The closing ceremony of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2024 was held on 7th November at the Nature Learning Centre, Forest Office Complex in Dimapur. The 4-day citizen science-based bird documentation event celebrating the vibrant bird diversity of Nagaland. The engaging event was attended by officers of the Forest Department, bird enthusiasts, and school students, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for bird conservation and nature education in the region, a press release informed.
The keynote address was presented by Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Wokha Forest Division and DFO of Doyang Plantation Division, who highlighted the importance of avian biodiversity and community participation in conservation, a message that resonated deeply bird documentation effort.
Aochuba, IFS, Director of Intanki National Park, gave a special address that encouraged attendees to continue their efforts in protecting Nagaland’s unique bird species. He also highlighted the importance of the TEBC in Nagaland and how collaborations and partnerships have played a vital role in expanding TEBC throughout the State, and that such partnerships should continue.
His speech was followed by the official closing of the TEBC 2024, marked by heartfelt words from Lansothung Lotha, RFO, Wokha Forest Division, who also gave a brief history of TEBC over the year. He mentioned how birds are excellent indicators of change and that TEBC is one such initiative to detect changes in the environment by documenting birds of the State. He highlighted that this year, over 170 species of birds had been recorded till the morning of the fourth day and that the numbers will increase further as participants continue to submit checklists on eBird from all over the State.
Participants of Government Primary School, Noklak, with TEBC 2024 District Coordinator Kiusuthong Jongphuliu
The event featured video screening on bird conservation, followed by an informative session on using the eBird app for bird data collection, conducted by Tekameren Jamir of Eco Warriors. The interactive segment provided participants with insights on how to leverage digital tools to contribute to bird monitoring efforts.
A series of short speeches were delivered by different individuals. Sorei, Vice President of Photography Club Dimapur (PCD), highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration, while mentioning the role of PCD as a partner to the TEBC 2024. Representative of Yemhi Memorial College also thanked the organizers for inviting their college to the meaningful event.
Lesemew Yimkhiung, Chairman of Eco Warriors, extended the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, partners, and sponsors who supported the event. The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Robert Longkumer from PCD.
The program was chaired by Benjamin Singsit from the Photography Club Dimapur (PCD). Earlier, Achano Tungoe of PCD delivered the welcome address while the opening prayer was led by Theulokhiung of the Eco Warriors.
Following the formal program, a birding activity was organized on the office campus, where Leyamong Yimkhiung of Eco Warriors guided participants on uploading their bird observations to the eBird app, ensuring their contributions to citizen science efforts.
