The Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), in collaboration with the Tuensang Forest Division and Life Care Society, LEMSACHENLOK, Nagaland University, Sao Chang College and Zhavame Students’ Union, commemorated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 on May 22 under the global theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
Nagaland State Biodiversity Board: The event took place at CBLT Hall, Tuensang Town, drawing enthusiastic participation from dignitaries, officials, civil society members, students, and representatives from Village Councils and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
Chief Conservator of Forests (EBR) and member secretary of NSBB, Supongnukshi, underscored the significance of identifying and documenting local species, including birds, medicinal plants, and insects. He emphasized that community-based knowledge and written records play a vital role in long-term biodiversity conservation. He also commended the commendable functioning of KFW villages in Tuensang district.
Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rusta, highlighted the crucial link between sustainable development and biodiversity enhancement, urging collective efforts in conservation. Superintendent of Police, Tuensang, Longpoksang Lemtur, reinforced the importance of living in harmony with nature, addressing concerns over biodiversity degradation.
A series of competitions, including elocution, painting, and essay writing, engaged students, fostering awareness and positive competition. The programme was chaired by Range Officer, Noklak Range, Imtimar Walling, while the welcome address was delivered by Divisional Forest Officer, Tuensang Division, Samom Khelen Singh. A thought-provoking stage play on environmental conservation, performed by students of St. John’s Higher Secondary School, captivated the audience.
Expressing gratitude to the organizers, executive chairman of CKS, W. Chingmak, stressed that forests are not merely about flora and fauna but about maintaining a sustainable balance in biodiversity. The program concluded with a closing note by S. Nayang.
LEMSACHENLOK: In observance of the International Day of Biological Diversity, LEMSACHENLOK, a dedicated environmental organization, spearheaded a community-driven tree plantation initiative across five villages in Longleng district. The event aligned with this year’s global theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from local residents committed to environmental conservation. Recognizing afforestation as the foundation of sustainability, LEMSACHENLOK emphasized that conservation is not merely about preserving existing natural resources but actively restoring ecological balance. The organization advocates that planting trees strengthens biodiversity and ensures long-term benefits for both nature and people.
The plantation drive focused on a diverse range of tree species chosen for their ecological and economic significance. These included pollutant-filtering species, fruit-bearing trees for consumption and income generation, medicinal plants, nitrogen-fixing species, and groundwater-replenishing varieties.
LEMSACHENLOK highlighted the essential role of community-led efforts in promoting environmental stewardship. The event reinforced that true harmony with nature stems from proactive engagement and shared responsibility. Beyond biodiversity conservation, the tree plantation initiative contributes to climate resilience and supports local livelihoods.
Expressing gratitude to the five participating communities, LEMSACHENLOK reaffirmed its commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development.
Nagaland University: Nagaland University (NU) observed International Day for Biodiversity at Lumami, organised by Centre for Biodiversity Studies and Dept of Botany.
A press release by PRO, NU, stated that delivering his address, chief guest Vice-Chancellor NU, Prof. J.K. Patnaik, highlighted state’s rich biodiversity, noting that nearly 75% of the state is covered by forests.
Pointing out that the core objective of International Day of Biodiversity is to promote living in harmony with nature and the sustainable use of biological resources, Prof. Patnaik also noted that while people may be conscious of environmental issues, there is lack of true awareness and responsibility when it comes to protecting earth.
Alluding to the ironical situation where it is the rural communities often show greater care for biodiversity than educated individuals, he reminded that educated citizens can only fulfil their roles effectively when they actively contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Theme speaker, DFO Mokokchung, Dr. Sentitula, in her address asserted that the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” begins with individual responsibility. Reflecting on how ancestors naturally embodied this concept through their way of life, she pointed out that living in harmony with nature is not merely a slogan, but a tradition deeply rooted in heritage.
She also stressed on the importance of respecting nature, sustainably utilizing biological resources, coexisting with environment, and practicing principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
She further touched upon present day challenges, particularly on negative impacts of deforestation driven by monoculture practices on biodiversity.
She later highlighted state government forest department’s key initiatives, such as Nagaland Forest Management Programme (NFMP–JICA) which aimed at restoring degraded forest areas with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
She concluded by calling for collaboration among Forest Department, local communities, and research scholars to effectively bridge the gaps in achieving sustainable development.
The Dean of School of Sciences and Chairman of the Biodiversity Committee, Prof. C.R. Deb, delivered a brief remark emphasizing importance of societal progress through sustainable use of biological resources without harming biodiversity.
Urging students and scholars of the University to focus their research on sustainable resource utilization to meet societal needs, Prof. Deb also emphasized the need to adapt approaches to natural resource use in line with government policies and to reduce or eliminate pollution.
Sao Chang College: The Department of Environmental Science, Sao Chang College, Tuensang, commemorated International Day for Biological Diversity by organizing a special competition titled “Sustainable Crafts: Creating with Care” at Mount Carmel School, Tuensang.
The event encouraged students to creatively express themselves using eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled paper, jute, leaves, and more. A total of 21 students from Classes 8 to 10 participated, showcasing beautiful and meaningful craftwork that reflected the theme of sustainability.
Zhavame Students’ Union: The Zhavame Students’ Union (ZSU) observed International Day for Biological Diversity in collaboration with Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPED) at Zhavame village.
In observance of the event, the Students’ Union organised a poster awareness campaign under the theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”.
In a press release issued by ZSU president, Joshua Rhi said that, “the programme was a resounding success with the involvement of youth volunteers in bringing about awareness through poster campaign.”
With the view to raise public awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity in and around the village, the celebration featured slogans like “when you cut a tree, you destroy life”, “don’t litter river, stop plastic pollution”, “plant a tree, grow a future”, “live green and think green”, etc.
The ZSU president also urged the villagers to take pride in their unique biodiversity and work together to protect it for the future generations.
The union also expressed its sincere gratitude to Dr. Rokhu Savio Krocha for his support towards the students’ union in organising the International Day for Biological Diversity every year.
Nagaland observes International Day for Biological Diversity 2025
