A meeting of the High Power Steering Committee of the recently launched Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was held on 20th April which was presided by the Chief Secretary, Mr. ND Chingapa.

The meeting was held at the Tashiling Secretariat in Gangtok, and the main objective of the meet was to review the progress of the project during its initial year, and to approve the work plan and budget for the 2nd financial year. The ten year project, which is implemented by the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management, includes a range of activities to conserve Sikkim’s biodiversity resources and promote ecotourism to provide income at the grass root level.

Project Director cum APCCF Dr. Anil Mainra, of the department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management welcomed the participants and provided a briefing on the project. Dr. Bill Buffum, the Team Leader of the technical assistance team which is supporting DFEWM in implementing the project, presented the strategy for providing technical assistance. The meeting was also attended by other TA consultants and two representatives from JICA, Ms. Miho Horikawa and Mr. Vineet Sarin. After receiving the comments from all the committee members and other participants, the Chief Secretary offered his closing remarks.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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