Scientists laud conservation efforts in Nagaland

CM releases satellite-tagged ‘Intangki’ at Beisumpuikam village [caption id="attachment_81935" align="alignnone" width="500"] Chief Minister TR Zeliang releasing a satellite-tagged Amur Falcon at Beisumpuikam village in Peren district on Friday.[/caption] Dimapur, November 4 : Scientists from India and overseas heaped praise on Nagaland for her conservation efforts towards forest and wildlife, particularly Amur Falcons. Under the guise of protecting and conserving Amur Falcons many other species too are protected in the State. They were of the view that Naga people, although they might have underestimated their efforts, are looked upon by the world community for their wonderful efforts towards conservation of forest and wildlife particularly through the eyes of Amur Falcon. Scientists made this observation at the culmination of Human- Animal Conflict Mitigation awareness campaign and release of satellite-tagged birds (Amur Falcons) at Beisumpuikam village in Peren district on Friday afternoon. On the occasion, one satellite-tagged Amur Falcon christened ‘Intangki’ was released by Chief Minister TR Zeliang. Addressing the gathering, Zeliang said human beings and animals have intrinsic relationship, adding the survival of man is dependent on the survival of animal and plant life. He, therefore, said there can be no existence of human being on earth without forest. Stating that major portion of land (88.3%) is under the control of individuals and communities, the government has little regulatory role in management of private forest. As the people of the State have special rights in the matter of land and its resources under the Article 371(A) of the Constitution, he said the role of individuals and communities are important for protection and conservation of forest and wildlife and also for addressing the issue of human- animal conflict. The best way to reduce ‘human-animal conflict,’ according to him, is to create awareness amongst the people. On the inter-dependence of man and animal, he said: “We need each other for our survival.” He asserted that the government is fully committed and has the political will for protection and conservation of forest and wildlife. Also stating that the idea of tree plantation and wildlife conservation is gradually gaining ground in the minds of the people of the State, the CM said the State Government has decided to declare 2017 as ‘Year of Plantation.’ Forest minister Dr Nicky Kire, who was also present on the occasion, attributed success of Amur Falcon conservation to the participation of the community. Stating that the government will continue the efforts more than before, he urged everyone to take respective part in conservation of forest and wildlife. He also sought change in the mindset of people in order to bring about changes in the society while urging everyone to strive for peaceful co-existence between human and animals. The campaign was jointly organised by Department of Forest, Finger Prints and Castle Group Nagaland.