The Akuk and Mekokla villages commemorated the World Wetlands Day at Mekokla village on February 1, organised by the Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division, along with Eco Warriors Nagaland.

A drawing competition was also held for students of the Government High School, and West Wind School, Mekokla where Mhathanro, Yanthangbeni, and Jenithung were adjudged as the winners for the three different categories respectively. The event witnessed about 200 participants.

Gracing the occasion as the Special Guest, MLA Achumbemo Kikon spoke on the need to safeguard the natural wetlands in Akuk and Mekokla villages. The importance of the wetlands in providing economic, environmental, and human wellbeing, was highlighted by the MLA. The effects of coal mining in the area was also emphasised where Kikon pointed out the adverse impact of coal mining poses to the fragile wetlands, as well as the health of people living in the area. The MLA also urged the two villages to develop concrete efforts for the conservation of the wetlands as well as protection of human health.

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A talk on the universal theme- Wetlands and Human Wellbeing was delivered by Lansothung Lotha, Range Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, who emphasised on the importance of wetlands. Lotha highlighted the uniqueness of the wetlands in the two villages, and furter discussed on the multiple wetlands found in the area which forms an important network, forming the unique Akuk-Mekokla Complex Wetland. “The wetlands of Akuk and Mekokla is an important habitat for the globally threatened species such as the Black Softshell Turtle, a Critically Endangered species, which was until recently placed in the Extinct in the Wild category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). And just like the Amur Falcons, the Black Softshell Turtle are the flagship species for the area,” stated Lotha.

The Village Council Chairmans of the two villages in their speech reiterated the need to protect the wetlands as the water bodies are under immense threat, leading to the degradation of the wetlands and the worrying loss of important aquatic species such and fishes and turtles from the wetlands.

During the program, the attendees pledged to protect wetlands through the Wetland Mitra Pledge, which was led by Akhrieno Khamu, Eco Warriors. The program was chaired by Elithung Odyuo, ACF, Baghty Range, Wokha Forest Division, who also extended the welcome address.