Community-Based Forest Conservation Practices of the Anal Naga Tribe in Manipur

Context

The Anal Naga tribe of Manipur has traditionally conserved forests and water resources through community-managed systems known as Uju and Rangkang.

Anal Naga Tribe

1. The Anal are an indigenous Tibeto-Burman Naga tribe mainly inhabiting Chandel district of Manipur, with a smaller population in Myanmar.
2. They are regarded as one of the earliest settler groups among the 19 recognised Naga tribes of Manipur and are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
3. According to the 2011 Census, the tribe has a population of about 24,301.
4. The Anal language belongs to the Northern Kukish branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
5. Traditionally animist, the community today predominantly follows Christianity.
6. Agriculture and animal husbandry constitute the main sources of livelihood.
7. The tribe has traditionally conserved forests and natural resources through indigenous practices known as Uju and Rangkang.

Uju

1. Uju refers to community-managed reserved forests located near Anal villages.
2. These forests are regulated by village elders and local institutions through collective decision-making.
3. Matters related to land use, jhum cultivation and forest protection are discussed during village assemblies.
4. Commercial logging is prohibited, while tree felling requires prior approval.
5. Forest produce such as herbs, fruits, mushrooms and medicinal plants may be collected only for household use.

Rangkang

1. Rangkang refers to forest patches situated deeper within jhum cultivation areas.
2. Unlike Uju, these regions are largely left undisturbed and remain outside routine human use.
3. The practice has supported natural regeneration and conservation of dense forest ecosystems over generations.