Students, activists rally for wildlife conservation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 03 2024: In connection with the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration 2024, students along with wildlife activists, photographers and lovers took out an awareness rally to spread the message of wildlife conservation under this year's theme 'Wildlife Conservation through Co-existence' from Kangla Western Gate till Hapta Kangjeibung, here, on Thursday.

The rally organised by Wildlife Wing of Forest Department in collaboration with Central Forest Division and flagged off by additional principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Soreiphy Vashum was aimed at spreading awareness about wildlife conservation and advocate eco-friendly practices, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the nation's natural heritage.

Students from various educational institutions in Imphal participated, displaying colourful banners and chanting slogans pledging commitment to wildlife protection.

The creative posters crafted by the students themselves showcased endangered species and conveyed urgent messages highlighting the critical need for conservation efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Soreiphy Vashum encouraged the students to become proactive torchbearers of conservation initiatives while chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) L Joykumar highlighted the crucial role of wildlife in our ecosystem and the collective responsibility to protect these invaluable resources.

He also encouraged the students to actively engage in wildlife conservation efforts, fostering a sense of stewardship towards the environment.

Joykumar noted that though Manipur covers only 7 per cent of geographical area of India, it contributes 25 per cent of India's biodiversity.

Pointing out that humans cannot live without wildlife but wildlife can continue to thrive without existence of humans, he appealed to all for conserving the biodiversity of the state which is deteriorating with each passing day due to extinction of wildlife.

Joykumar thanked organisations working for afforestation and prevention of poaching and hunting of wildlife in both the hills and valley region.

Meanwhile, a release by Central Forest Division DFO N Ganesh stated that the rally was part of the broader celebration of Wildlife Week, which would run till October 8 .

This year's theme underscores the necessity of harmonious living between humans and wildlife.

Through a series of workshops, exhibitions, and public awareness programmes, the Forest Department aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability and coexistence, reinforcing the message that humans must share the planet with other living beings, it said.

The release further mentioned that the overarching goal of the Wildlife Week celebrations is to galvanise youth involvement in environmental conservation.

By emphasising that every action, no matter how small, contributes to protecting our planet's biodiversity, the event seeks to inspire a generation committed to preserving our natural world, said the DFO.

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