Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DoEF&CC) observed Wildlife Week 2024, under the theme “Wildlife Conservation through Co-existence” at Conference Hall, Forest Office Complex, Forest Colony, here on Tuesday.
Addressing the event as special guest, minister of Environment, Forest, & Climate Change, and Village Guards, CL John, emphasized that Wildlife Week was celebrated annually in the first week of October, with the intention to reflect on the rich natural heritage and promote awareness of wildlife conservation.
Focusing on the theme, John highlighted interdependence between humans and countless species, which play vital role in maintaining a balance to the ecosystem, and stressed that conservation was not about isolating wildlife from human development, but about fostering harmony where both humans and wildlife can thrive together.
“Conservation is not just about protecting animals and plants in isolation from human development. It’s about creating a world where both humans with their needs and wildlife can coexist together. We cannot view nature as a separate entity. Coexistence calls upon us to change our mindset and to learn to live with nature”, he said.
The minister also addressed the challenges faced by the Forest department, which often finds itself navigating the complex task of safeguarding both wildlife and human interests.
He said the department has been tasked with safeguarding forests and wildlife, and must also address the needs and concerns of local communities. He further called for an end to hunting within Community Reserved Forests (CRFs) and Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), urging Nagas to take responsibility for conserving the forests in their surroundings. He also called upon Nagas to take ownership of forest conservation in their immediate surroundings, reminding them that it was everyone responsibility.
Dwelling on the harmful effect of hunting, the minster remarked, “Nagas have yet to fully ban hunting practices”, and called for community participation, especially from Church institution, pointing out that since Nagaland is a Church centric state, it was vital for the Church to implore wildlife conservation efforts in its Sunday preaching’s.
He also suggested integration of wildlife conservation topics into school textbooks and advocated for year-round tree plantation drives.
Meanwhile, delivering the keynote address, Chief Wildlife Warden, Vedpal Singh, reiterated the significance of Wildlife Week, to raise awareness and reminded people of the importance of safeguarding wildlife. He also called on everyone to contribute in their small ways to wildlife conservation, stressing on the critical role played by communities in conserving forests in Nagaland.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by director, Intanki National Park, T Aochuba, invocation by pastor, DABA, Rev I Wati and welcome address by Wildlife Warden, Dimapur, H Tokaho Kinimi.
Short speeches were also delivered by project leader, WCS Nagaland, Bano Haralu and DCP Niuland, Kilangyanger Walling, and vote of thanks by Wildlife Warden, Kiphire, Sandeep Rajgotra.
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung Forest Division observed the Wildlife Week by organising a programme with the Soul House Academy at Forest Office Complex Marepkong. The school led by the principal of the Soul House Academy, Arenla Lemtur along with teaching faculty and students from Grade 3 to 6 visited the Forest Complex to learn and experience the various initiative undertaken by Forest for conservation of Flora and Fauna.
Dr Sentitula, DFO Mokokchung welcomed all the teachers and students while Mokokchung Range Officer, I. Sashilemla, RFO highlighted on the observation of National Wildlife Week.
In addition to this year’s theme, Mokokchung Forest Division also focused on ‘Listening to the Voices of our Future Generation’. The day was marked with a walk around forest park to enable the children to explore, observe and connect with Nature.
Nagaland Zoological Park informs
Commemorating Wildlife Week 2024, director, Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Dr. C. Zupeni Tsanglai, has informed that the zoo would be providing free entry to students from October 2 to 8 on producing valid School/College ID Card.
He encouraged citizens and students to witness the nature and environment, and how an individual can create impact to protect, preserve and restore.