- Jenny Thingshung
EKHON | JESSAMI: Around 60 students took part in the conservation efforts organized by Environmental Force at Grass Root Level (ENFOGAL) to raise awareness about the conservation of Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant on September 21st, 2024, at Jessami village, Ukhrul, Manipur. The follow-up conservation program focused on community empowerment, habitat preservation, and population monitoring to safeguard the endangered Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant at Jessami’s Mrs Hume’s Pheasant Community Reserve, the only known Reserve in the world where Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant or Nongin can roost and breed in the care and protection of the village community.
Patrick Shangh, the project director of ENFOGAL emphasized the critical role birds play in ecosystems, cultural heritage, ecotourism, and career opportunities. His address inspired many attendees to view wildlife conservation as a path for both environmental stewardship and personal growth.
The initiative was built on previous success in collaboration with the Jessami Village Authority earlier on 1st June 2024, where neighboring villages committed to monitor and combat illegal hunting. The follow-up event extended the momentum, particularly among the younger generation to ensure the species’ long-term sustainability and promote the region’s biodiversity.
According to ENFOGAL, the primary objective of the follow up program was involving local students from Jessami and neighboring areas in conservation efforts, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting this valuable species. The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 60 students, 10 school staff, and 8 Jessami Student Union Village. Three schools including, Gems School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), and Jessami Higher Secondary School were represented, with their principals and teachers joining the initiative.
Meanwhile, Dr. Weyepe N. Mekrisuh, a geologist and native of Jessami, who was instrumental in initiating conservation effort of Mrs Hume’s Pheasant in Jessami, played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing the program. He leveraged his local expertise and geological knowledge by educating the participants on the conservation efforts and an insight on sustainability practiced by their ancestors and the need to be strengthened at grassroots level.
During the event, participants engaged in three key activities including Birdwatching, Biodiversity Assessment and Cleanup Drive. Participants used binoculars and the BirdNet App to identify approximately ten bird species, deepening their understanding of local avian biodiversity. As part of Biodiversity Assessment, students conducted an assessment using the PlantNet App to identify various plant species. The assessment confirmed the reserve as one of the most diverse botanical sites in the area, reinforcing its importance for conservation efforts and finally, the participants collectively cleaned up the reserve area, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for the continued survival of the species.
The activities kept the students engaged and instilled a long-term commitment to conservation. By actively participating, students became integral to conservation efforts and learned to share the message with their families, friends, and classmates. This event marked a pivotal moment in local wildlife protection efforts, informed ENFOGAL.
The event concluded with a cleanup of the reserve site, symbolizing a unified effort towards sustaining a healthy habitat for Mrs. Hume’s pheasant. As per the assessment of the team, sightings of juvenile birds reported by travelers, forest guards, and local villagers indicated a gradual increase in the population of Mrs. Hume’s pheasant in the area. Interviews confirmed that the heightened awareness and commitment of the local communities are beginning to show positive results.
However, illegal hunting and other human-induced threats persist, making more community engagement essential to ensure the long-term survival of Mrs. Hume’s pheasant. Enfogal remains committed to expanding its resources, knowledge, and reach to drive grassroots changes in both attitudes and actions toward wildlife conservation.
This successful event reaffirms Enfogal’s dedication to working alongside local communities to protect endangered species and create lasting impacts at the grassroots level.
The participation of different stakeholders made the program a success and ENFOGAL expressed gratitude to all participants, the Jessami Village Authority, and the executive members of Jessami Students’ Union for their invaluable support. It also acknowledged the significant role Dr. Weyepe N. Mekrishu’s played for the success of the event.
