DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 4 (MExN): The endangered Hornbill bird is getting some help. Hornbill Conservation Initiative (HCI), a part of NGO Green-SONS has set up a stall at Bamboo pavilion, Naga Heritage Vilage, Kisama. Volunteers of HCI interact with locals and tourists and make them aware about the endangered hornbill and the organization’s efforts to help save the bird.
This was informed in a press note issued by HCI while terming this as a small but significant initiative. HCI has members and volunteers from around the country- all getting together for a common cause (for saving the Hornbill) which they feel is important given the ‘near threatened’ status of some of the Hornbills found in the region. This campaign is also significant because of the closeness of the bird with Naga culture and ethos.
As part of its awareness campaign, HCI is organizing the “Hornbill Painting and Sketching Competition”. The theme for the same is ‘Displaying the beauty of the hornbill bird’. Nagaland residents can submit their painting/sketches at HCI’s stall at Kisama by Dec. 6. Prizes for the competition have been sponsored by Eastern Enterprises (Distributors of LG and Nokia).
HCI has asked authorities to ban the sale of original Hornbill feathers in some of stalls during Hornbill festival. As a result, one can see only a few feathers being displayed in these stalls. According to the press note HCI’s “Save the Hornbill” Petition has picked up momentum during the festival. More than 1000 people have signed the petition so far. HCI targets 5000 signatures by the end of the festival. People unable to sign the petition at Kisama can sign it online at Hornbillfestival.com.
HCI will be forwarding these petitions to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Govt of India for necessary action. Some Naga Legislators and bureaucrats have also signed the petition and expressed their appreciation. HCI has designed special “Save the Hornbills” T-shirts focusing on Hornbill festival. These T-shirts can be bought at HCI’s stall at Kisama. The proceeds from the sales will be utilized for the organization’s future conservation efforts.
