During his speech, Sentilong Ozukum commended the Lemsachenlok Society, Longleng for hosting such an event in the district and educating the people.

  Ozukum stated that man cannot survive without nature, emphasizing the fact that the oxygen we breathe is derived from the oceans via planktons, forests, and plants.

  Tribal ecology centers on the forest, he observed, adding that nature and society complement each other via ecological balance; unfortunately, people have broken the ecological equilibrium in the modern period. He also stated that human selfishness has disturbed and destroyed nature’s natural equilibrium, resulting in pollution of all kinds.

  On the topic of ‘Dim the lights for birds at night’, he stated that light pollution at night causes birds to lose sight of their flyways/routes, and that migratory birds often fly at night, wherein manmade light pollution distorts their vision.

  Citing the quote, “The illiterates of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he stated that humans must change their mindset in order to save migratory birds. “Nagas are known for our hospitality towards guests, so we must treat migratory birds with the same level of respect and honour that we treat our guests,” he said. The SDO concluded by challenging the audience to not only talk but show the talk.

Dr. Taej Mundkur, Good Earth Environmental Amhem, who joined the program virtually from the Netherlands, spoke on the depiction of the theme, stating that Nagaland is located along the Central Asian Flyway and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, in addition to the path of various migratory birds including the Amur Falcon and Cuckoo. He went on to explain the ecological benefits of migratory birds, stating that they aid in controlling aquatic vegetation, maintaining plant diversity, plant propagule dispersal, maintaining fish diversity, consumption of insects and pests, nutrient recycling, scavengers controlling waste, pollination, seed transport, and feathers for down-jackets. He also stated that birds have played an important role in cultures around the world, which can be found through their art, dance and cultures.

  Dr. Lima, Associate Director, Lemsachenlok, stated during a brief exhortation that Nagaland falls under the Indo-Burma belt, which has an abundance of flora and fauna, the majority of which are unknown to the outside world, and thus Nagaland can promote Responsible Nature-based Tourism through the initiatives and support from the Government.

  Earlier, Dr. I Wati Imchen, Principal FAC, delivered the welcome address and Aosanen, VCC Chuchuyimlang, Temsumoa, VCC Chuchuyimpang and Lekok, VCC Yaongyimchen presented brief exhortations on the communities’ role towards giving safe passage to migratory species.

  During the collaborative technical sessions, Dr. Suresh, Sr. Scientist WII spoke on restoring landscape for migratory birds; Neema Pathak Broome, Kalpavriksh- coordinator, ICCA Consortium, South Asia spoke on Towards Collaborative Vision; Vedpal Singh IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, GoN spoke on the significance of collaboration towards creating corridor for migratory birds, Mane Phom spoke on legal measures towards Wildlife Act; AKM & PSC Presidents spoke on the role of students towards conducive environment and Y.Nuklu Phom, Team Leader Lemsachenlok spoke on redeeming Eden while S. Arenla Longkumer, President Watsü Mungdang gave a solidarity message and P. Temsu, FAC briefed on the way forward.