MLA Achumbemo Kikon and others during the World Wetlands Day commemorated at Mekokla village on February 1.
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 1
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, MLA Achumbemo Kikon has stressed on the need of preserving the natural wetlands found in Akuk and Mekokla villages under Wokha district. He drew attention to the detrimental effects of coal mining in the area which poses serious threats to the fragile wetlands and also the health of the local residents living in the area.
World Wetlands Day was commemorated by Akuk and Mekokla villages at Mekokla village with MLA Achumbemo Kikon as the special guest on February 1. The event was organised by Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division, along with Eco Warriors Nagaland.
Emphasising the diverse advantages of wetlands for economic, environmental, and human well-being, the MLA underscored the importance of preserving these ecosystems. He urged for the two villages to take concrete actions in safeguarding the wetlands, and called for community involvement in taking proactive measures in preserving the vital ecological balance.
Kikon concluded his speech with the metaphor of the golden goose and encouraged the community to protect their wetlands at all costs as it can benefit them with long term sustainability.
Wetlands and Human Wellbeing
Lansothung Lotha, Range Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, delivered a talk on the theme- Wetlands and Human Wellbeing. He highlighted the importance of wetlands and the uniqueness of the wetlands found in the two villages.
Lotha explained that the multiple wetlands found in the area forms an important network, forming the unique Akuk-Mekokla Complex Wetlands. He stressed on the wetlands of Akuk and Mekokla being important habitat for the globally threatened species such as the Black Softshell Turtle, a Critically Endangered species, which was until recently placed in the Extinct in the Wild category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). And just like the Amur Falcons, the Black Softshell Turtle are the flagship species for the area.
The Village Council Chairman of the two respective villages in their speech reiterated the need to protect the wetlands as the water bodies are under immense threat, leading to the degradation of the wetlands and the worrying loss of important aquatic species such and fishes and turtles from the wetlands.
Earlier in the programme, the attendees pledged to protect wetlands through the Wetland Mitra Pledge, which was led by Akhrieno Khamu, Eco Warriors. The programme was chaired by Elithung Odyuo, ACF, Baghty Range, Wokha Forest Division, who also extended the welcome address.
As part of the celebration, drawing competition was also held for students of the Government High School and West Wind School, Mekokla. Mhathanro, Yanthangbeni and Jenithung emerged as winners for the three different age categories respectively.
The programme was attended by around 200 participants including public and students.
