PCCF sees bird tourism potential in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 22 2022: A three-day bird identification workshop to be organised by Wildlife Explorer Manipur and Bird Count India in association with Central Forest Division, Manipur in all districts of the state except Churachandpur and Jiribam, was launched on Thursday.

Speaking as chief guest of the launch function held at the office premises of Central Forest Division, Manipur, here, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) AK Joshi informed that the workshop is an important programme and also the need of the hour.

Expressing elation to be part of such programme, AK Joshi said that the workshop will not only help in identifying various birds found in the state but also in creating awareness on the importance of protecting wildlife among the public.

Government alone cannot take up conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife but it needs public participation, he said, while elaborating on the relation between wildlife and natural eco-system.

Giving example of success story of wild life conservation after organising such workshops, AK Joshi pointed out that protection of Amur Falcon is an outcome of mass awareness through workshops and awareness programmes.

Due to extensive initiatives taken up by the forest department, people of the state are now taking proactive role in the safeguard of the migratory birds.

Every year, around 35,000 migratory birds arrive in the state and many of them are rare species.

Identifying them will help in promoting bird tourism, he said, while adding that there is huge potential of bird watching tourism in the state.

He also informed the gathering that Wildlife Institute of India director had visited and expressed satisfaction on seeing the wildlife of the state.

He further said that the department is taking up necessary measures to protect birds in Loktak Lake as well as other areas of the state.

Wildlife chief conservator Joykumar Longjam spoke on the importance of birds in human civilisation as well as natural environment.

The present generation is no longer versed with different bird species in the state and the identification workshop will help the younger generation in identifying birds.

Knowing the identity of the birds wifi also instil a sense of emotional attachment, which will further help in conservation of wildlife, he added.

Further stating that the department initiated bird census operation in 2010 with several youths joining the exercise in the subsequent years and helping in increasing population of birds, he urged the organisers to make the public aware about the penalty for hunting as part of the workshop.

Joykumar also exhorted the participants to volunteers for becoming wildlife activists.

The workshop will focus on identification of birds, counting and reporting as well as awareness, he added.

Wild Life Explorer Manipur president Kh Rajesh Kumar presided over the function while Bird Count India mentor Tomal Gogoi and Central Forest Division assistant forest conservator Sivaveimy attended as guests of honour.

A two-minute silence was also observed in honour of the victims of Wednesday's bus accident in Noney district.

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