The Dzulhami village lies under the Phek District of Nagaland, it is a Chakhesang Naga village located 87 kilometres northeast of Kohima,the capital of Nagaland. The village being a part of Phek District is temperate to sub-tropical,the hilly region comprised of evergreen Vegetation and the lower region comprise of deciduous forest with abundance of different species of flora and fauna.

The Dzulhami Community Conserved Area approximately measures upto 7.2 sq kilometres (720 hectares or 1779 acres) by length and 3 to 4km by height.

The area comprises of rich flora and fauna, it also includes many different types of rodents,snakes and insects. Several groups of plants like orchids,ferns,roselle, rhododendron, Bamboos,etc and many other wild flowers are found here.The faunal diversity includes more than fifty common wild animals, 200 bird species and a great number of reptiles and amphibians.

The Conserved Area also includes two Spring water Lakes namely

a)"Zorhe Lake" with length of 500 ft and breadth of 50 ft, and

b)"Thünomi Zülo Lake" with length of 300 ft and breadth of 70 ft.

The Conserved areas also include a number of small rivers and streams whereby different species of fishes and amphibians are found.

The following below are some of the different species found in the Dzulhami Community Conserved areas:

i) wild animals: it includes Leaf Deer , antelopes,Bears, wild boar, Pangolin, varieties of wild cats including marbled cats,flying fox,flying squirrel,India palm squirrel, porcupine, python etc

ii) Birds: it includes owls,black drongo,bul bul,woodpecker,cuckoo,green pigeon, varieties of eagles, jungle fowl, mountain bamboo partridge,etc. Birds like the Amur Falcon are also seen during winter seasons.

iii)Trees : trees include Alder, Hollock,pine, Cherry trees, rhododendron,it also includes wild fruits like gooseberries, black berries,wild apples and many others.

iv)Medicinal plants: many varieties of medicinal herbs and flowers are also found here, some of which includes polyphylla,centella asiatica,mint,elsholtzai blanda,banmara plant,Tulsi, roselle etc.

The Dzulhami Community belongs to the Chakhesang tribe of the Nagas,the village is located in the Sekruzu sub-division, Phek District of Nagaland. The Dzulhami village population in 2024 is estimated to be around 3444 to 3557. The people here speaks the Chokri Chakhesang dialect of the Nagas.

According to the last census in 2011the total no. Of population was 2823. Out of which 1431 were males and 1392 were females, consisting of 707 households with literacy of 1835 of which 957 are males and 878 are females.

Both men and women are engaged in all types of works, Agricultural farming is the main type of occupation for the people living here. Most of the people cultivate different crops and vegetables like rice, maize, beans,peas, potatoes, tomatoes,etc and fruits like Mangoes,oranges, cucumbers, passion fruits,plums, pineapples,etc. Some people are also engaged in their professions and work like government employees with regular day jobs, teachers in both private and government schools, doctors and nurses in the village hospital, business entrepreneurs, Carpenters and daily wage labourers. While some people are involved in various departments of the village.

The Dzulhami village is the last village of the Chakhesang tribe (Phek) bordering with the Zunheboto district of the Sumi Nagas.

Location coordinates: 25.825649°N 94.393803°E , 6000 ft above the Sea level.

Pincode: 797104

Before the advent of modern civilization and the subsequent shift to contemporary lifestyles, forests were the principal source of livelihood for people. These vast natural resources provided everything necessary for survival, including food, shelter, clothing, and medicinal herbs. The inhabitants were deeply dependent on the forest ecosystem, which sustained their way of life and was integral to their existence. The forest was not merely a resource but was considered home, fostering a profound symbiotic relationship between the people and their environment.

This profound emotional attachment and intrinsic connection to the forest and the broader environment instilled a sense of stewardship and responsibility. People recognized the importance of the forest in their daily lives and the need to maintain its health and vitality. This led to the early adoption of conservation measures aimed at protecting and preserving the forest, ensuring that the ecosystem and all its inhabitants were safeguarded for future generations. Traditional practices and customs often emphasized sustainable use and the importance of maintaining a balance with nature, which were passed down through generations.

Despite these traditional conservation practices, it wasn't until 2010 that formalized efforts were introduced to solidify these conservation values. Under the auspices of the Office of the Dzulhami Village Council, a series of resolutions were enacted, marking a significant step towards institutionalized conservation efforts. These resolutions officially designated the area as a Community Conserved Area, recognizing and formalizing the community's role in the stewardship of their natural resources.

