Dimapur, Aug. 29 (EMN): An environmental group called the Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-Sons), and the Wildlife wing of the Dimapur division jointly organised a workshop on the topic of community reserve forests for protection and conservation of wildlife.
The programme was conducted with special reference to human-elephant conflicts, organisers stated.
The programme was conducted on August 22 at Sanis town, in Wokha district. Mhathung Yanthan, advisor of Horticulture and Border Affairs attended the event too, updates stated.
The Green Succession of Nagaland State issued a press release to the media on Wednesday about the programme. The keynote address of the event was delivered by Tokaho Kinimi Wildlife Warden of Dimapur division. In his address, the officer lamented that despite Wokha district having 80% forest cover and a wealth of biodiversity much of the land cannot be put into proper utilisation as there are frequent reports of human-elephant conflicts.
He also talked about village communities and the department establishing community reserve forests by signing agreements for five years. ‘It could not only help the village communities’ income generating source but would help the concern department immensely to protect and conserve the forest wealth,’ the press release stated. The warden also emphasised on advance warning to avert human-elephant conflicts. He said a proposal has already been made to implement satellite tag collaring of elephants which shall soon ‘come into an action,’ the press release stated.
Steve Odyuo, chairman of another environmental group Natural Nagas gave a presentation. He spoke about his experience in conserving Amur Falcons at the Doyang reservoir with cooperation from villagers.
A number of other officials also spoke at the event. They were said to have emphasised on the need to institute community reserve forests by ‘converging ecotourism and other livelihood programmes.’ They urged the participants to note it seriously and act on it without much delay, the press release stated.
The special guest of the programme, Mhathung Yanthan, Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly representing 39th assembly constituency of Sanis called upon the people to take serious steps in conservation of the biodiversity of the region.
Yanthan, the advisor for Horticulture and Border Affairs, advised creating a healthy environment for all. He asked the village communities to render all possible assistance and cooperation towards ‘healthy development,’ the press release stated.
“He stated that by instituting community reserve forests not help conserve the biodiversity but also has an immense positive environmental impact right from controlling of soil erosion and reclamation of soil, retention of underground water and water circulation, purification of air which are the basic necessities to healthy life,” the press release stated.
The legislator was also stated to have emphasised on ecotourism ‘which is one of the highest incoming generating sources’ in the region. It can elevate the standard of living for the rural people exponentially, the updates stated.
“He later acknowledged the organisers for conducting the workshop at a right moment which indeed is the need of the hour,” the press release added.
