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Imphal, Oct 9 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday lauded the efforts of the forest department, conservationists and local communities to transform the state into a model of community-driven conservation.
Addressing the grand finale of the 71st Wildlife Week celebrations at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, the Governor stressed that the protection of wildlife cannot be left to the government alone; This should be a shared mission involving citizens, students and civil society.
Citing success stories such as the Amur Falcon Conservation Initiative in Tamenglong District and the community-led conservation of Sangai, he said these examples demonstrate how people’s participation remains the strongest pillar of conservation.
The Governor called for continuing the spirit of Wildlife Week even beyond the celebrations, as a year-long commitment to preserve the living heritage of Manipur for future generations.
He said that the theme of the 71st Wildlife Week Celebration 2025, ‘Human-Wildlife Co-existence’ highlights the collective responsibility to protect the biodiversity of Manipur. Reflecting on the rich natural heritage of the State – from the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park to the majestic Sangai deer and the wild elephants recently sighted in Kamjong district, the Governor said that these natural wonders are not just ecological assets, but important symbols of identity and pride.
He said the return of elephants after decades is ‘a message of hope from nature itself’, affirming that when humans respect and protect wildlife habitats, nature responds in the same way.
During the event, Bhalla released various wild animals back into their natural habitats from a distance. Animals included Burmese pythons, Bengal slow loris, Myanmar box turtles and leopard cats.
A project called Manipur Bear Conservation Project was also started in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.
The Governor released the book titled ‘Flight, Fur and Fangs – Encounters with the Wilderness of Manipur Forests’ and launched Forest Resources Assessment and Monitoring System (FRAMS), a web application developed in collaboration with NESAC (ISRO).
The Governor also distributed incentive prizes to the winners of the painting competition and presented awards to various organizations – NGOs, civil society organisations, police and other stakeholders who have contributed to the conservation of wildlife.
The event was organized by the Forest Department and Chief Secretary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) along with other dignitaries who were present on the occasion. The Governor also inspected the wildlife photography exhibition organized at the venue.
–IANS
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