The designation of the Community Conserved Area in 2010 represented a pivotal moment in the history of local conservation efforts. This formal recognition underscored the importance of community involvement in environmental preservation. It highlighted the need for structured and strategic approaches to conservation, ensuring that the forest's rich biodiversity and essential resources were protected against the pressures of modern development and exploitation. This move was a testament to the community's enduring commitment to their environment, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the importance of living in harmony with nature. By instituting these resolutions, the Dzulhami Village Council not only preserved the forest for future generations but also honored the traditional knowledge and practices that had long protected this vital ecosystem.

The imperative to preserve and protect the ecosystem, with a particular focus on sustaining livelihoods, conserving natural habitats and species, and safeguarding wild biodiversity, has ignited a profound commitment to conservation within the area. This fervent motivation has been significantly fueled by the locals' deep-seated passion for hunting, alongside the widespread logging of timber, collection of firewood, and harvesting of various forest products, all of which have collectively contributed to the gradual degradation of natural resources.

At present, meticulous conservation efforts are meticulously concentrated on specific geographical regions, with the primary objective of fostering active community engagement in comprehensive landscape restoration endeavors. These multifaceted initiatives are aimed at enhancing accessibility to natural sites, preserving the integrity and diversity of existing flora and fauna, and promoting extensive plantation projects. The overarching aspiration of these endeavors is to meticulously reinstate equilibrium within the ecosystem, thereby ensuring the sustainable utilization of resources while concurrently safeguarding biodiversity for the benefit and perpetuity of future generations.

The Dzulhami Community Forest Conservation Committee registered under Nagaland Community conserved Area Forum (NCCAF) in the year 2016, to work and coordinate with NCCAF, formulate Plans for the improvement of the CCA.

The community, as a collective entity, actively takes the initiative to develop and implement various agendas and ideas aimed at the betterment and preservation of the conserved areas. This process involves a comprehensive approach where community members come together to engage in thoughtful planning and decision-making. These collaborative efforts are designed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with conservation.

On the 23rd of March 2010, a significant meeting convened by the Village Council and the Forest Committee was conducted to address concerns regarding the Community Conservation Area (CCA), presided over by Mr. Ruyovo Keyho as the chairman and Mr. Muluvoyi Shijo as the secretary. During this meeting, several crucial resolutions were enacted to regulate and preserve the integrity of the CCA:

i) Strict penalties were established for any individual found harming birds or animals within the conservation area, with a fine of Rs. 5000 imposed on those found hunting with any type of weapon.

ii) The unauthorized cutting or collection of forest timber and firewood within the CCA was deemed punishable, with fines levied based on the quantity of cord and trees felled.

iii) A stringent permit system was implemented for individuals requiring timber, planks, or sawing for building purposes, necessitating authorization from the community's governing authority.

iv) The collection of forest products such as wildflowers, plants, jungle leaves, and fruits was permitted only with explicit permission from the community.

v) Fishing activities, as well as the collection of crabs and frogs, whether by locals or non-locals, were prohibited within the CCA and subject to punitive fines.

These resolutions underscore the community's commitment to conserving and safeguarding the natural resources and biodiversity within the CCA, while also establishing clear guidelines and consequences for violations to ensure the sustained protection of the ecosystem.

a) The community takes the initiative to set up programs, settles a certain date for plantations and restoration activities.

b) Fish Stocking in the Lakes and ponds available in the area.

c) Every once in a while, the Community takes the initiative to inspect the Conserved areas.

d) initiatives were taken by the DCFCC (2016) to preserve and promote the two Spring water Lakes "Zhorhe" and "Thünomi zülo", roads and pathways were built to people to visit the two Lakes.

Article 371(A) states that no act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas, the Naga customary law and procedure, the administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to the Naga customary law, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources. This makes local communities in Nagaland the de facto owner of their community forest unless otherwise stated.

Forests are the lifeline of all living organisms in and around. The Trees in the Conserved areas stabilizes the soil fertility,checks the velocity of the wind , protect watershed and reduces the amount of carbon released in the atmosphere.Human health is inextricably linked to Forest Health. Time spent in Forest has been shown to have positive benefit on conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes and mental health.

The Community Conserved areas usually prohibits grazing,lumbering, hunting or poaching of wild animals,restricts collecting of Forest products unless explicitly permitted by the Officer in charge. Reserved areas are maintained to protect the natural resources and all living creatures within their boundaries.

