Tuensang Forest Division holds an environmental and wildlife sensitisation programme in Saoshou.
DIMAPUR — The Tuensang Forest Division organised an environmental and wildlife sensitisation programme at the Saoshou village community hall, Tuensang, on August 8.
The programme was conducted under the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project (FBMP), co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), a state-owned investment and development bank.
According to an update, the day began with a guided nature walk, giving participants practical exposure to their surroundings. This outdoor activity focused on identifying local flora, fauna, and wildlife signs while helping participants better understand the forest ecosystem.
Following the field activity, a formal sensitisation programme was held at the community hall, chaired by Forest Guard (FGD) T Surotsa Sangtam.
In his introductory address, RFO Menya Wongto highlighted the crucial roles and shared responsibilities of various societal groups, pointing out the church, Community Conservation Area (CCA) committees, and students as key players in environmental protection.
Speaking on local governance, Village Council Chairman (VCC) K Chuba detailed local rules, village council resolutions, and the community's enforcement methods. He stressed that the council's regulations are being strictly implemented within the CCA, confirming a complete ban on hunting and the cutting down of trees. He noted that the community is actively guarding the area to ensure the conservation zone is protected.
The role of women in these conservation efforts was highlighted by I Chingyang, who spoke on behalf of a local self-help group (SHG). Expressing gratitude for the KfW project, she drew inspiration from the historic Chipko movement to illustrate the impact women have in protecting forests. She encouraged all attendees to plant more trees, avoid deforestation, and follow the guidelines of the Forest department.
A technical session focused on illegal hunting and wildlife crime, referencing the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972, the Biodiversity Act of 2002, and Article 371(A) of the Constitution, was conducted by FGD, INP N Imlong Chang.
He stated that hunting, selling, eating, and killing wild animals and birds are strictly restricted by law. He also clarified that Article 371(A) does not permit unrestricted resource exploitation, as the State Assembly has passed acts to protect wildlife under the WPA 1972.
Special focus was placed on protecting endangered and critically endangered species, with warnings regarding the punishments for wildlife crimes. The gathering was reminded that environmental crimes or forest fires must be reported immediately to the authorities.