Law that Empowers Community-led Conservation Key to Protecting Commons: Changemakers Speak at ‘Commons Convening’

The ‘Commons Convening,’ a three-day event held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, opened with a strong emphasis on collective action and community involvement as essential strategies for the governance and conservation of India’s ecological Commons. The event, which brought together key stakeholders from over 20 States and Union Territories, aims to amplify the role of Commons in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action objectives.
With India’s Commons covering 205 million acres—about a quarter of the country’s landmass—and sustaining the livelihoods of over 350 million rural poor, the importance of these communal resources cannot be overstated. The opening plenary, which honoured seven grassroots-level changemakers, set the stage for in-depth discussions on the critical challenges facing the management of these resources.
Jishudan Dishari from Odisha, whose village Barakutni was awarded the Prakruti Mitra award in 2022, shared his journey towards protecting Commons. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled learning from his grandmother that nature would protect people. His efforts have since mobilized over 50 youths and 100 women in nearby villages, and he has called for broader societal participation in conserving Commons.
Similarly, Y Nuklu Phom from Nagaland, who won the Whitley Award for biodiversity conservation in 2021, described the transformative journey of his hunting community in Yongyimchen village. Transitioning from hunting to conservation, the community’s efforts have led to the protection of Amur falcons, whose presence has fostered collaboration between policymakers and community leaders.
Urban perspectives were also highlighted by Usha Rajagopalan, a lake activist from Bengaluru. She stressed that Commons are not only relevant to rural areas but are increasingly crucial in urban settings. Rajagopalan warned that unless cities are made more livable, people may revert to rural areas, leading to further urbanization and loss of natural resources.
The opening plenary saw participation from notable figures, including Rajesh S Kumar, IFS, Inspector General of Forest, MoEFCC; Muniraju SB, Deputy Advisor, NITI Aayog; Sudarshan Iyengar, Chairperson, Foundation for Ecological Security; Ranjan Kumar Ghosh, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad; and Zeenat Niazi, Chief Advisor, Circular Economy and Climate Resilience Programs, Development Alternatives.
Rajesh S Kumar He emphasized the wealth of local wisdom at the panchayat level, underscoring its critical role in protecting Commons and promoting equitable, urgent action in conservation efforts. The ‘Commons Convening’ continues to be a platform for strategic planning, collaborative learning, and reinforcing the importance of Commons in India’s sustainable future.