In a major boost to conserving the Intanki National Park (INP), chairmen of 16 neighbouring villages agreed to cooperate with the state government and Forest Department in protecting the national park and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard on Tuesday.
The MoU was signed by chairmen of 16 villages– Beisumpuikam, Jalukiekam, Paijol, Songngou, Monglumukh, Pellang, Vonkitem, Lilen, New Beisumpui, Bongkolong, Nsenlwa, Khelma, New Soget, Ikeisingram, New Nkio and Sailhem and government representatives– commissioner & secretary Y. Kikheto Sema and Chief Wildlife Warden Ved Pal Singh at a function held to commemorate the ongoing National Wildlife Week at INP Protection Camp on the theme “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”.
As per the MoU, the villages resolved to co-operate with the state government and the department in protection and conservation of Intanki National Park and its bio-diversity; to refrain from hunting/poaching and other destructive activities in the National Park and also agree to make prohibitory orders in our respective villages to ban hunting and other activities not permitted by law..The villages also resolved to partner with the department in its policies and programs in the management of the National Park and to share information of relevance willingly to either party.
Further, it was decided that the department would put effort for the eco-developmental activities of the surrounding villages including livelihood improvement and other employment opportunities of the local youth in the form of trainings and other human resource development.
Earlier, addressing the gathering as chief guest, commissioner and secretary Forests, Environment & Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema emphasised the significance of Wildlife Week in fostering awareness about animal conservation and protection. Citing the state’s status as a “biodiversity hotspot”, he called for conservation and urged all Nagas to unite for the cause.
Referring to the issue of illegal activities in the national park, he appealed to the councils of the 16 surrounding villages to collaborate with the department in safeguarding the park.
He pointed out that economic prosperity of the region hinged on the conservation of natural resources, adding that he envisioned INP as a potential treasure, subject to increased wildlife.
Kikheto also urged the Peren district administration to take stern action against poaching, hunting, fishing, and woodcutting in the park.
Underscoring the importance of responsible stewardship as guided by Biblical principles, he referred to some verses, citing that God had given responsibility to humans vis-à-vis nature, wildlife and environment (Genesis 1:22).
He however pointed out that the Lord had also warned against destroying nature, wildlife and environment (Jeremiah 9:9-11).
He acknowledged the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for its initiative to creating awareness during Wildlife Week, calling for inclusion of wildlife protection and preservation in Sunday school curriculum and pulpit preaching.
Speaking on the occasion as special guest, chief wildlife warden Ved Pal Singh reiterated the need for public cooperation in forest protection, particularly in the context of Nagaland where private forest lands surpassed government-owned ones.
Stressing safeguarding of wildlife, he said the level of civilisation was indicated by forest was conserved, adding “if we want to be considered as a society good enough with a good sense of aesthetics, conservation of forest plays a vital role on it.”
He also referred to the economic benefits from protecting forest lands.
Singh said he envisioned INP as an unpolished diamond, with the potential for significant economic gains through the introduction of wildlife safaris.
Delivering a short speech, Jalukie additional deputy commissioner Kiusumong Tikhir addressed the issue of bird and animal trafficking in the district, noting that the huge demand had driven villagers to engage in hunting for profit. He urged communities to desist from such activities and encouraged village council members to pass resolutions against hunting.
The programme was chaired by INP ranger Kekhrieselhou Ketshe, invocation was pronounced by PBC pastor and welcome address given by INP field director T Aochuba.
Short speeches were also delivered by Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) president K Akhang and chairpersons of three village councils, while vote of thanks was given by NNP assistant conservator of forest Ilamwangbe Zeme and special performance by Thamnyie Phom and Tiawabang.