Senapati: Senapati Forest Division organised a One-Day Awareness Programme on the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife on 10th October, 2026, at Mount Everest College (Autonomous), Senapati, in collaboration with the Eco-Club and Department of Zoology of the college. The programme witnessed the participation of over 400 students, highlighting the important role of educational institutions and young people in promoting wildlife conservation.
Dr. Gonmei Meithuanlungpou, Vice-Principal of Mount Everest College (Autonomous), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Marson Anal, MFS, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Senapati, Range Forest Officers of Karong, Liyai Khunou and HQ, faculty members, and students also attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasised that effective wildlife conservation requires trust, cooperation and collective responsibility among villages and communities. He highlighted the need to change the mindset that wildlife must be killed simply because neighbouring villages may do so, stressing that the protection of wildlife should be a shared responsibility rather than a concern of individual villages alone.
He further underscored the importance of community-based conservation initiatives, appropriate incentives for conservation, and strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws in coordination with student bodies, village authorities, landowners and youth organisations. He also called for sustained, village-level awareness campaigns, particularly in areas located near dense forest habitats, to educate communities about the ecological importance of wildlife and the consequences of its indiscriminate killing.
The programme featured two technical sessions focusing on the wildlife of Senapati district and the conservation of the Himalayan Black Bear. Range Forest Officer, Liyai Khunou, spoke on the major fauna found in the district and the threats confronting them. Range Forest Officer, Karong, delivered a session on the conservation of the Himalayan Black Bear, highlighting the relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, including the legal consequences and penalties associated with wildlife offences.
The technical sessions highlighted the importance of understanding local wildlife, recognising the threats posed by habitat degradation, human–wildlife conflict and illegal hunting, and strengthening awareness of the legal framework for wildlife protection. The discussions also reinforced the need for greater cooperation between forest authorities, educational institutions and local communities to safeguard the district’s rich biodiversity.
The programme further highlighted the potential for strengthening field surveys, community participation and conservation-oriented livelihood opportunities. Exploring suitable conservation initiatives, including appropriate models of tiger conservation where ecologically relevant, could contribute to biodiversity protection while creating opportunities for local communities to benefit from the sustainable stewardship of their natural heritage.
The programme concluded with a call for students and community members to become active ambassadors of wildlife conservation and to encourage responsible coexistence between people and wildlife.
“Wildlife conservation begins with awareness, grows through community participation, and succeeds when people and nature thrive together.”
The Senapati Forest Division reiterates its commitment to promoting wildlife awareness and fostering cooperation among educational institutions, village authorities, youth organisations and local communities for the conservation and protection of wildlife in Senapati district.
