Environment sub-committee of NSRLM Longshi VLO along with village council members and GB taking a pledge undertaking for conservation and preservation of wildlife at Liphi village, Bhandari block during the observation of National Wildlife Week.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 4 (MExN): In the heart of Bhandari sub-division, the community's struggle with the ongoing human-wild elephant conflict has been a pressing concern. Lives have been lost, including that of an NSRLM SHG member from Yanmhon Old Village, serving as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
However, amidst these challenges, there’s a beacon of hope that shines brightly during the observance of National Wildlife Week (October 2-8). Longshi VLO & Ematha VLO (Environment Sub-Committee), in its proactive stance, is not only addressing this pressing conflict but also working diligently towards the preservation and conservation of wildlife, all while localising the Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
SDG 15 is a vital global initiative aimed at protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, emphasising the importance of biodiversity and the coexistence of humans and nature. Longshi Vlo & Ematha Vlo-Environment and SAC Sub-Committee's observance of National Wildlife Week aligns duly with this vision by fostering a stronger connection between the local community and the environment.
This observance signifies a collective commitment to addressing the human-elephant conflict and fostering coexistence between people and wildlife. The involvement of the committee, along with the village council members and GB, underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in conservation efforts, a press release issued by Area coordinator (AC-SISD) NSRLM BMMU Bhandari Block, Chichanthung Shitiri stated.
The ongoing human-elephant conflict has had a devastating impact on the community, and the rural women farmers have borne the brunt of this struggle due to their close ties with environmental issues, agriculture, and livestock. This makes their involvement in wildlife conservation efforts even more crucial.
By raising awareness, implementing sustainable practices, and fostering a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem, these efforts aim to mitigate the conflict's impact and promote harmonious coexistence. This observance serves as a reminder that it is not just a week-long event but a long-term commitment to safeguarding both our natural heritage and the well-being of the community, it underscored.
On the occasion, the environment sub-committee of NSRLM Longshi VLO along with village council members and GB took a pledge undertaking for conservation and preservation of wildlife at Liphi village, Bhandari block.
Furthermore, the VLOs lauded the recent official visit to elephant affected areas in wokha district led by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change which has resulted in a commitment to develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the human-elephant conflict, with special reference to Wokha and neighbouring districts. This signifies the government's recognition of the severity of the issue and its dedication to finding lasting solutions, the press release stated.
