A workshop was held on Tuesday at the nature interpretation camp in Ramaling, Singchung subdivision of West Kameng district, to commemorate World Nature Conservation Day (WNCD). The event was jointly organised by Nature Mates (NM) from Kolkata and the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS).
The workshop aimed to enhance people’s understanding of nature and the environment. EWS Assistant Conservator of Forests Yachang Kani highlighted the importance of such events, stating that the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the state’s richest biodiversity hotspots, endowed with dozens of species of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. He emphasized that the conservation of these species is an obligation.
Yachang Kani expressed gratitude to Sarika Baidya, researcher and programme manager of the Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory Conservation Project under NM, for creating awareness about habitat conservation and Ludlow’s Bhutan glory. Baidya has been associated with the project since 2023 and has been contributing to raising awareness about local insect diversity.
Sarika Baidya emphasized the need to continue efforts to keep the interest of the local community alive. She stated that such events provide an opportunity to interact closely with community members, where they can share their perspectives during group sessions. EWS forest guard Kime Tadu also highlighted the importance of conservation, stating that it is the duty of the community to keep their villages clean and protect wildlife.
Community members, including Sili Dema Phinya from the Braiduah Community Reserve, shared their perspectives on the importance of conservation. Phinya stressed that immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration of the environment. Ambar Dey and bird expert Lina Chatterjee also spoke about the importance of insects and birds in maintaining ecological balance.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the local Bugun community, staffers of the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve and the BCR, as well as officials from the Forest Department.
