Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP)
Background
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been providing financial aid to the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) for implementing various projects related to forest development and community involvement in different parts of Sikkim since 2008. KCC is the District Level Facilitating NGO for the South and West Districts since 2011.
Objective
The SBFP aims to improve natural resources and alleviate poverty in the project area through participatory rehabilitation and management of degraded forests, alongside enhancing the livelihoods of local people. To achieve these overall goals, the project has the following specific objectives:
- Strengthening sustainable biodiversity conservation activities and forest management capacity.
- Improving livelihoods for local people dependent on forests.
- Afforestation and income generation activities, including eco-tourism for community development.
- Contributing to environmental conservation and harmonized socio-economic development of Sikkim.
Key Activities
- Meetings with SHG Members & JFMCs
Regular meetings with SHG members were conducted to finalize Income Generating Activities (IGA), prepare business plans, and maintain bookkeeping. Monthly monitoring visits and meetings were held to review the progress of the SHGs.
2. Distribution of Loans for IGA Activities
After rating 440 SHGs according to SBFP standards, business plans for each SHG were prepared and submitted to the Range Office. Following verification and approval by the concerned Range Officer, IGA loans were sanctioned and disbursed. The SHG members primarily showed interest in the Animal Husbandry sector, such as dairy, poultry, and piggery, due to high returns and easy market access. Organic vegetable cultivation and small businesses, like grocery shops, were also popular. A total loan amount of Rs. 1,48,20,193 was given to SHGs in the South and West districts, with each SHG receiving Rs. 60,000 at an interest rate of 2% in 2023.
3. Awareness Programs
In July 2023, the State Forest and Environment Department launched the first edition of an environment festival aimed at promoting environmental awareness. This initiative included:
- Free distribution of seedlings
- Large-scale plantations
- Conservation of endangered species
- Clean-up drives
- Curbing the use of single-use plastics
- Promoting zero waste and sustainable lifestyles
- Quiz, essay, and poem competitions
- Green reels competition
- Solid waste management workshop
- SkitsOne of the novel green initiatives was "Mero Rukh Mero Santati," conceptualized by the Sikkim State Government to strengthen the connection between parents, children, and nature by planting trees to commemorate childbirth. It aims to plant 108 trees for every newborn child born in Sikkim. Significant awareness programs were conducted in both the South and West districts.
Conclusion
In its final year, the SBFP continued to focus on community development and sustainable forest management. Regular meetings and monitoring ensured that SHGs were supported in their income-generating activities, contributing to the overall objectives of poverty alleviation and environmental
