Ukhrul, October 4: The 71st Wildlife Week in Ukhrul District unfolded a vibrant three-day nature camp at Paorei, Shirui from October 3rd to 5th, 2025. Jointly organized by the Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL) and Ukhrul Forest Division, in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Pettigrew College Eco Club, the event thrived under the theme “Human-Animal Co-existence.”
With nearly 50 students, teachers, and nature enthusiasts in attendance, the camp fostered deep connection with the wild, hands-on conservation skills, and empowered local youth to become environmental champions. Experience set amidst the tranquil sounds of birds and the rushing River, the camp’s central mission was to nurture understanding and responsibility toward nature.
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Activities focused on building awareness of local biodiversity and ecological importance, giving participants practical field experience in bird watching, species monitoring, and sustainable living practices.
We are organizing this Nature Camp with the clear goal of fostering a deep connection between humans and the natural world. Through engaging, hands-on activities such as bird watching, night trails, camera trapping, species counting, and other practical exercises, students will have the opportunity to actively participate and learn in the field. This immersive experience is designed not only to build practical skills but also to broaden awareness and understanding of wildlife conservation, inspiring a commitment to preserving our natural heritage for the future,” said Yoyung Shaiza, ENFOGAL.
On the opening day, District Forest Officer Laishram Gitla flagged off the camp, urging the campers to see conservation as a shared societal responsibility. “Conservation is not just a duty. It must become an integral part of our way of life,” she remarked, highlighting the need for youth leadership in protecting Manipur’s forests and wildlife. Range Forest Officer Chermishan ASP further encouraged participants to weave conservation ethics into their everyday lives, calling the camp a stepping-stone for future environmental stewardship. The Range Forest Officer of Chingai, N. Bikram, underlined the importance of teamwork, community engagement, and respect for local customs as keys to successful conservation, alongside a practical session on camp hygiene.
The camp structured each day around experiential learning. The first afternoon featured hands-on training in Camera Traps Installation for non-invasive wildlife monitoring and site exploration with active mapping exercises. A crucial workshop on Waste Management was followed by a special lecture from Dr. Christian Erni, a noted advocate for Indigenous Peoples. Dr. Erni inspired attendees to become “guardians of ancestral land,” emphasizing love, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward all living beings. Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Asish Das, IAS, lent further support with an evening visit, urging youth to cherish and safeguard nature, while warning of the dire impacts of deforestation and climate change.
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Day two highlight district level quiz participated by six schools where questions mainly focused on the biodiversity of Manipur, named of wildlife found in Ukhrul district, audio quiz to identify wildlife sounds and more were quizzed. Dead-heat competition between KTL School and Savio School represented by Worsophy Sharon, Thotreishang Horam and Songaror Chiphang secured the 1st position, with Ukhrul hr. Sec. School represented by Nganingkhui Zimik and Tamkhui Zimik securing 2nd and Alice Christian Hr. Sec School represented by Khanyaopem Kaping and Lanya Gachui securing 3rd. The lively quiz contest expanded ecological awareness across the participants. The day’s events included a District Level Awareness Programme that brought together village leaders, youth from Greenland Youth Society and Shirui Youth Club, and frontline forest staff for a rich exchange on local environmental issues and collaborative solutions.
Participants enjoyed trust-building games, storytelling, a wildlife documentary on pangolin conservation, and a spirited bonfire and musical night, fostering a sense of unity and responsibility for Ukhrul’s rich natural heritage. To further spread the message of conservation, the Divisional Forest Officer announced a Reel Making Competition on the theme “Conservation of Wildlife.” Young participants are now preparing short videos to raise awareness and inspire collective action, with the best works slated for broad social media circulation.
The final day will focus on in-depth biodiversity assessment using scientific methods like Transact and Quadrat Sampling, offering participants an introduction to field biology and ecosystem analysis. Guided birdwatching, trail walks, expert lectures by Sonim Kasar from WTI, and creative sessions such as slogan writing and group discussions allowed participants to synthesize their learning and commit to action.
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Participants expressed profound transformation. “We never really took wildlife very seriously, but after this camp, we are aware that life with nature is inseparable. The program enhanced our appreciation for local species and their indigenous names,” said Somiyar Zingkhai, a first-year Zoology student at Pettigrew College.
The 71st Wildlife Week celebration in Ukhrul will stands as a beacon of collaborative environmental action. By connecting young minds to local ecosystems and promoting conservation as a communal duty, the event will not only honour the district’s natural riches but cultivated a generation dedicated to safeguarding Manipur’s precious biodiversity for years to come.