Lemsachenlok society commemorates ‘Int’l Wildlife Week’

Commemorating “International Wildlife Week & World Migratory Bird Day”, Lemsachenlok Society, Longleng in collaboration with Kalpavriksh & ICCA Consortium, South Asia organised a programme at Fazl Ali College (FAC) conference hall, jointly hosted by FAC on the theme, “dim the lights for birds at night” on October 13, with SDO (C) Mokokchung, Sentilong Ozukum as special guest.
In his speech, Sentilong Ozukum stated that tribal ecology was centered on the forest and they complemented each other, he however, stated that people have broken the ecological equilibrium in modern times.
“Nagas are known for our hospitality towards guests, so we must treat migratory birds with the same level of respect and honour that we treat our guests,” he stated.
Good Earth Environmental Arnhem, Dr. Taej Mundkur, who joined the programme virtually, explained the ecological benefits of migratory birds and that birds have played an important role in cultures around the world.
Lemsachenlok associate director, Dr. Lima elaborated that Nagaland fell under the Indo-Burma belt where flora and fauna were in abundance.
In this regard, he stated that Nagaland could promote responsible nature-based tourism through initiatives and support from the government.
Aosanen, VCC Chuchuyimlang Temsumoa, VCC Chuchuyimpang and Likok, VCC Yaongyimchen also highlighted the role of communities towards giving safe passage to migratory species.
They stated that although headhunting was a bygone ethos, hunting of birds and animals for livelihood and survival was unfortunately still prevalent in many parts of the state.
They urged upon other villages to work together in sensitising the people to create a corridor for wildlife species and to change their mindsets.
Senior scientist WII, Dr. Suresh spoke on restoring landscape for migratory birds; Kalpavriksh- coordinator, ICCA Consortium, South Asia Neema Pathak Broome spoke on “towards collaborative vision” while chief wildlife warden, Vedpal Singh spoke virtually on significance of collaboration towards creating corridor for migratory birds.
AKM & PSC president also spoke on role of students towards conducive environment and expressed interest to work with Lemsachenlok in biodiversity conservation initiatives and AlijoCademia (Morung Education).
Bible is entrenched with messages on conservation: Nuklu Phom
Speaking on “Redeeming Eden”, Lemsachenlok team leader, Y. Nuklu Phom stressed on how people should adhere to the teachings of the sacred books (scriptures).
He underscored how sacred teachings, especially the Bible was entrenched with conservation messages from the first book of Genesis.
Nuklu stated that the ecosystem has been misused by humanity, because of which, nature had come so heavily upon the people today.
“If some individuals and communities do not come forward to create an improved environment, it is a sin as it is considered as social sin (CosmoEcological Sin)”, he stated.
Earlier, Watsü Mungdang president, S. Arenla Longkumer delivered a solidarity message and FAC P. Temsu briefed on the way forward. More than 20 participants from villages under Longleng and Mokokchung districts attended the programme.