DIMAPUR: In observance of International Biodiversity Day on May 22 under the theme “Acting Locally For Global Impact”, around a hundred volunteers from various churches under Kohima Baptist Youth Fellowship (KBYF), Baptist Church Jotsoma (Youth Department), Calvary Baptist Church Jotsoma, Christian Revival Church Khriesarüü Khrotho Jotsoma and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) took part in a clean up drive at Pulie Badze in support of Jotsoma Nature Conservation & Eco Tourism.
The initiative was jointly organised by Living: Empathy, Action and Fellowship (LEAF) and the Social Concerns Department, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in collaboration with the Jotsoma Village Council. The programme began at Chaheki, the base point of Pulie Badze, chaired by Chuti Semy, coordinator LEAF, who introduced LEAF as a collective of young people committed to caring for the land, stories and Naga identity.
Speakers including Shwisolo Kemp (LEAF Team), Imtidenla Kichu (LEAF Intern) and Dr. Villo Naleo, secretary Social Concerns NBCC, underscored the importance of environmental stewardship, responsibility towards land and biodiversity, and the role of collective action in sustaining ecosystems. They urged participants to view conservation as both a spiritual and social responsibility.
Penyüsielie Suokhrie, secretary Jotsoma Village Council, narrated the story of Pulie Badze, named after Pulie Nakhro of ancient Zotshüma. The programme also featured prayers led by pastor Zakevi Kesen, president KBYF, and benediction by Kivipu Jimomi, LEAF Team.
Among the volunteers were octogenarians Jongpongnukshi from Ungma village, Mokokchung, and Lhouvitsu Kesezie from Kohima village, who joined the youth in climbing Pulie Badze, recalling their earlier journeys to the mountain and reflecting on the importance of preserving land and heritage.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all volunteers, elders of Jotsoma and KMC for their support, including provision of a truck for waste collection.
The clean up concluded with calls to extend similar efforts to colonies, towns and villages, reinforcing the message that biodiversity conservation begins with local responsibility.
