The Nagaland Community Conservation Awareness Forum (NCCAF), in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), observed World Nature Conservation Day 2025 on Monday, 28 July, at Tourist Lodge, Pfutsuro Town, Phek. The event was themed “Establishing Wildlife Corridors in Phek District: Strategies for Connectivity” and was sponsored by the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas (Nagaland) Project.
The programme began with an inaugural session chaired by Dr. Limasenla Jamir, Information Secretary of NCCAF. Rev. Dr. Tshulingupe Kapfo, Pastor of Pfutsero Town Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings through a short prayer.
Heirang Lungalang, Chairman of NCCAF, gave a brief overview of the forum’s ongoing work in promoting community-led conservation in Nagaland and delivered the welcome address. Vezühü Keyho, President of CPO, spoke briefly on traditional conservation practices that have long supported biodiversity preservation in the region.
Special Guest of the event, Rhosietsho Nguori, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Phek, addressed the gathering, noting the timely importance of discussing animal corridors amidst growing human-wildlife conflicts in places like Wokha. He lauded CPO, stating, “Perhaps CPO is the only Hoho in Nagaland that has resolved to preserve and conserve biodiversity in the land.” He emphasized that change must begin with mindset and habits, especially food habits, for conservation efforts to succeed.
The keynote address was delivered by Enyiwekha Wezah, Divisional Forest Officer, Phek, who elaborated on the importance of wildlife corridors. “Animals and birds migrate for breeding, food, or survival, especially in response to changing climates. These corridors ensure species survival and ecological balance, such as aiding seed dispersal,” he said. He cautioned against disruptive activities like jhum cultivation or paddy field expansion, and advocated for scientific study of animal movement and community awareness. “Where animal corridors are protected, breeding increases and populations thrive,” he added.
He stressed the need for inter-village and inter-district cooperation, noting that successful corridors require collective effort, even across state boundaries. “When both neighbouring villages commit to this cause, we not only protect wildlife but also contribute to a larger conservation mission—one that serves not just a community, but all of humanity,” he concluded.
The technical session was facilitated by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). Sanjay Sharma, Senior Program Manager at FES, presented a study titled ”Mapping Critical Corridors: Phek District’s Ecological Network”, offering data-backed insights into ecological fragility and opportunity zones for intervention. This was followed by an engaging interactive Q&A session.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Wepekha Wetsah, Treasurer of CPO, and a benediction by Solhou Sono, Pastor of Pfutsero Town CRC.
Participants included Village Councils from Phek district, civil society organizations, church leaders, and forest officials. A notable initiative of NCCAF is their insistence that every village sends at least three representatives—including one woman—for future conservation consultations to promote inclusive decision-making.
