JONAI: In a first-ever inter-state NGO-level coordination meeting, representatives from various NGOs in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam convened to address the urgent need for awareness programmes aimed at preventing wildlife crimes near the D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh) and the Pabo Reserve Forest (Assam).
The meeting, held in Jonai, saw 22 dedicated individuals from non-government organisations, including Aaranyak, Save Pabo Rainforest (SPRF), Jonai, and the Community Surveillance and Monitoring Team (CSMT), Pasighat, participate in the event.
Participants unanimously agreed that educating local communities is crucial for preventing wildlife crimes such as poaching and illegal trade.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations by Aaranyak officials Dr. Jimmy Borah and Ivy Farheen Hussain, SPRF’s secretary Royal Pegu and president Rajib Pegu, and CSMT lead Maksam Tayeng and his team.
The meeting resolved to launch two awareness campaigns—one on the Assam side and the other on the Arunachal side of the inter-state boundary.
These campaigns aim to inform and engage local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation and the detrimental impacts of illegal activities on the ecosystem.
Additionally, a comprehensive social survey will be conducted to assess the economic status of communities living near these critical wildlife habitats.
Insights from this survey will aid in developing alternative livelihood programmes, thereby reducing reliance on activities that harm wildlife.
A key outcome of the meeting was the proposed collaboration between CSMT and the Village Defence Parties (VDP).
This partnership aims to enhance monitoring and control measures to curb illegal wildlife trade in the region.
The meeting marks a significant step forward towards coordinated efforts to protect the rich biodiversity of the Arunachal-Assam border region.
The collective resolve and strategic planning exhibited by the participants underscore a shared commitment to safeguarding wildlife for future generations.
