Sensitization programme on ‘biodiversity conservation and combating wildlife crimes’ for forest and police personnel held in Kohima on June 23.
Kohima, June 23 (MExN): With the active participation of over 50 officials from Forest Department and Police Department, one-day sensitization programme on ‘biodiversity conservation and combating wildlife crimes’ for forest and police personnel was held at the Conference Hall, Forest Offices Complex, Kohima on June 23.
The programme was jointly organized by Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) and Aaranyak, Guwahati, stated a press release issued by Supongnukshi, IFS, CCF & Member Secretary, NSBB.
The programme was chaired by Raj Kumar M, IFS, DFO, Kohima Forest Division followed by K Hukato Chishi, IFS, Conservator of Forest & Member Secretary, Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) delivered the welcome address. SP Tripathi, Chairman, NSBB presented the keynote address and Bijoy Sankar Bora Senior Consultant, Aaranyak spoke on behalf of their organisation.
M Senthil Kumar, IFS, CCF (M&E), special guest appreciated the efforts of Aaranyak for collaborating with Forest Department and Biodiversity Board on wildlife crime issues and biodiversity conservation. ‘The pertinent issue needs wider awareness from top to the grassroot levels and look forward for meaningful journey as we combat wildlife crimes,’ he stated.
Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, Sr SP, Kohima, guest of honour emphasised on collective roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders to contain and curb wildlife crime and conserve our rich biodiversity.
Satya Prakash Tripathi, PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden and HoFF, Nagaland (Retired) gave a brief background of the programme and spoke on the status of wildlife crimes in Nagaland. He emphasized need of concentration on biodiversity conservation and also combating wildlife crimes. Recorded message of Bibhav Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and CEO, Aaranyak was also read out. Bijay Sankar Bora, Senior Consultant, Aaranyak gave a background of the Aaranyak Organisation.
During the technical session, Savinuo Kikhi, FRO, NSBB made a presentation on the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and Nagaland State Biodiversity Rules, 2012. She highlighted the important provisions of the Biodiversity Act and status of its implementation in Nagaland context.
Dr Jimmy Borah, Senior Manager, Aaranyak made a presentation on ‘overview of wildlife crimes focusing on rhino and tigers at global and regional level’ as well as ‘identification and understanding commonly used wildlife products in the region’, Ivy Farheen Hussain, Project Officer, Aranyak made a presentation on ‘wildlife crimes on rhino and tigers at local level’ and the modus operandi of common wildlife crimes in the region. She also spoke on Aaranyak’s DETERS Initiative and the role of stakeholders in combating wildlife crime.
The resource persons made presentation on ‘identification and understanding commonly used wildlife products in the region.’ SP Tripathi Chairman, NSBB presented the status of wildlife crime in Nagaland.
The release also stated that there was positive interaction amongst participants with questions, queries and doubts clarified and way forward to be taken by all stakeholders in their respective field of influence and authority was endorsed.
During the evaluation of sensitization programme, it emerged the need for continuity of such sensitization in future for forest and police personnel; necessity of awareness on conservation of forest, wildlife and biodiversity at grass-root level; Funding to the communities for continuity of conservation works; Synergistic working of the Nagaland Forest Department, Nagaland Police Department, NSBB, WCCB, MOEF&CC, GoI, Aranyak and WCS-India, and other agencies for creating awareness among public for conservation of forest, wildlife and biodiversity conservation, with combating wildlife crime.
