Participants and officials during the one-day environmental and wildlife sensitisation programme held at Yali village under the Tuensang Range of the Tuensang Forest Division.
Yali village gets wildlife law refresher under FBMP
Tuensang, August 22 (MExN): A one-day environmental and wildlife sensitisation programme was held at Yali village under the Tuensang Range of the Tuensang Forest Division, with the message that traditional land rights do not override central wildlife laws.
The initiative, conducted under the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project (FBMP), stressed that Article 371(A) confers responsibility, not immunity, when it comes to hunting or felling trees.
To strengthen legal awareness among the villagers, Forester II Tiakaba Chang conducted a technical session on illegal hunting and wildlife crime. The session detailed Schedules I, II, III, and IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972 and discussed past wildlife crime cases to caution attendees.
The Biodiversity Act of 2002 and the role of the Biodiversity Board were also briefly explained. The session clarified that “landownership and resource rights under Article 371(A) do not grant the right to hunt or cut trees indiscriminately.”
“Instead, they carry a responsibility to protect these resources, reminding the gathering that Nagaland remains under the purview of the WPA,” it added.
Earlier, the programme began with a nature education walk guided by the Project Implementing Agency (PIA), where participants identified local flora and fauna, recognised wildlife signs and discussed ecosystem conservation. The indoor session, chaired by Bokashe Kinni (FGD), featured addresses from village leaders, forest officials, and community representatives, stated a press release issued by Tuensang Forest Division, Government of Nagaland.
L Ngaku, Head GB, delivered the welcome address, seeking better coordination and more departmental support. Range Forest Officer Menya Wongto gave an overview of the FBMP, praising the fund utilisation by Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and hinting at future incentives for high-performing CCAs. VCC M Malem affirmed that the Village Council enforces wildlife rules through customary laws with strict penalties for violators.
A Thungpang, Pastor of YBC, spoke on the church’s active role in environmental stewardship, noting regular sermons on wildlife protection in coordination with the village council. Kundang Lemla, representing community women, highlighted the critical participation of women in forest and wildlife protection.
CCA-Chairman S Sangpa reported revenue generation via Entry Point Activities and steady progress under Micro Plan funds, and announced plans to form a new SHG to sustain momentum. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, clearing minor doubts among participants.
