Nagaland Community Conservation Awareness Forum (NCCAF) in collaboration with Chakesang Public Organization (CPO) and Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) observed World Nature Conservation Day 2025 at Tourist Lodge, Pfutsuro town, Phek on the theme “Establishing Wildlife Corridors in Phek District: Strategies for Connectivity” on July 28 The programme was sponsored by Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas (Nagaland) Project.

The programme began with an inaugural session which was chaired by Dr. Limasenla Jamir, Information Secretary of NCCAF and invocation by Rev. Dr. Tshulingupe Kapfo, Pastor of Pfutsero Town Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings through a short prayer.

Heirang Lungalang, Chairman of NCCAF, briefed the gathering on the forum’s ongoing work in promoting community-led conservation in Nagaland along with the welcome address. Vezühü

Keyho, President, Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), delivered a short speech on traditional conservation practices that have long supported biodiversity preservation in the region.

Special Guest of the event, Rhosietsho Nguori, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Phek, also addressed the gathering where he remarked that this is the right time to talk about animal corridors, especially with the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict in places like Wokha in Nagaland. He congratulated the works of CPO saying that perhaps CPO will be the only Hoho in Nagaland that has resolved to preserve and conserve biodiversity in the land.

He said that in order for the community to bring about changes, there needs to be change in the mindsets of the people and change in the habits, especially food habits. He said that when there are changes in these two aspects, ultimately there will also be changes in the conservation effort.

The keynote address was delivered by Enyiwekha Wezah, Divisional Forest Officer, Phek, who spoke on “Establishing Wildlife Corridors in Phek District: Strategies for Connectivity.” He explained that wildlife corridors are essential as animals and birds often migrate for breeding, food, or survival—especially in response to changing climates. These corridors not only ensure survival of species but also support ecological balance, for example, by aiding seed dispersal.

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“We must safeguard these natural routes by avoiding disruption through activities like jhum cultivation or paddy field expansion,” he said. He called for a scientific approach to study the history of animal movements and raising community awareness. “Where animal corridors are protected, breeding increases and population thrives,” he added.

He also stressed the need for inter-village and inter-district cooperation, noting that successful corridors require collective effort even across state boundaries. “When both neighbouring villages commit to this cause, we not only protect wildlife but also contribute to a larger conservation mission—one that serves not just a community, but all of humanity,” he concluded.

The technical session was facilitated by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). Senior Program Manager at FES, Sanjay Sharma, presented a study titled “Mapping Critical Corridors: Phek District’s Ecological Network”, offering data-backed insights into the ecological fragility and opportunity zones for intervention which was followed by an engaging interactive Q&A session.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Wepekha Wetsah, Treasurer of CPO. And benediction by Solhou Sono, Pastor of Pfutsero Town CRC.

The event saw participation from Village Councils under Phek district, civil society organizations, church leaders, and forest officials. A notable effort of NCCAF is that in all of their events, they urge all Village Councils to send at least three representatives—including one woman representative—for future conservation consultations to ensure inclusive decision-making.