Itanagar: A butterfly park at the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Kessang district was recently inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge.
The new butterfly park, located at the West Bank Forest Camp, aims to boost biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.
The butterfly park is poised to captivate nature enthusiasts and tourists, drawing them to the serene beauty of the Pakke Tiger Reserve.
To further enhance the experience of the visitors, a dedicated website was launched to offer comprehensive information on the reserve’s conservation initiatives, biodiversity details, and visitor guidelines.
In his address, the minister underscored the significance of community participation in conservation initiatives and the need for eco-tourism practices that honour local traditions and the natural environment. He called the Pakke Tiger Reserve a model sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, which effectively combines conservation with community involvement.
During the event, Wahge distributed financial support to homestay owners in the nearby Seijosa area, aiming to promote eco-tourism and stimulate local economic growth.
Additionally, he provided Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) mitigation kits to families affected by such conflicts, reaffirming the park’s dedication to fostering harmonious coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
The minister also visited the Butterfly Information Centre, which features educational exhibits on the local butterfly species and their ecological roles. The centre also includes a digital interactive panel and virtual reality experience, providing visitors with an engaging and informative journey into the world of butterflies.
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He also launched an ‘elephant positive reinforcement training programme’ for mahouts and an ‘elephant song’, reflecting the tiger reserve’s dedication to humane wildlife management practices.
Brochures on ‘Butterflies of PTR’ and the ‘Soming Narming Cultural Group’ were also released, providing visitors with information on the region’s diverse wildlife and cultural heritage.
