Nature camp for students begins in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, October 05 2023:
A Nature Camp on the theme "Our Wildlife, Our Pride," aimed at educating and engaging students in the effort of nature conservation commenced at Shirui village in Ukhrul district on Thursday as part of the Wildlife Week observance.
The three-day nature camp is being organised by Environmental Force at Grassroots Level (ENFOGAL) with the support of Wildlife Trust of India and Ukhrul Forest Division.
Ukhrul DFO Shanngam Shaliwo flagged off the campers from the Ukhrul forest division campus in the presence of RFO Chermishan ASP, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) field officer Chingrisoror Rumthao, ENFOAL president Yoyung Shaiza and secretary Patrick Shangh.
Speaking during the flag off event, DFO Shanngam highlighted the importance of environmental awareness and encouraged the campers to explore and get acquainted with the natural surroundings and flora and fauna to get aware about the living and non-living things around us.
He said that awareness will come from asking ourself a lot of questions as to why and how things are where they are.
"Everything has reasons for their existence and the more we explore, the more we will learn about our environment and its inhabitants," he said.
The DFO also mentioned that disruption of ecology can result in various environmental hazards.
"By creating a culture of environmental awareness, we can hope to preserve the planet for the next generations.
Let us pledge today to be good stewards and leave behind a healthy and beautiful environment for our future generations," he pleaded.
The camp taking place at Paorei site in Shirui village located about 13 km north of Ukhrul town, is being participated by around 40 students reading in Class VIII and above from schools and colleges in the district.
During the camp, the students will take part in activities such as wildlife treks, birdwatching, story-telling and lectures, star gazing, camera trapping, painting and other exercises.
Interacting with The People's Chronicle, Patrick Shangh said the nature camp is about connecting with wildlife and there would be various activities related to wildlife conservation.
"So the campers would be made aware of what is going on with wildlife issues and this will help them to understand the present scenario relating to wildlife trafficking, hunting and other issues," he said.
Rumthao, who came all the way from New Delhi to deliver a lecture on Wildlife Enforcement and Wildlife Protection Act, said that he would interact with student campers, especially about the legal terms of Wildlife Enforcement and Protection Act as the amendment has changed.
"Also, I'll be speaking on Pangolin, a mammal which is toothless and harmless but is illegally traded and likely to go extinct very soon.
Fortunately, it is found in Ukhrul and we are going to protect the endangered animal," he said.
According to Shaiza, the objective of the nature camp is to give the campers firsthand experience on wildlife conservation and its importance, by educating and engaging students with nature.
"This will make them aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to wildlife preservation, help develop a better understanding of biodiversity in the area, and enhance their environmental knowledge".
The camp is not only intended to enlighten and educate students on wildlife conservation, but also help nurture their love for the environment, he said.
"By taking part in these activities, the students will be able to explore nature and its wonders in a practical manner," Shaiza added.