Nagaland minister of environment, forest & climate change (EF&CC), CL John, disclosed that he planned to propose a subject on wildlife conservation in the state school syllabus in order to create awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation from early age.
The minister said this while addressing a function to mark Wildlife Week 2023 at Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) Rangapahar here Wednesday. On the occasion, the minister underscored the necessity of a subject dedicated to wildlife conservation at the high school level. While making this disclosure the minister also implored upon students to spread the message of animal preservation within their circles and to discourage the practice of hunting wildlife.
While acknowledging the challenges Nagas face in trying to give up hunting practices the minister challenged them to instead stand up as guardians of the forest. The minister also urged upon village council members to unite in their commitment to preserve both wildlife and the forest.
He also highlighted the Centre’s initiative in introducing Wildlife Week celebrations with the primary objective for conservation and protection of wildlife, fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world.
Stressing on the “irrefutable link” between preserving forests and safeguarding wildlife for ecological balance, John urged all the Nagas to take up the responsibility of planting a designated number of trees annually.
Dwelling on the internationally recognized annual Hornbill Festival, the minister lamented that the famed Hornbill bird has been absent from the festivities since it is almost extinct.
In a lighter vein, John proposed that the department consider showcasing a Hornbill bird during the festival, but ensure its release after the festival or return to its rightful owner.
He commended the growing trend of Naga people’s contributions to the zoo as opposed to the hunting of animals. John expressed optimism that this positive shift would continue to thrive.
Delivering a short speech, commissioner and secretary EF&CC, Y Kikheto Sema, also echoed the proposal for inclusion of wildlife conservation syllabus in elementary education and also included it to pulpit preaching and Sunday school syllabus.
He said it was not the sole duty of the department to create awareness on conservation of forest, but rather a duty of all citizens. Sema, therefore, appealed to all responsible citizens to create awareness on conservation.
Delivering a brief keynote address, chief wildlife warden, Nagaland, Ved Pal Singh, stressed on the need for conservation of wildlife species and its importance.
He also informed the minister on the activities carried out by the department throughout the year.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NZP director Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai, and invocation was offered by Pastor, GBF, NZAP, Tonivi Awomi.
Short messages were also shared by students from four participating schools with regard to the need for conservation of Tiger, Western Hoolock Gibbon, Mithun and Blyth’s Tragopan. Conservation of Asia’s largest tortoise, Asian Giant Tortoise, one of the focal species conserved by Nagaland Forest Department, was highlighted by Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India project co-ordinator Sushmita Kar.
The event also witnessed felicitation of RFO, Wokha, Lansothung Lotha, Forester-I, Wildlife Dimapur, Hukai Zhimo, Forest Guard, Kiphire Division, Y. Limthure Yimchunger, and Animal Keeper, NZP, Bhola, as conservation heroes of the department.