As we observed World Nature Conservation Day, it is high time we recognize that a healthy environment is necessary for healthy people and a productive society, not only during our lifetime but for the future generations as well.
Let us encourage community participation in protecting, conserving and sustainable management of things we use every day.
As we observed World Nature Conservation Day, let us also introspect the role of the indigenous community in protecting and preserving our environment.
An example on the conservation of Nongin. The irony is that the authority will acknowledge and appreciate the people who captured Nongin in their camera. But will not acknowledge the indigenous community who are doing everything to protect and preserve Nongin – the state bird of Manipur.
There is no doubt, the photographers have captured amazing images. We hope to see more such beautiful pictures. However, when we talk about CONSERVATION, it is important to acknowledge the role of the community, the real stakeholders.
Indigenous ways of community conservation efforts are not given importance by the authority. Rather they will try to convert it into Reserve Forest or Protected Forest etc. And only then, they would recognise or give importance. The other way round is to bring everything under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and whichever is not covered there, they would bring them under Biological Diversity Act 2002.
In the hill areas of Manipur, the village authority plays a significant role in conservation of land, forest and it’s resources including regulations of hunting and trade in wildlife. Forest, land and water areas managed by indigenous communities based on their traditional knowledge and practices have been very successful till date and it is time the CONCERNED AUTHORITY gives due recognition and importance to the indigenous ways of community conservation.
