Nagaland joined the rest of the country in commemorating Wildlife Week 2025 from October 2 to 8, with a series of programmes held across the state to promote awareness on conservation and harmonious coexistence with nature.
WOKHA
WOKHA: Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division jointly observed Wildlife Week at the Forest Community Hall on October 8, under the aegis of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and Nagar Van Yojana.
The programme featured a series of competitions and awareness activities aimed at fostering ecological consciousness among students. Highlights included a debate on the theme “Human-Wildlife Coexistence,” alongside extempore speech and painting competitions across various age groups.
Addressing the gathering, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wokha, Suman W M Sivachar, underscored the mounting challenges faced by forest ecosystems. He noted that expanding agriculture and infrastructure continue to fragment habitats, disrupt wildlife corridors, and isolate species dependent on large, connected landscapes. While acknowledging the community’s reliance on forests for fuelwood, timber and other resources, the DFO emphasized the need for sustainable solutions that balance development with ecological integrity. He called for inclusive planning and active community participation to ensure harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
In the extempore speech competition, Zuyani R. Humtsoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School secured first place, followed by Rhonthunglo Lotha of Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, and Myingthunglo N. Kikon of Isaiah Ability HSS in second and third positions respectively. Mount Tiyi College, Wokha emerged as the winner of the debate.
In the painting competition, Lissenroni Ngullie of Perennial School won first place in the Class 1–4 category, with Fuchumo N. Ngullie and Chumren Wilson E. Ennio taking second and third. For Classes 5–8, Samlamngaule Lungalaing of Don Bosco HSS, Dipsika Lepcha of Fernbrook School, and Mhachenbeni M. Ezung of Don Bosco School claimed the top three positions. In the senior category (Classes 9–12), M. Bidemo Lotha of Perennial School bagged first place, followed by Z. Martha Ezung of Government HSS, Wokha and Ladyro M. Ezung of Don Bosco HSS.
The event was attended by SDPO Wokha Sangthing Khiam, officials from Lotha Hoho, and students and teachers from various institutions across the district. (Correspondent)
NAGALAND ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Nagaland Zoological Park: Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, marked Wildlife Week with a week-long programme focused on educating visitors, especially students, about wildlife conservation. The main event on October 7 was graced by CF (NTC), Rongsenlemla Imchen, who urged individuals to actively participate in conservation efforts and foster harmony with nature.
Eco-Warriors Nagaland conducted an open quiz competition, drawing enthusiastic participation from schools. Winners of the painting competition were also felicitated. In the Senior Category, Christabelle Kimeri Shitiri and Jungshienla Jamir of Maple Tree School, and Kilika N. Shohe of Christian HSS, Dimapur, secured the top three positions. In the Junior Category, Mriganka Kashyap of St. Mary’s HSS and Viputo Ayemi of Little Star HSS won first and second place respectively.
The event concluded with an educational tour of the zoo, allowing students to observe wildlife and deepen their understanding of conservation.
MON TOWN
MON: A grand ceremony was held on October 7 at Konyak Union Hall, Mon, jointly organised by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Konyak Union under the theme “Human–Animal Coexistence.” Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change & Village Guards, CL John, graced the occasion as special guest, while Y Mankhao Konyak, MLA attended as special invitee.
The event witnessed participation from Manpon Konyak; DC Mon, Wennyei Konyak; SP Mon, Kanchan Kumar Kandpal; members of Konyak Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), Konyak Students Union, Village Council representatives from 110 villages and 32 federating units, along with civil society groups and government officials.
According to a press release issued by Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Dimapur, CL John encouraged the Konyak Students Union to lead conservation efforts through community participation. He called for strategic planning and urged Village Councils to curb hunting and fishing, and to designate forest areas for conservation to ensure clean air and water for future generations.
Chairperson of the event, PCCF & HoFF, Vedpal Singh, highlighted the potential of wildlife tourism in Nagaland, citing successful ecotourism models in other states. DC Mon, Wennyei Konyak, stressed the importance of individual responsibility in conservation, while SP Mon, Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, spoke on the long-term impact of school-level wildlife awareness activities, referencing the Bishnoi movement as an example of community-led conservation.
Y Mankhao Konyak called for a renewed commitment to ecological balance, and President of Konyak Union, Yamao Konyak, reiterated resolutions passed by the union to protect wildlife and establish green corridors. Speeches by KNSK and Konyak Students Union emphasized collective action to combat climate change and safeguard biodiversity.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN, KOHIMA
State Botanical Garden, Kohima: Silviculture Division, Kohima, under the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, observed Wildlife Week on October 6 at the State Botanical Garden, Kohima. Activities included a plantation drive, cleanliness campaign, awareness programmes, and the launch of the Garden Adoption Initiative.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity & Research)/Project Director (FBMP)/Member Secretary, NSBB, Supongnukshi Ao, in his keynote address, emphasized the need for grassroots involvement in conservation. He reflected on traditional practices and warned against unsustainable exploitation of wildlife, stressing the interconnectedness of all life forms. He attributed rising human–animal conflicts to deforestation and urban expansion, particularly affecting elephant corridors. Supongnukshi Ao also lauded initiatives like the Airgun Surrender Campaign and the role of NGOs, schools, and eco-clubs in driving awareness.
Forest Ranger Florence T. introduced the Garden Adoption Initiative, inviting institutions to care for designated sections of the garden. The first adopters included Forestry Graduates’ Association of Nagaland, Nagaland Bharat Scouts and Guides, Nature’s Club, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, and Eco-Warriors Nagaland.