Press Release

Consultative Workshop on 'Common Property Land Resources (CPLRs) of Gyalshing District, Sikkim' was successfully organised by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 24-May-2023
Gyalshing,May 24(IPR):
A Consultative Workshop on 'Common Property Land Resources (CPLRs) of Gyalshing District, Sikkim' was successfully organised by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, and the Biodiversity Collaborative in collaboration with the Khanchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC) Yuksam, today at Zilla Panchayat Bhawan Kyongsa. The workshop aimed to explore the crucial role of CPLRs in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
The workshop was attended by Shri. D.S. Limboo, Hon'ble Zilla Adhyaksha, as the chief guest, and Mrs. Yishey D. Yongda, DM, Gyalshing, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Other attendees included Zilla members, Gram Panchayat members, Farmers, resource persons from KCC and Dr. Rajkamal Goswami, a conservation scientist from ATREE. A significant highlight of the event was the active participation of over 100 members from more than 10 villages in Gyalshing and the enriching interactions with them which was steered by Dr. Kishor Sharma, Ms. Deeke Doma Tamang and Ms. Anushka Gurung of ATREE.
The primary objective of the workshop was to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse commons of the Sikkim Himalayas such as community forests, land and wetland based common resources. The participants aimed to assess the current status of these areas and analyze the changes they have undergone in recent times. Throughout the intensive day-long discussions and consultations, various stakeholders actively contributed, including farmers, local community members, district administration officials, Zilla Panchayat and Gram Panchayat members, civil society representatives, and conservation action groups like KCC and KPS.
The workshop shed light on the fact that local communities have a close relationship with common resources such as Khasmals, Gaucharans, Bhera-chowk, sacred groves, monasteries, and Gumpa forests. However, these resources are experiencing a steady decline due to natural disasters, increased resource demands, and encroachments. One of the key outcomes of the workshop will be the formulation of a Management Action Plan to conserve and protect the remaining common forests of Sikkim.
In his closing remarks, Shri. D.S. Limboo, Hon'ble Zilla Adhyaksha, emphasized the workshop's significance and congratulated ATREE, KCC, and other organizers for raising awareness about this critical conservation issue. Earlier, DM Gyalshing, delivered the inaugural speech, expressing the district administration's full support and cooperation for the project. She impressed upon the importance of the Farming community and asked them to avail of all the facilities being provided by the government. The DC also touched upon recent initiatives through the Gyakshing district zilla panchayat for reviving the traditional practise of ‘Kothay Baari’ and avenue plantations through competition among panchayats and individual households. Following the workshop, the formation of the Sikkim Commons Conservation Action Group (WSCCAG) is planned. This group will comprise representatives from ATREE, BC, KCC, the forest department, district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Gram Panchayat, civil society, conservation action groups, and local communities. The WSCCAG will work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive action plan for the CPLRs of the state