTI’s role in its success, while emphasising that it would not have been possible without the support of the Nokmas and local communities.

Felicitation of Garo’s Conservation Champions | Photo by Vranka A Sangma

The Nokmas also reflected their views on the conservation efforts in the landscape and some of the existing challenges and thanked WTI and GHADC for extending support to protect their forest.

Mr H.R. Sangma expressed his happiness at being part of this event, noting that it provided a great opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken in the landscape. He urged the Nokmas to conserve forests and create more VRFs to protect wildlife.

Honouring WTI’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding the forests, wildlife corridors, and the vibrant biodiversity of the Garo Hills over the past 23 years, GHADC conferred upon WTI a certificate of Appreciation. Dr Sandeep Kr Tiwari expressed that the people of Garo Hills, by voluntarily setting aside their land for conservation, have created a global example and model of community-led conservation, one that has resulted in a win-win situation for both wild animals and local communities.

Dr. Sandeep Kr Tiwari accepted the letter of appreciation presented to WTI by the GHADC | Photo by Team WTI

The highlight of the event was the community pledge – a resolution to protect and safeguard their aking land for the conservation of forests and wildlife. This resolution will stand as a testament and symbol of stewardship and commitment to conservation. Mr Rangkhu Sangma, CFO GHADC, said, “Today’s program marks an important day for conservation in the Garo Hills because it highlights the responsibilities, hard work, dedication and the perseverance of the nokmas, GHADC and the members of the Akings/villagers. Despite developmental pressure, they have remained absolute and steadfast because of which we still have our forests, wildlife, rivers and streams. “

Mr Kremith T Sangma, Nokma Selbalgre appreciated WTI’s efforts in their village, noting that with the restoration of the degraded forest, gibbons and deer have returned to their village forest, and the stream now provides sufficient water to meet their needs.

Over 35 Nokmas get recognition for their pivotal role in community-led forest conservation | Photo by Vranka A Sangma

Showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Garo Hills, a traditional invocation in the form of the Wangala dance was performed during the event.