Dimapur: Nagaland Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister CL John said wildlife hunting must stop and be replaced with conservation efforts.
Addressing the Wildlife Week observation programme as the special guest in Mokokchung on Tuesday, John said the Nagas had done away with headhunting with the coming of Christianity but remained wildlife hunters, an official report said on Wednesday.
Wildlife Week is an annual week-long celebration from October 2 to 8, aimed at spreading awareness and protecting wildlife.
“It is our shared responsibility to conserve and protect our wildlife that nature has provided us,” John said.
Expressing his appreciation to the two villages in Peren district and 141 villages in Mon district for their conservation efforts, he said many years ago these village communities had entered into an understanding not to hunt or kill animals or cut down trees.
He added that they came forward with an initiative to protect wildlife and encourage afforestation, and now they have become protectors and guardians of wildlife.
He appealed to the village and church leaders, teachers and the entire community to lead in action and help sensitise the people on the Wildlife Protection Act in their respective areas.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary to Environment, Forest & Climate Change Kikheto Sema appealed to church leaders to spread awareness regarding the Wildlife Protection Act.
He also called for a community participation initiative and requested the village councils, elders, students and the public to come together to protect wildlife.