GANGTOK, : Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary successfully conducted a two-day capacity
building training programme of filed staff and Eco Development Committees
(EDCs) on comprehensive wildlife protection and conservation training on
February 27-28.
A
press release informs that the programme was organized under the Wildlife
Conservation and Protection Plan (2024-25) by the Namchi Wildlife Division,
Forest and Environment department.
The
training program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of field staff and EDC
members with respect to wildlife conservation covering aspects of bird
identification, wildlife laws of India, wildlife tourism and biodiversity of Sikkim.
The program was chaired by ACF MWLS JicdholBhutia, ACF DorjeeWangmuBhutia, RO
VedNedhiRegmi and BO RC Adhikari.
The
training program started with a series of informative sessions led by expert
speakers covering critical aspects of wildlife conservation.
Atharva
Singh from WWF-India provided insights into legal frameworks, wildlife laws and
strategies for combating wildlife crimes and on basics of bird identification, fostering appreciation for
the region's avian diversity, the release mentions.
Ugen
T Bhutia, Graduate Forester, emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the
role of conservation in preserving local ecosystems. SurekhaChettri (GF)
discussed sustainable wildlife tourism and its benefits for conservation and
local communities.
Lastly,
ManitaGajmer (HFG) highlighted the ethical responsibilities of field staff in
enforcing wildlife protection laws.
The
second day featured a hands-on birdwatching field visit within the Maenam
Wildlife Sanctuary led byAtharva Singh.
A
total of 20 plus species were recorded in a trail of 1km inside the Maenam
Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the key species recorded were Fire-tailed Myzornis,
Dark-breastedRosefinch, Bar-throated Minla, White-browed Scimitar Babbler and
Himalayan Bluetail. Post fieldwork participants shared field experiences and
challenges, promoting collaboration and shared learning.
The
training program was able to strengthen the capacity of forest field staff and EDC members in effective wildlife protection and
conservation. Participants gained both theoretical and practical insights into
sustainable conservation practices, wildlife protection laws, and biodiversity
management, the release mentions.
Maenam
Wildlife Sanctuary remains committed to preserving the region's biodiversity
and promoting sustainable conservation efforts through community engagement and
professional development, the release adds.
