Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Environment and Forest Minister Mama Natung has pushed for community participation in forest conservation in the frontier state.
Minister Mama Natung urged officials to intensify efforts to make the community aware of the benefits of biodiversity.
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He was speaking at a conclave of senior forest personnel in Itanagar.
The minister directed the divisional and range forest officers to participate in gram sabhas and also reach out to schools.
“Continuous engagement with people, elected representatives and community-based organisations will result in greater awareness of forestry and environment activities,” minister Natung said.
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He stressed the principle of ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’, a Sanskrit phrase, which means that the entire ecosystem consisting of trees, streams, people, flora and fauna are part of one universal family.
Natung suggested that a coordination meeting should be held once a quarter to strengthen coordination and collaboration within the department.
‘Team Forest’ should work in synergy for public benefit, Natung said pointing out that there is great enthusiasm for the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan launched by the department aimed at stopping indiscriminate hunting of birds in the state rich in biodiversity, and cooperation of people in aiding in conservation efforts.
He further highlighted the need for constituting a committee to identify and recommend good officers for national and state awards.