Biodiversity Ambassadors Network (BAN) conceptualized by Lemsachenlok officially launched.
Longleng, June 11 (MExN): Lemsachenlok Society since its inception in 2012 has been engaged in the biodiversity conservation initiative. As part of its movement and commemorating the 10th Years of its existence, the team members of Lemsachenlok Society observed the World Environment Day (WED) 2022 at Hukphang Village, Longleng in collaboration with Divisional Forest Office, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
Dharmendra Prakash (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Government of Nagaland joined the occasion as the special guest. He emphasized on the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; and urged the people to continue and support tree plantation and other biodiversity conservation activities, stated a press release received here.
Stressing on Community Conservation, he said, “We need an improved environment for our own sustainable existence, and therefore without everyone involved on safeguarding the environment which is at its fast decline, our future generation will curse us for what we willfully chose to destroy today.”
During the occasion, Biodiversity Ambassadors Network (BAN) conceptualized by Lemsachenlok was officially launched where hundreds of young biodiversity volunteered to join the movement.
Dr Suresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun addressed the gathering virtually on the topic ‘Imbalance impact on the only one Earth: A scientific approach.’ Professor Bendang from Nagaland University spoke on the 'Role of universities in restoring the only one Earth’. Representing Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung which is a partnering institute with Lemsachenlok Society, Associate Professor, Dr Tsukjemchila Imchen (HoD) Geography cited on the significance of collaboration between institutions and community towards restoring the only one earth.
Chuchuyimlang Village Council, Chairman, Sanen spoke on the role of community leaders towards conservation initiatives despite many challenges as hunting is considered part of livelihood activities. He shared that Chuchuyimlang has demarcated more than 200 Hectares of forest to preserve the flora and Fauna where hunting is restricted in this Community Biodiversity Conservation area and violation of this attracts punishment. The village council has consented to set aside huge forest areas adjacent to the Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Conservation area and the agreement to join the Biodiversity Peace Corridor Movement under Lemsachenlok Society, he added.
About 1300 people attended the programme.
MissioEcology venture
The occasion was significant with the participation of 12 partnering villages of Aükching, Sakshi, Yangching, Yimchong, Yongphang, Yaongyimchem, Bhümnyü, Hükphang, Alayong, Sanglu, Yongshei, Tangha, villages from Longleng district and others Village Council members and Community leaders from Tobu and Ukha villages under Mon districts and Chuchuyimlang village under Mokokchung district.
Under Biodiversity Peace Corridor cradled by MissioEcology, the partnering villages were distributed cameras, binoculars, trapped cameras and tree saplings. Awards of appreciation were given to the winners of poetry slam, essay and painting competition which was conducted in view of WED on the theme ‘Only One Earth.’
As part of its MissioEcology venture, Team Leader and Associate Director, Dr Lima joined the Government of Nagaland Biodiversity Board to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on May 20 at RCEMPA Hall, Jotsoma village, Kohima. During the programme, Dr Lima was one of the panelists where he explained the Climate Medication Models.
On May 22, the team also observed International Day for Biological Diversity. The society visited Mongtikang village, Longleng where they apprised the village community members about the concerns related to depleting environment. They distributed computers and other basic necessities for children with the forethought to augment the Alijo Cademia- a Morung education.
A plantation drive was launched on May 25 with the aim to plant upto 10,000 trees in all the areas where the community members came forward to take part in the Biodiversity Peace Corridor Movement. ‘This ceremonial Plantation drive will continue till the end of June,’ the release added.
Camaraderie of Scholarships
A partnership for sharing resources and exchange programme has been signed with Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung. ‘The partnership is to depute intern students to work with us for identifying floral and faunal species in our Biodiversity Peace Corridor sites and use their Laboratories for testing species and other findings including soil testing from the proposed villages which will benefit the communities,’ it stated.
Earlier on March 1, around 70 students from Sociology, Geography and Botany department led by their Head of Departments visited Yaongyimchen. ‘A day-long programme was organized and agreement was made to sign MoU between the college and Lemsachenlok and share our space and resources. Meanwhile, young scholars committed to join the Biodiversity Ambassadors Network,’ the release stated.
‘The positive outcome of these initiatives will help us expand our MissioEcology cradled under Biodiversity Peace Corridor towards the natural forest areas that have not been used for any cultivation. There are prospects to join the venture under “Trans Border Biodiversity Peace Corridor”,’ it added.
