SENAPATI, May 16: The Senapati Forest Division on May 15 organized a mass awareness campaign on forest conservation, forest fires, and wildlife at the ADC Conference Hall, District Council, Senapati. The event was graced by Shri Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner (Sericulture & Horticulture and Soil Conservation), Government of Manipur, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were Shri Shanngam S, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Senapati, and Shri Adahrii Maheo, MCS, CEO of ADC Senapati.
The awareness program was attended by Chairmen and Secretaries of villages across the district, along with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from Senapati District.
In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the urgent need to tackle global warming, climate change, rampant hunting, deforestation, and forest fires that are severely affecting Senapati. He encouraged sustainable alternatives to traditional jhum cultivation by promoting the plantation of fruit-bearing trees. Citing successful examples such as Kachai lemon, Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli, Black rice, and Tamenglong orange—all of which have received GI tags—he demonstrated the potential of sustainable agriculture and livelihood opportunities in the district.
Shri Pamei called on the public to avoid hunting during breeding seasons, stop harmful fishing practices involving batteries and bleaching powder, and adopt responsible and traditional methods to ensure long-term sustainability. He urged village leaders and civil society organizations to actively take part in conservation efforts at the grassroots level instead of relying solely on the government. He also highlighted the potential of promoting eco-tourism as a viable and sustainable source of livelihood for the district.
Adding a spiritual perspective, Siipunii Jackson addressed the audience by citing Genesis 1:27, stating that God created humans in His own image and entrusted them with the responsibility of caring for all living creatures. He expressed concern over how human greed and moral corruption have led to environmental degradation and the loss of biodiversity. He pointed to habitat loss, overexploitation, and unsustainable land-use practices—such as poppy and ganja cultivation—as major drivers of this decline. Jackson warned that biodiversity loss disrupts food chains, pollination, and food security while increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. He encouraged tribal communities to move beyond the view of animals solely as a food source and to recognize their role in maintaining ecological balance. Emphasizing the importance of reducing consumption based on need rather than greed, he concluded with a heartfelt appeal to care for creation and praised the Forest Department for organizing such an impactful program.
The primary aim of the campaign was to raise awareness among the people of Senapati district about the importance of forests and the role of citizens in protecting forests and wildlife. Forests are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate the climate, and provide essential resources to tribal communities who depend on them for clean water, air, food, medicines, shelter, and even recreation.
Despite their importance, the forests of Senapati are facing severe threats from deforestation, forest fires, degradation, and the impacts of climate change. These threats have far-reaching consequences, including loss of biodiversity and disruption of vital ecosystem services such as climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and water security.
The event concluded with a strong message calling for immediate and collaborative action. Citizens, government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, village leaders, and individuals must come together to protect and preserve the forests. There is an urgent need for dedicated support toward sustainable forest management practices, strict enforcement of forest protection laws, reduction of deforestation, and widespread awareness campaigns. These collective efforts are essential to safeguard the forests for the well-being of future generations.
