First edition of Satoi Connect Fest concluded on March 28 under the Zunheboto Forest Division.
Zunheboto, March 30 (MExN): The first edition of the Satoi Connect Fest, a unique initiative to strengthen the link between conservation and local communities, concluded here on March 28 under the Zunheboto Forest Division.
Organised on the theme “Community First, Conservation Always”, the three-day event aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity of the Satoi Range while promoting sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism, according to a press release from Obed Bohovi Swu, SFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Zunheboto Forest Division, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
The fest brought together government officials, researchers, scientists, photographers, travel consultants, local communities, NGOs, environmentalists, and youth from across the region. Participants included scientists and researchers from the Zoological Survey of India, North East Space Application Centre (Shillong), Wildlife Institute of India, Kohima Science College, and Wandering Minds College of Fine Arts.
Conservation NGOs such as Aaranyak, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), Highland Institute, North East Network (NEN), and YouthNet also took part. The Nikon India team conducted a training workshop on photography during the event.
The inaugural programme was graced by Sidrammapa M Chalkapure, IFS, CCF (D&P) and Member Secretary, Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, as the chief guest, who also released the Satoi Connect Booklet.
A full-day trekking event was held on March 27, during which participants undertook a five-to-six-hour trek from Tsutoho Village to Satoi Town and Thsuruhu Village.
A key highlight was the launch of the Community Social Responsibility (ComSR) initiative by T Aochuba IFS, Conservator of Forests (Northern Territorial Circle). Unlike corporate-driven CSR, ComSR is a people-driven model where every community member shares collective responsibility for social welfare, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development. Promoting a “We Before Me” culture, ComSR aligns with the government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and other community development programmes.
The closing programme was graced by Supongnukshi, IFS, Addl PCCF (Territorial), as the Guest of Honour. Prizes for the photography competition — the first Living Lens Award — sponsored by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, were given away during the ceremony.
The event witnessed active participation from Satoi Town and all 10 villages under Satoi Range, reflecting a strong sense of ownership and unity among the local communities, the release added.
