The Wokha Forest Division, along with the Doyang Plantation Division observed Wildlife Week 2025, on the theme, “Human-Animal Coexistence” at the Community Hall, Forest Colony, Wokha. The event drew students, forest officials, Lotha Hoho and was also attended by Sangthing Khiam, SDPO, Wokha.
Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division, spoke passionately on the ecological wealth of Nagaland and the importance of sustainable coexistence.
“Nagaland boasts nearly 79% forest cover and lies at the crossroads of two globally significant biodiversity hotspots—the Eastern Himalayas and the Indo–Myanmar regions,” he noted.
He said Wokha’s forests act as critical habitats that enable the movement of elephants and numerous other species between India and Myanmar, contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity and ecological balance.
Highlighting the role of indigenous communities as “guardians of nature,” Sivachar said that nearly 88% of Nagaland’s land remains under community ownership, managed through traditional village councils protected by Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
“These systems of ownership and stewardship,” he added, “have helped maintain a deep-rooted harmony between people and nature over generations.”
He also pointed to emerging challenges—habitat fragmentation due to expanding agriculture and infrastructure, growing dependency on forest resources, and the pressures of modern development—which continue to threaten wildlife habitats and traditional conservation practices.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Elithung B Odyuo, Assistant Conservator of Forests (I/c Merapani Range & Liphayan Beat), reminded that every species, “from the tiniest insect to the mightiest elephant,” plays a vital role in sustaining the planet’s ecological rhythm.
“Coexistence should not merely be an idea but a necessity,” he stated, urging the youth to develop empathy, awareness, and responsibility towards nature.
As part of the celebration, debate, extempore speech, and painting competitions were held among students from various educational institutions to promote environmental awareness through creative expression.
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Results of the competitions were as follows:
Extempore Speech:
1st – Zuyani R Humtsoe, Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School
2nd – Rhonthunglo Lotha, Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha
3rd – Myingthunglo N. Kikon, Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School
Debate:
Mount Tiyi College, Wokha emerged as the winner.
Painting Competition (Classes 1–4):
1st – Lissenroni Ngullie (Perennial School)
2nd – Fuchumo N. Ngullie (Perennial School)
3rd – Chumren Wilson E. Ennio (Perennial School)
Painting Competition (Classes 5–8):
1st – Samlamngaule Lungalaing (Don Bosco Higher Secondary School)
2nd – Dipsika Lepcha (Fernbrook School)
3rd – Mhachenbeni M. Ezung (Don Bosco School)
Painting Competition (Classes 9–12):
1st – M. Bidemo Lotha (Perennial School)
2nd – Z. Martha Ezung (Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha)
3rd – Ladyro M. Ezung (Don Bosco Higher Secondary School)
The event was chaired by Olivi Awomi, Range Forest Officer, Baghty Range. Alemyanger, Deputy Range Forest Officer, Doyang Afforestation Range, led the opening prayer, while Karlemba, Deputy Range Forest Officer, Champang Beat, proposed the vote of thanks.
