Forest officials along with the self help group members
during the inauguration of common outlet in Doyang area on the occasion of
World Wetlands Day on February 3.
- WOKHA — Wokha
Forest Division and the Doyang Plantation Division under the Department of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, observed ‘World
Wetlands Day’ at Lanchuchu Eryu near the NEPCO tourist viewpoint and Doyang
Reservoir on February 3 on the theme "Protecting wetlands for our common
future."
- The celebration was attended by Vedpal Singh, principal
chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and chief wildlife warden (CWLW) and nodal
officer of the state wetland authority.
- Speaking on the occasion, Singh highlighted the importance
of wetlands in maintaining ecosystems and expressed concern on the rapid
disappearing due to human activities. He urged the public to adopt responsible
waste management practices and take small steps to sustain wetlands.
- Suman W M Sivachar reminded the gathering on the historical
significance of Wetlands Day, referring to the 1971 Ramsar Convention. He
emphasised the diverse types of wetlands and their crucial role in sustaining
livelihoods, citing the regular visits of Amur Falcons as a positive outcome of
conservation efforts.
- Nuhuta Tunyi, SDO (Civil) of Wokha, spoke on the growing
environmental challenges, particularly in light of climate change and the
increasing frequency of natural disasters. He drew attention on the issue of
plastic wastes in the Doyang area and called for stricter enforcement of
plastic bans.
- Rishi from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) discussed
on the ongoing efforts to address human-elephant conflicts in Wokha and
Mokokchung districts. He stressed the importance of elephant conservation in
maintaining wetland ecosystems.
- Zuthunglo Patton, chief conservator of forests (STC),
stressed on collective action and urged the public to take responsibility in
safeguarding the environment and to share the knowledge gained from the event
with their communities.
- The event also included the Wetland Mitra pledge by Eco
Warriors and a drawing competition. Prizes were awarded to the winners in
various categories.
