Participants take part in a nature walk before the start of an Environmental and Wildlife Sensitisation Programme held at Lokhung Village on July 14. ((Photo Courtesy: Tuensang Forest Division)
Tuensang, JULY 15 (MExN): Hunting and deforestation are gradually declining in Lokhung village under Tuensang district, with forest officials and community representatives attributing the trend to growing environmental awareness and the adoption of alternative livelihood opportunities.
According to a press release issued by the Tuensang Forest Division, the observation was shared during an Environmental and Wildlife Sensitisation Programme held at Lokhung Village under the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project (FBMP), co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW.
The programme began with a guided nature walk led by the Project Implementing Agency (PIA), during which participants identified local flora and fauna, observed bird species and learned to recognise wildlife signs and tracks to better understand the area's biodiversity.
Addressing the gathering later at the Lokhung Village Council Hall, Range Forest Officer Menya Wongto stressed that the success of conservation efforts depends on the collective involvement of the Village Council, Church, Community Conserved Area (CCA) Committee, student bodies, women's groups and other community institutions. He also commended Lokhung village for its continued commitment to protecting wildlife and reserved forests through community-led conservation.
Representatives of the Village Council, Church, CCA Committee, student bodies and women's groups highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship, community participation and local conservation measures in preserving biodiversity for future generations.
The programme also highlighted the role of women in biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Representing the local Self-Help Group (SHG), Toshila spoke on women's participation in conservation initiatives and environmentally sustainable livelihood practices.
Participants noted that hunting and deforestation have gradually declined in the area, which they attributed to increased environmental awareness and alternative livelihood options promoted under the project.
A technical session conducted by the Project Implementing Agency familiarised participants with key provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, including offences, penalties and citizens' responsibilities in wildlife conservation. ‘The session also discussed the relevance of Article 371A of the Constitution in supporting biodiversity conservation alongside customary institutions in Nagaland.
The programme concluded with an interactive session and a community lunch, reaffirming the participants' commitment to environmental protection, wildlife conservation and sustainable forest management, the release stated.
