World Wetlands Day celebrated in Wokha with focus on conservation and awareness; Tssentsü Nature Outlet inaugurated

Wokha

BY | Tuesday, 4 February, 2025

World Wetlands Day 2025 was observed in Wokha with a series of events at Lanchuchu Eryu, located near the NEPCO tourist viewpoint and the Doyang Reservoir, under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The event was jointly organised by the Wokha Forest Division and the Doyang Plantation Division, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland.

The celebration was graced by Vedpal Singh, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), and Nodal Officer of the State Wetland Authority, Nagaland.

Special Guest, Vedpal Singh highlighted the importance of wetlands as vital ecosystems that are rapidly disappearing due to human activities. He urged the public to adopt responsible waste management practices, including refraining from using mineral water bottles and ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous materials like inverter batteries. He encouraged small, meaningful steps towards sustainability as the true essence of the day’s celebrations.

IFS Suman W M Sivachar, addressing the gathering, reminded everyone of the historical significance of Wetlands Day, referencing the 1971 Ramsar Convention and its role in preserving wetlands globally. He spoke on the diverse types of wetlands, including coastal wetlands, rivers, paddy fields, aquaculture areas, and swamps, and stressed the invaluable role wetlands play in sustaining livelihoods. Sivachar further highlighted the positive impact of maintaining healthy habitats, citing the regular visits of Amur Falcons to the area as an example of how conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and the environment.

Nuhuta Tunyi, SDO Civil Wokha, emphasised the growing environmental challenges, particularly in light of climate change, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters like landslides and floods. He drew attention to the issue of plastic waste accumulation in the Doyang area, calling for stricter enforcement of plastic bans and encouraging the community to take personal responsibility in reducing non-biodegradable waste.

Rishi from the Wildlife Institute of India discussed ongoing efforts to address the human-elephant conflict in Wokha and Mokokchung districts. He highlighted the importance of elephant conservation, noting that elephants, as an umbrella species, play a crucial role in maintaining wetland ecosystems.

Zuthunglo Patton, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (STC), Nagaland, concluded with a call for collective action, urging the public to take responsibility in safeguarding the environment and sharing knowledge from the event with their respective communities.

The event also included the Wetland Mitra pledge, taken by Eco Warriors, and a drawing competition held earlier in the week. Prizes were awarded to students across various categories.

In a significant development, the Wokha Forest Division also inaugurated a common outlet called ‘Tssentsü Nature Outlet’ for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involved in the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) and Forest and Biodiversity Management Project (FBMP-KfW). This initiative aims to strengthen market linkages, improve product packaging, and facilitate nutritional testing of SHG products.

An SHG Processing Centre was also inaugurated at the Doyang Afforestation Range at Doyang Afforestation Range.

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