DIMAPUR — The Care-Centre for Environment and Rural Poor (C-CERP) observed National Wildlife Week on Tuesday at St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, Jalukie, on the theme “Wildlife conservation through co-existence.”
The event was attended by 211 participants, including teachers and students, stated a press release. The event featured resource persons Liangsi Niumai, director of C-CERP, and Francis Salew Esho, supervisor of C-CERP.
Niumai presented a PowerPoint presentation titled “Scriptural defence of endangered species” and emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, drawing on scripture from the book of Genesis.
She encouraged students to view wildlife conservation as part of their broader moral and spiritual duty, fostering awareness of the negative impacts on ecosystems caused by human activities. She further advised the students to use natural resources for their needs, not for their greed.
Esho highlighted the critical role wildlife plays in maintaining balanced ecosystems. He explained how species such as bees and birds serve as essential pollinators and how predators help control populations, thereby maintaining environmental balance.
He also discussed the destructive impact of human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and poaching, on wildlife. He warned of the threats posed by climate change, which disrupts ecosystems and makes survival more difficult for many species.
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Esho stressed that the loss of species impacts food security, water quality, and climate regulation, all of which are vital for human survival.
The event concluded with a pledge of allegiance to Mother Earth, led by Liangsi Niumai.
Fr. Jayson, parish priest and principal of St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, delivered a brief address, urging students to avoid harmful habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco, which ultimately destroy their lives.
He further advised the students that instead of using airguns and catapults, they should take an active role in caring for the environment and wildlife.
