On eve of the National Wildlife Week (October 2-8), chief minister Neiphiu Rio has called for conservation of wildlife in the state and stressed that wildlife protection and conservation has become the burning need of the hour and the duty of everyone.
In his message, Rio said it was the duty of everyone to do whatever he or she could to support wildlife conservation initiatives, reduce own carbon footprints that would help in reducing global warming and climate change.
Rio recalled that wildlife was seen as food items and a delicacy in the good old days, with even the west considering it as a sport to be killed for pleasure and displayed as trophies. However, he pointed out that there had been an increasing realisation of the importance of wildlife for ecological balance, for food production, and for the very survival and existence of humans on earth.
He said wildlife could exist and thrive without human beings, but the entire existence of human beings would be put in jeopardy without wildlife. Rio said that Nagaland was endowed with a rich wildlife and bio-diversity. However, without realising their true value, a large part of this natural wealth had been destroyed.
Thankfully, he said there was an increasing realisation and awakening among the Nagas too about the importance of wildlife, and the need to protect and conserve them, adding that things were taking a new turn for good.
Rio mentioned that some of the noteworthy initiatives included establishment of community reserves, banning of hunting within their respective jurisdiction by village authorities, and successful awareness and motivational drives undertaken by NGOs and activists on wildlife conservation. He noted that the success story in protecting the migratory Amur falcons was well known to the whole world now.
According to the chief minister, the National Wildlife Week was an opportunity for the people to reflect on their responsibilities towards the planet and all its inhabitants, including themselves and the future generations.
During the National Wildlife Week, he appealed for pledging to work towards a future where all creatures could live and thrive together in harmonious coexistence.