NRS proposes rhododendron conservation centre at Jakhama

Kohima, October 12 (MExN): A delegation of the Nagaland Rhododendron Society (NRS) met the Governor of Nagaland on Monday and sought support for strengthening rhododendron conservation initiatives in the state.During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the society’s journey, which began in 2017 as a family initiative to conserve a few rhododendron saplings and later developed into a broader effort to protect Nagaland’s rhododendron heritage.The initiative led to the formation of the NRS, which aims to promote community-based conservation, environmental awareness and the protection of the state’s biodiversity.The delegation apprised the Governor of its ongoing conservation activities at Jakhama, including rescuing and nurturing saplings, plantation drives and involving local communities and youth in environmental protection.A key proposal presented during the meeting was the establishment of the Jakhama Rhododendron Conservation Centre to undertake conservation, research, documentation and environmental education, besides promoting eco-tourism.Located between Kisama and the Dzukou Valley, the proposed centre has the potential to emerge as a destination for biodiversity conservation and nature-based tourism in Nagaland, the society said.The delegation also stressed the need for a state-level rhododendron conservation initiative to protect the species and their natural habitats from threats such as forest fires, habitat degradation and other environmental disturbances.The NRS expressed its commitment to working with the state government, local communities, educational institutions and other stakeholders to advance rhododendron conservation.Describing the meeting as an important milestone in its efforts to expand the initial family initiative into a broader conservation movement, the society thanked the Governor for granting the delegation an audience and providing an opportunity to present its vision.