Wildlife Week was observed in Nagaland at the Protection Camp, Intanki National Park, Peren, on 3rd October 2023 under this year’s theme “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation.”
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Nagaland and 16 village chairmen surrounding/ bordering Intanki National Park where they agreed to three resolutions:
1. To co-operate with the State Government and the Department in protection and conservation of our Intanki National Park and its bio-diversity.
2. To refrain from hunting/poaching and other destructive activities in the National Park and also agree to make prohibitory orders in our respective villages to ban hunting and other activities not permitted by law.
3. To partnership with the Department in its policies and programs in the management of our National Park and to share information of relevance willingly to either party. The Department will put effort for the eco-developmental activities of the surrounding villages including livelihood improvement and other employment opportunities of the local youth in the form of trainings and other human resource development.
The 16 villages include Beisumpuikam, Jalukiekam, Paijol Songngou, Vonkitem, Monglumukh, Pellang, Lilen, New Belsumpui, Khelma, Nsenlwa, Bongkolong, New Soget, Ikeisingram, New Nkio, Sailhem.
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According to DIPR, Kikheto Sema, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Department of Forests, Environment & Climate Change, speaking at the momentous event as the Chief Guest, emphasized on the primary goal of Wildlife Week of promoting animal life conservation and raising awareness of the rich flora and fauna. Sema called Intanki a national asset and urged Nagaland’s people to resolve to protect it through community-government partnerships. He appealed to the Nagas, especially neighboring villagers and communities, to cooperate with the government, recognizing Nagaland as an eco-tourism hotspot with abundant biodiversity. Sema also thanked the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) for their support in creating awareness of Wildlife Week in churches.
Sema stressed that less than 5% of Nagaland’s land belongs to the government, necessitating community and individual support for wildlife preservation. He highlighted the need to educate and create awareness among villagers and expressed concern over the diminishing sounds of nature within the park. Sema called for collective efforts to safeguard the state’s flora and fauna and urged the department to take legal action against encroachers and violators.
The Department’s vision is to transform Intanki National Park into an eco-tourism and wildlife safari destination, generating employment opportunities and uplifting neighboring villagers’ economies, DIPR informed.
T. Aochuba, IFS, the Field Officer of Intanki National Park, extended a warm welcome to attendees and expressed gratitude to the 16 villages bordering or in close proximity to the park. He acknowledged their invaluable cooperation in safeguarding the park and emphasized the significance of partnerships, highlighting the theme’s relevance. Aochuba also lauded the state government for organizing this celebration, believing it would motivate the staff and encourage civil society to participate actively in wildlife conservation.
As the Guest of Honour, Ved Pal Singh, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, commended the unwavering efforts of the Forest department staff, district administration, and village bodies in promoting environmental awareness. He urged village bodies to assist the department in every possible way to protect wildlife and underscored the importance of coexisting harmoniously with other living creatures. Singh emphasized the potential rewards of preserving the forest, envisioning Intanki National Park as a thriving tourist destination. He stressed that successful conservation necessitates collaboration between village bodies, communities, and the department.
The program was chaired by Kekhrieselhou Ketshe, Ranger, Intangki National Park, with speeches by Council Chairpersons from Beisumpukham village, Bongkolong village, and Khelma Village, as well as Zeliangrong Baudi President, K. Akhang, and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jalukie, Kiusumong. The vote of thanks was delivered by Itanwangbe Zeme, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Intanki National Park, and featured a special song by Thamnyie Phom and Tiawabang.
