Sangai conservation consultation workshop held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20 2017:
A consultation workshop for the conservation of Sangai and the management of Keibul Lamjao National Park was held at Ema Phouoibi community hall, Keibul Lamjao Makha Leikai today.
Officials from the Manipur Forest Department Kh Shyam, Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Arun RS, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), faculty members from the Wildlife Institute of India Dr SA Hussain, Scientist G and Dr Ruchi Badola, Scientist G and representatives from local communities L Gouramani, Pradhan, Moirang Khunou Gram Panchayat and Kh Mema Devi, Member, Moirang Khunou Gram Panchayat attended the event.
The agenda of the workshop was to consult the local communities about the issues faced by them due to the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
The importance of active involvement of local stakeholders in addressing the issues facing Sangai conservation was stressed upon in the workshop.
This is a step towards framing a holistic approach involving participation from the local people in conservation, specially those who are directly dependent on the Park.
L Gouramani, Pradhan Moirang Khunou Gram Panchayat talked about the importance of conserving the Sangai as well as the people living around the National Park.
Emphasis was given on the role of the people and the necessity to provide alternative livelihoods for them for effective conservation.
Arun RS, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) talked about the importance of the local people and the initiatives taken by the Forest Department to save the Sangai.
He claimed that the ultimate responsibility of conserving the Sangai is with the people and the Forest Department is just there to provide assistance.
Kh Shyam Singh, Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) mentioned the problems faced by the local people living near the Park.
Kh Mema Devi, Member, Moirang Khunou Gram Panchayat stressed upon the importance of people's participation in Sangai's conservation.
Dr Ruchi Badola, Scientist G, Wildlife Institute of India highlighted the existing issues regarding people's livelihood.
She further stated that the survival of both animal and people are interconnected and interdependent.
Dr SA Hussain stated that the Wildlife Institute of India is currently in the process of framing a Management Plan for Keibul Lamjao National Park.
A second site level stakeholder workshop will be held tomorrow at Khordak Community Hall, Bishnupur District.
This will be followed by a State level stakeholder consultation workshop at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal on June 23.This event will be graced by Chief Minister N Biren Singhand Th Shyamkumar, Minister of Environment and Forests.