Dim the lights for birds at night, Nagas urged

World Migratory Bird Day 2022 observed 

Mokokchung, October 14 (MExN): The International Wildlife Week & World Migratory Bird Day was organised by LEMSACHENLOK Society, Longleng in collaboration with Kalpavriksh & ICCA Consortium, South Asia and jointly hosted by the Fazl Ali College (FAC) on October 13 last. The event was held under the theme, ‘Dim the lights for birds at night’ with Sentilong Ozukum, SDO (C) as the special guest at FAC Conference Hall, stated a press release. 

‘Tribal ecology centers on forest’

Sentilong Ozukum commended the LEMSACHENLOK Society, Longleng for hosting such an event in the district and educating the people. Tribal ecology centers on the forest, he observed, adding, nature and society complement each other via ecological balance; unfortunately, people have broken the ecological equilibrium in the modern period. He lamented that human selfishness has disturbed and destroyed nature’s natural equilibrium, resulting in pollution of all kinds.

On the theme ‘Dim the lights for birds at night’, he stated that light pollution at night causes birds to lose sight of their flyways/routes, and migratory birds often fly at night, wherein manmade light pollution distorts their vision.

Citing the quote, “The illiterates of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he asserted that humans must change their mindset in order to save migratory birds. “Nagas are known for our hospitality towards guests, so we must treat migratory birds with the same level of respect and honor that we treat our guests,” he said. 

Ecological benefits of migratory birds

Dr Taej Mundkur, Good Earth Environmental Anthem, who joined the programme virtually from the Netherlands, stated that Nagaland is located along the Central Asian Flyway and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, in addition to the path of various migratory birds including the Amur Falcon and Cuckoo. 

He explained the ecological benefits of migratory birds, stating that they aid in controlling aquatic vegetation, maintaining plant diversity, plant propagule dispersal, maintaining fish diversity, consumption of insects and pests, nutrient recycling, scavengers controlling waste, pollination, seed transport, and feathers for down-jackets. 

He also stated that birds have played an important role in cultures around the world, which can be found through their art, dance and cultures.

‘Redeeming Eden’

Y Nuklu Phom, Team Leader, LEMSACHENLOK speaking on ‘Redeeming Eden’, said humanity being a religious person believing in God should adhere to the teachings of the sacred books (scriptures) “as every person hold on to these teachings.” Nuklu underscored how these sacred teachings especially the Bible is entrenched with conservation messages from the very first book Genesis. 

He lamented that humanity has misused the wonderful and perfect ecosystem because of which ‘nature had come so heavily upon us today and we hear of alien pest and insect attacking our orchards and agriculture.’ There are reports of water ponds and wells getting dried due to extreme pressure on the biodiversity and therefore, policy makers, experts and scientists, research scholars and institutions, the civil society and every citizen should come together and join in this venture of safeguarding the depleting environment, he stated. 

Phom also stressed on the Nitrogenation process embedded in the biblical teachings for well being and life-long sustainability of humanity. “The entire world is suffering because of environment degradation and climate change and humanity strives towards creating an improved environment. If some individuals and communities do not come forward to join this venture, it is a sin as it is considered as Social Sin (CosmoEcological Sin) because we do against the environment and is a threat to the nature as well as the humanity. He also urges everyone to join MissioEcology based on biblical teaching towards conservation of biodiversity with a mission mode.”

He encouraged young people to join Biodiversity Ambassadors Network (BAN), a movement launched by LEMSACHENLOK society. 

Dr Lima, Associate Director, LEMSACHENLOK elaborated that Nagaland falls under the Indo-Burma belt, which has an abundance of flora and fauna, the majority of which are unknown to the outside world, and thus Nagaland can promote responsible nature-based tourism through the initiatives and support from the Government.

Earlier, in the inaugural programme, Aosanen, VCC Chuchuyimlang, Temsumoa, VCC Chuchuyimpang and Likok, VCC Yaongyimchen presented briefly on the communities’ role towards giving safe passage to migratory species.