On November 13, 2024, the French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, along with a delegation, visited the Himalayan Zoological Park in Bulbuley, Sikkim, to explore opportunities for collaboration in red panda conservation. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Secretary-cum-Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and other officials from the Forest and Environment Department, who provided detailed insights into their ongoing projects.
The visit highlighted several state government initiatives, including ‘Mero Rukh, Mero Santati’ and the ‘My Child from the Wild’ programme. The latter is an animal adoption scheme run by the Himalayan Zoological Park to promote public involvement in wildlife conservation. The French Consul General’s office expressed a keen interest in contributing to the conservation of red pandas, specifically through the ‘My Child from the Wild’ programme in collaboration with the Center for Red Panda Research.
The initiative aims to secure funds for enhancing the existing breeding center for red pandas, thereby doubling down on conservation efforts. The Center for Red Panda Research will play a pivotal role by disseminating knowledge about red panda conservation and ensuring active participation in preserving their natural habitats.
The French delegation, accompanied by Cecile Mathou, Didier Henri Andre Marie Talpain, Samuel Leo Bouchard, and diplomatic liaison officer Anjita Roychaudhury, was joined by members of Connaître et Protéger le Panda Roux (CPPR), an organization committed to the protection of red pandas. This collaborative effort reflects a significant international engagement in supporting native wildlife conservation projects in Sikkim, aiming to create awareness and fund substantial conservation initiatives.
Through this partnership, both French and Indian stakeholders are set to make a lasting contribution toward preserving the red panda, one of the region’s most cherished species, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Original Story https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/french-consul-generals-office-to-support-red-panda-conservation-effort-in-sikkim
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