Dimapur, June 23 (EMN): More than 50 personnel from the Forest and Police departments were sensitised on ‘Biodiversity conservation and combating wildlife crime’ during a programme held on June 23 at the conference hall of Forest Offices Complex in Kohima.
The one-day sensitisation programme was jointly organised by the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) and Aaranyak, Guwahati.
An update from the Forest department stated that M Senthil Kumar, CCF (M&E) and special guest, has acknowledged the efforts of Aaranyak for collaborating with the Forest department and Biodiversity Board on wildlife crime issues and biodiversity conservation. He stated that the pertinent issue needed wider awareness from top to the grassroots and looked forward to a meaningful journey as they combat wildlife crimes.
Kevithuto Sophie, Kohima senior superintendent of police and guest of honour, has emphasised on collective roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders to curb wildlife crime and conserve the rich biodiversity.
Satya Prakash Tripathi, retired PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden and HoFF, spoke on the status of wildlife crimes in Nagaland and emphasised on the need to concentrate on biodiversity conservation and combating wildlife crimes.
During the technical session, Savinuo Kikhi, FRO, NSBB, made a power presentation on the Biodiversity Act 2002 and the Nagaland State Biodiversity Rules 2012 and highlighted the important provisions of the Act and status of its implementation in Nagaland.
Dr. Jimmy Borah, senior manager of Aaranyak, made a powerpoint presentation on “Overview of wildlife crimes focusing on rhino and tigers at global and regional level” as well as “Identification and understanding commonly used wildlife products in the region.”
Ivy Farheen Hussain, project officer of Aranyak, also made a powerpoint presentation on “Wildlife crimes on rhino and tigers at local level” and the modus operandi of common wildlife crimes in the region. She spoke on Aaranyak’s Deters Initiative and the role of stakeholders in combating wildlife crime.
Report stated that SP Tripathi, NSBB chairman, presented the status of wildlife crime in Nagaland.
It was followed with an interaction amongst participants and adopted measures to be taken by all stakeholders in their respective field of influence and authority.
