Aaranyak, WCCB hold session on wildlife crimes

GUWAHATI: A one-day long sensitization programme on prevention of wildlife crimes and the role of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members was conducted on Friday by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) at North Gongia, Kokrajhar, BTR in collaboration with Aaranyak, Raimona Sona Bhandar Ecotourism Development (RSBED) NGO and Raimona Forest Department.

The programme was held as part of the continuous endeavour of the Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD) of biodiversity conservation and research organisation, Aaranyak ( www.aaranyak.org) to raise awareness about the steeping global wildlife crime graph that has also impacted Assam and Northeast India.

The programme started with the opening speech of Mohendra Basumatary, Secretary of RSBED. Jawaharlal Boro, Assistant Director WCCB provided an overview of WCCB and wildlife crime in general.

Dr. Jimmy Borah, senior manager, LAD spoke about the global threats posed due to wildlife crime, with examples. Ivy Farheen Hussain, project officer of Tiger Research and Conservation Division (TRCD) of Aaranyak gave an explanation on the types of wildlife crime currently taking place in the landscape. The participants inquired about conflicts, livelihood options and ways to benefit from a national park as a tourism site.

Hiten Bora, Intelligence Assistant, WCCB asked all members to proactively work for the conservation of wildlife. The programme was also attended by Range Officer Subhash Ch. Mushairy who was accompanied by members of the Anchalik unit of All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), village heads and other community members. Over 50 persons attended the meeting. The local NGO group requested Aaranyak to provide and facilitate training and workshops for the local community. A special request was made to support people who are genuinely dependent on firewood collected from forests for their livelihood, as well as to help manage the problem of conflict, stated a press release.

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