Forest guards on duty at the Intangki National Park under Peren district, the sole National Park in Nagaland. The State also has Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar. (Morung File Photo)
October 2-8 is National Wildlife Week
Kohima, October 1 (MExN): The protection and conservation of wildlife has become the burning need of the hour and the duty of everyone, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated on Sunday.
In his message on the eve of the National Wildlife Week (October 2-8), Rio highlighted in the past wildlife was seen as one of the food items, as a delicacy or even considered a sport.
However, there has been increasing realisation of the importance of wildlife for ecological balance, food production, and very survival and existence of humans on earth, he said.
“The hard fact may be put this way: wildlife can exist and thrive without human beings, but the entire existence of human beings will be put in an extremely precarious situation without wildlife,” he added.
The Chief Minister further noted that Nagaland is endowed with a rich wildlife and bio-diversity, but regretted that a large part of this natural wealth has been destroyed without realising their true value.
However, he pointed out that there has been an increasing realisation and awakening amongst the Nagas about the importance of wildlife, and the need to protect and conserve them.
Things are taking a new turn for good, he said, citing initiatives including establishment of Community Reserves, banning of hunting within their respective jurisdiction by village authorities, and successful awareness and motivational drives undertaken by NGOs and activists on wildlife conservation.
“Our success story in protecting the migratory Amur falcons is well known to the whole world now,” he added.
Accordingly, Rio said that the Wildlife Week is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities towards the planet and all its inhabitants, including the future generations.
It is the duty of every one to do whatever we can to support wildlife conservation initiatives, reduce carbon footprints that will help in reducing global warming and climate change, he said.
“Let us pledge to work towards a future where all creatures can live and thrive together in harmonious co-existence,” he added.
The National Wildlife Week is observed annually across India from October 2-8 to create awareness about the urgency and importance of wildlife conservation.
