Chuchuyimlang reaffirms total hunting ban to protect community reserve forest

MOKOKCHUNG — Commemorating Wildlife Week, the Chuchuyimlang Village Council (CVC) has reaffirmed its complete ban on hunting within the 200-hectare Chuchuyimlang Village Community Reserve Forest (CVCRF).

The announcement, made during a press conference on Thursday, also included a strict prohibition on air guns and Pre-Charged Pneumatics (PCP) air rifles within the village jurisdiction.

The CVCRF, established a decade ago by the village, recently received official recognition as a protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This notification, issued by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change on August 18, 2023, solidifies the community’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Chairman of the village council, Aosanen Pongen said that the reserve forest was established ten years ago to preserve its rich flora and fauna. He also acknowledged MLA Nuklutoshi, who also attended the event, for his support in driving the initiative, as well as the department’s ongoing backing of community-based conservation efforts.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the village council and the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

Dr. Sentitula, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Mokokchung, explained that the agreement includes livelihood enhancement packages for the local community to ensure the protection of the environment while supporting the people’s economic well-being.

She commended the village’s proactive approach to conservation and encouraged the expansion of the protected area beyond its current boundaries. She expressed optimism about securing future funding beyond the five-year scope of the MoU, provided the community continues its conservation initiatives.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by hunters, Putusanen, Chairman of the CVCRF, outlined plans to identify and counsel hunters to abandon the practice and provide them with alternative means of livelihood. An action plan will be created in collaboration with the village council to activate this initiative, he added.

Looking ahead, the Chuchuyimlang Village Council aims to develop the reserve forest area into an eco-tourism site, which will further promote conservation efforts and generate sustainable income to the villagers. The council also expressed gratitude to the community for supporting the blanket hunting ban and for complying with the ban on air guns and PCP air rifles.