The Capacity Building and Training program started at 11:00 a.m at St.Joseph’s Parish Hall, Kolasib Venglai. A total of 58 BMC members from Bukpui, New Builum, Nisapui, Lungdai, Lungmuat, N.Chaltlang, N.Hlimen, Serkhan, Thingthelh and Thingdawl BMC’s attended the training. Pi Margaret Lalramchhani IFS, DFO Kolasib, Pu Thanliana Hauhnar ACF, CF(NC) Office, Kolasib; Pu Sailianpuia, Range Officer, Bukpui Range and his staffs (2 nos), Pu Lalrammawia Rawite, Range Officer, N.Hlimen Range and his staff (1 no) also attended the programme. The training program was divided into two sessions. The first (inaugural) session was chaired by Dr. Lalneihpuia Chhakchhuak, Resource Person from State Biodiversity Board and delivered an introductory speech, explaining the objectives of the training programme.

       Following this, Pi Margaret Lalramchhani DFO, Kolasib delivered a keynote address. She highlighted how Mizoram falls on Biodiversity hotspot and endowed with rich biodiversity, endemic species of its flora and fauna. She also explained about the importance of biodiversity to mankind and necessary conservation measures.

       Pu Thanliana Hauhnar ACF CF (NC) Office, Kolasib also delivered a short speech and explained the valuable biological resources of Mizoram, importance and their needs for conservation.

       Dr. Lalneihpuia ended the first session with vote of thanks and followed by Lunch.

      The Second (Technical) session started after lunch and Dr. Lalneihpuia Chhakchhuak delivered (3) presentations on the following topics – 1) Biodiversity- Concept, Meaning and importance to mankind 2) Guidelines for Operationalization of BMCs (NBA) and 3) Guidelines for preparation of Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR). In his first presentation – ‘Biodiversity’, the trainer explained the concept and meaning of Biodiversity –its importance to mankind for sustainability of livelihoods. He also explained the meaning of ‘Biodiversity Hostpot’ and highlighted that Mizoram also lies in Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot Region, one among 36 Biodiversity Hostpot in the World. He described about the richness of different species of flora and fauna in this region and importance and necessity of their conservation. He also explained different factors that affect the loss of Biodiversity and threats to Biodiversity particularly in this region. Different conservation strategies and laws that protect biodiversity were also explained. Implementation of Objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992 and Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004 in India were explained to BMC Members. The main objectives of CBD – Conservation of Biological Diversity, Sustainable uses of the components of biological diversity, and Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources were highlighted and explained. 

       The second presentation mainly focused on the Guidelines of operationalization of BMC as prepared by National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).  The Resource person explained about Role of State Biodiversity Board in the formation of BMC, Integration of BMC’s to other village level committees, time period for operationalization, roles and functions of BMC’s, financial aspects including financial resources, maintenance of accounts, custody of funds etc., technical aspects and other provisions under BMC Guidelines etc. All BMC’s were provided copies of Guidelines for Operationalization of BMC’s (NBA Publication) that they be getting in depth knowledge about their duties, roles and responsibilities in biodiversity conservation in their jurisdiction area. 

       The third presentation explains process of Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR) preparation and documentation. In this presentation, Dr. Neihpuia explained to the trainees about the process and steps of PBR documentation. He mentioned that PBR shall contain comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or other uses. It also involves the active support and cooperation of the local people who need to share their common as well as special knowledge. The documentation process includes information gathered from individuals through detailed questionnaire, focused group discussion with persons having knowledge and published secondary information. He also added that documentation of knowledge of individuals with regard to biodiversity and its uses is an important part of PBR, traditional knowledge related to biodiversity should also be documented in PBR. A short interaction time was open and queries of the trainees were explained and clarified by the Resource person.  

All BMC Members who attended the training were given Dearness Allowance (DA) as per daily wages rate and Travel Allowances (TA) as per their expenses. The programme ended with a group photo session.