-The following are some of the impacts of CCA on the community and ecosystem;

• Awareness: with Years of practice of Conservation, people are gradually beginning to understand the importance and the need for protecting the Conserved Areas,thus instilling a sense of responsibility for preserving this areas.
• There has been a significant increase in the numbers of wild animals,Bird species, Plants and other living creatures in it. These areas serves as a home to all wild animals.
• Reserved areas are declared with the primary goal of preventing degradation of natural resources,These areas have witnessed the stability of natural resources in the area.
• It has in a way helped in checking the temperature in the area keeping the heat/humidity in check as a result in the increase in the numbers of green plants and trees.
• The Conserved Areas consists of small streams and rivers, large number of trees etc thus providing fresh water and clean air which benefits the health of all creatures in the area.
• The community conserved Areas also promotes Soil conservation and prevents soil erosion. Trees in the forest firmly holds the topmost layer which does not allow natural forces like wind and waterto carry away the top fertile layer of soil. It helps to maintain nutrients cycling in the soil.
• These conserved areas provides wild medicinal plants. With permission,the locals are allowed to collect this herbs available in the area for healing purposes.

The Community conserved Areas are sites that are voluntarily conserved by the Local community for the preservation,Protection and planned management to prevent exploitation and destruction of natural resources and it's habitat, with a mission to preserve resources for the present and future generations.

-CCA have provided opportunities and paved way for the Conserved areas, some of which may include;

• Protecting local biodiversity , the CCA has provided a space for protection of native species. These areas protects all species of birds , animals and plants,etc exceptionally preserving the endangered species.
• Strengthening Protected areas; CCA has instilled a sense of authority and responsibility to the Community for the protection of these areas. These areas may include historical sites and landscapes, important structures for the people.Protected area are critical tools for long term biodiversity conservation.
• Economic benefits: Economic benefits from ecosystem based activities such as Eco-tourism are an important benefit for many communities. The Dzulhami CCA in the near future aims to promote employment opportunities through Eco- tourism while creating better experiences for tourists.
• Social recognition: Conservation efforts often bring the Community together for a common cause, it also paves way for building relationships with outside communities or larger organisation this gaining more recognition.
• Trust funds , financial contribution in kind support to protected areas management.

Despite the establishment of rules and resolutions by the community to regulate activities within the conservation area, several setbacks persist, posing significant challenges to conservation efforts:

Moreover, the socioeconomic dynamics of the area exacerbate these challenges, as the majority of locals depend heavily on the forest for their livelihoods. With over 70% of the population lacking formal employment opportunities, many rely on activities such as carpentry, farming, and daily wage labor for sustenance. However, a significant portion of the population remains entirely dependent on the forest and its ecosystem for their survival, further intensifying pressures on the natural environment. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies that not only regulate human activities within the conservation area but also promote sustainable livelihood alternatives and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the forest ecosystem for future generations.

i) In an effort to harness the potential of sustainable tourism, the community is dedicated to promoting ecotourism initiatives within the reserved area. By showcasing the rich biodiversity and pristine natural landscapes of the region, ecotourism endeavors aim to not only generate economic opportunities for local communities but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation and environmental preservation. Through the development of eco-friendly accommodations, guided nature tours, and immersive cultural experiences, the community seeks to attract responsible travelers who value and respect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

ii) Recognizing the importance of infrastructure in facilitating access and connectivity, plans are underway for the construction of improved roads and pathways throughout the reserved area. These infrastructure projects aim to enhance accessibility for residents and visitors alike, while minimizing environmental impact through sustainable construction practices. By establishing well-maintained roads and pathways, the community aims to improve transportation efficiency, support local economic development, and promote safe and enjoyable travel experiences for all.

iii) To enrich the nature experience for tourists, the community is committed to establishing trekking outposts strategically positioned across the reserved area. These outposts will serve as starting points for guided trekking adventures, allowing visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems, scenic landscapes, and unique wildlife habitats within the region. Through curated trekking routes, interpretive signage, and knowledgeable guides, tourists will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area while fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation and environmental stewardship.

iv) In line with conservation objectives, efforts are underway to preserve natural ponds and lakes within the reserved area, providing designated areas for fishing activities. By safeguarding these aquatic ecosystems, the community aims to maintain biodiversity, support native wildlife populations, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Through responsible management and conservation efforts, natural ponds and lakes will continue to serve as valuable recreational resources for residents and visitors alike, while ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the ecosystem.

v) Building on past successes, the community remains committed to ongoing tree plantation initiatives and restoration activities within the reserved area. By planting native tree species, restoring degraded habitats, and implementing sustainable land management practices, the community aims to enhance ecosystem resilience, combat deforestation, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through collaborative partnerships, community engagement, and innovative conservation strategies, the community seeks to preserve and protect the natural heritage of the reserved area for future generations to enjoy.