The Ukhrul Forest Division and ENFOGAL in collaboration with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Eco-Club Pettigrew College observed 71st Wildlife Week at Paorei, Shirui under the theme “Human Animal Coexistence’.
The three day nature camp is designed to equip the youth and public with essential environmental awareness and practical skills. Around 50 youth and students are participating at the ongoing Nature Camp.
Laishram Gitla, DFO of Ukhrul flagged off the celebration from the office of the Divisional Forest Office, Phungreitang, Ukhrul on 3 October 2025 at 10:30am.
She encouraged the participants to view conservation not just as a duty but as a shared responsibility, stressing the importance of youth involvement in protecting forests and wildlife.
Range Forest Officer (Headquarters) Chermishan ASP encouraged the youth to adopt conservation ethics as part of their lifestyle, emphasizing that the camp was not just an event but a stepping stone to long-term stewardship of forests with the goal of oneness.
Laishram Gitla added that “we should have compassion, love and care for wildlife. We cannot live alone or sustain ourselves on this planet earth. We should inculcate the feeling of oneness among the humans its surrounding nature and wild animals and that is the sole reason why we are camping here today at Paorei, Shirui Village. Let us respect the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals including its beautiful nature.”
The first day culminated with a key workshop on Waste Management and a specialized lecture by Dr. Christian Erni, a long-time advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights. He delivered an empowering speech to youth and community members during a “Wild Week Camping” event at Paorei, Ukhrul, Manipur. Drawing on his extensive anthropological expertise, he urged the youth to become the new guardians of their ancestral land with a feeling of love and empathy towards wildlife.
The Deputy commissioner of Ukhrul Ashish Das (IAS) also visited the camping site in the evening. He urged the youth to love nature, preserved and conserved wildlife. The Deputy Commissioner also stressed about the ill effects of deforestation and climate change, and called for a collective effort to restore ecological balance.
The second day of the afternoon session on Saturday consisted of District Level Awareness Programme and Interaction Session held with local villagers, local clubs and youth members from Greenland Youth Society and Shirui Youth Club, and front-line staff of Ukhrul Forest Division. This event aims to promote shared ownership of conservation goals and discuss local environmental solutions directly with the community. A quiz competition on wildlife was conducted and the first position was jointly shared by Worsophy Sharon and Thotreishang Horam of KTL Excel Higher Secondary School and Songayar Chiphang of Savio High School. The second position went to Nganingkhui Zimik and Tamkhui Zimik of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School and the third position was awarded to Khanyaopem Kaping and Lanya Gachui of Alice Christian Higher Secondary School.
The final day will bring together expert lectures and a formal commitment ceremony, ensuring participants leave with both knowledge and a sense of responsibility. The day will begin early with Guided Birdwatching and Trail Walks (6:30am), providing a final, serene opportunity for direct interaction with the local ecosystem. Sonim Kasar, Assistant Field Officer at Wildlife Trust of India (11:00am), will provide a crucial national context to local efforts, offering a broader perspective on large-scale wildlife conservation challenges.
The final afternoon will include creative activities such as Slogan Writing and a comprehensive group Discussion to synthesize the lessons learned.
The camp will officially culminate at 2:30pm on Sunday with a formal conclusion and pledge ceremony. The participants will formally affirm their commitment to acting as ambassadors for environmental conservation. Participants will begin their departure at 3:30pm from the camp site.
