Meghalaya CM Inaugurates Workshop on Advanced Forest Survey and Mapping

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a workshop focused on advanced forest survey and mapping using a hybrid system. The initiative aims to enhance carbon financing and protect biodiversity, aligning with the Biological Diversity Act. Cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR are employed for an in-depth environmental analysis.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a workshop for forest officials, focusing on 'Forest Survey & Mapping for Meghalaya Using Hybrid System to Analyse Carbon Financing and Phyto-Diversity Heat Map & Provisions of the BD Act (Amendment)' on Friday. During his address, Sangma underscored the workshop's significance, highlighting the crucial role of technology in data collection.

"Utilizing data from various departments and observing trends will enable the government to formulate effective policies and interventions, resulting in a more significant impact," he stated. Sangma emphasized that in Meghalaya, known for its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge, implementing the Biological Diversity Act and its 2023 amendment is crucial.

"The Act's provisions will protect our biological resources and traditional knowledge from exploitation, ensuring local communities benefit from the sustainable use of these resources," he added. Sangma also pointed out that the Act aims to foster a sustainable relationship with nature, balancing conservation and development.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the recent survey of Meghalaya's reserve forests, conducted using advanced aerial LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging technologies. "These cutting-edge methods have enabled an in-depth analysis of the biodiversity, health, and environmental challenges of Meghalaya's reserve forests," he remarked.

Additionally, Sangma mentioned that Meghalaya's new framework aims to create an inventory of its natural assets and assess the economic value of its ecosystem services. This approach will aid in developing innovative financial tools and securing funding for conservation efforts. "We aim to establish a new revenue model focused on nature conservation and climate action, encompassing carbon farming, regenerative agriculture, and monetizing the ecosystem services of our forests," he elaborated.

The Chief Minister also released the final report on "Forest Survey & Mapping for Meghalaya Using a Hybrid System to Analyse Carbon Financing and Phyto-Diversity Heat Map." (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)