Empowered Youth Champions Lead Inspiring Conservation Efforts in Villages Surrounding Ntangki National Park | MorungExpress
Youths Champion Conservation Efforts Near Ntangki National Park
Dimapur | July 13: Youths are spearheading conservation initiatives in villages surrounding Ntangki National Park in Peren and Dimapur districts, under the Wildlife Conservation Society India’s (WCS-I) Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) Phase-II. Guided by WCS-I, these young leaders are raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
Participating youths are equipped with various skills, including the use of smartphone apps for documenting biodiversity, camera traps, and GPS for land mapping. This initiative has led to significant changes in villages such as Manglumukh, Beisumpuikam, Nsenlo, Phelhang, Nkio ‘B’, and Ikiesingram. Hunting has markedly decreased, timber is now selectively felled, and communities are warding off outsiders attempting to hunt or fish in their territories.
Programme Manager Bano Haralu highlighted the pivotal role of youth partners, noting they act as connectors between their communities and WCS-I, facilitating village council meetings and spreading knowledge on sustainable conservation practices.
Despite facing challenges, youth partners like Nemneithem from Phelhang village have successfully influenced their communities. She persuaded her immediate family to cease hunting, though she noted that changing ingrained habits is a gradual process. Similarly, Ramkuahingba from Ikiesingram has transitioned from hunting to community education on conservation, reflecting the challenges and gradual progress in altering long-standing practices.
Significant declines in hunting have been observed, with hunters surrendering their weapons and communities optimizing the use of felled timber. Initiatives like erecting signboards to discourage fishing in rivers have also been proposed.
Since statehood, Ntangki National Park, a crucial animal corridor, has faced severe degradation, with daily extraction of timber exacerbating the situation. The ITHCP project aims to reduce pressure on tiger habitats, improve local governance, and empower communities in conservation efforts.
WCS-I’s Nature Education workshops are instrumental in engaging youths with technology and conservation tools, enabling them to document their biodiversity and fostering a deeper connection to their environment. The initiative underscores the importance of involving the next generation in sustainable land management for the future of North-East India.
Haralu emphasized that WCS-I acts as a catalyst, supporting community consensus and forest department activities to achieve their conservation goals.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/guardians-of-the-forest
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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