Zunheboto, November 19 (MExN): An awareness campaign for protection and conservation of forest and wildlife to mitigate human-animal conflict and importance of community reserve was jointly organised by the Nagaland Forest Department and the Yezami Village Council, Community Hall, Zunheboto on November 17.
Officials from the Forest Department, GBs, Village Council members, Church members and public participated in the campaign. The programme was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi.
The programme was chaired by Khekiye Kiba and invocation was pronounced by Viloto Aye, Pastor Yezami Baptist Church. Hovishe Arkha, GB Yezami Village in his welcome address thanked the Forest Officials for coming to the village to spread awareness on protection and conservation of forest and wildlife to mitigate human-animal conflict and importance of community reserve.
Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, in his keynote address highlighted the importance of forest and wildlife in our lives and their role in addressing the issue of Climate Change, Global Warming, Ecological and Food Security. He deliberated on the genesis of human-animal conflict and the policies of the Government of India and the state Government of Nagaland in addressing it. He also spoke on concept and the importance of community reserves and appealed to the people to come forward to declare their forest for community reserves for availing benefits from the Ministry.
The villagers participated in the programme and raised questions on the role of the Government in the protection and conservation of the environment. They also enquired on the alternatives available to address Jhum Cultivation practises and whether there are schemes from the Government to help farmers. On the issue of human-animal conflict, they asked on the procedure for compensation in relation to crop/habitat destruction.
Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland responded to the queries raised. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks from the Chairperson.
