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Picture Courtesy:   THEHAWK

Why In News?

The State Government of Manipur launched the "Ningol Van Initiative" to place women at the forefront of forest conservation, intertwining environmental sustainability with economic empowerment. 

What Is The Ningol Van Initiative?

In the Meitei culture of Manipur, Ningol refers to a married daughter or woman. The term carries deep cultural respect, symbolizing love, care, and the bond between a woman and her paternal home (celebrated in festivals like Ningol Chakouba).

The initiative positions women as the primary "Guardians of the Green," leveraging their traditional role as protectors of the home to lead environmental conservation and community sustainability.

Core Objectives & Features

The initiative was launched by the Manipur Forest Department with a dual focus: Ecological Security and Livelihood Generation. 

Combating "Poppy" with "Plantation": A primary driver is to reclaim lands destroyed by illegal poppy cultivation (a major issue in Manipur's hill districts). The state aims to replace these with sustainable plantations like Bamboo and Aromatic/Essential Oil crops.

Women-Led Conservation: It formalizes the role of women in protecting forests from wildfires, illegal mining, and earth excavation.

Statewide Expansion: While launched centrally, the model is designed to be replicated across all 16 districts of Manipur, involving both hill and valley communities. 

Operational Mechanism 

The initiative leverages the existing success of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). 

• Manipur has established numerous micro food-processing units under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY). 95% of these units are operated by women.
• The Model:
1. Collection: Women SHGs collect Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like wild fruits, fibers, and herbs.
2. Processing: These raw materials are processed in micro-units (e.g., making jams, juices, handicrafts).
3. Conservation: Since their livelihood depends on the forest, these women groups proactively prevent forest fires and illegal logging—a concept known as "Conservation through Use." 

Significance of the Initiative

Environmental Significance

• Biodiversity Protection: Manipur creates a buffer for the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Active community patrolling is more effective than state policing in difficult terrains.
• Climate Action: Addresses the theme of the 2026 International Day of Forests: "Forests and Economies." It proves that economic growth does not require deforestation.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Women Empowerment: It shifts women from being "passive gatherers" to "active managers" of forest resources. It aligns with the Eco-Feminist perspective that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and thus are key to its solution.
• Conflict Resolution: In a state recovering from ethnic strife, shared economic interests in forests (like bamboo trade) can act as a peace-building bridge between hill (tribal) and valley communities. 

Source:  THEHAWK