Noney, Manipur, October 15, 2025: Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Noney Forest Division, conducted a sensitisation programme on wildlife conservation with focus on Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) at Noney, Manipur. Supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF), the event was aimed at raising awareness among CSOs leaders, Church leaders, Village leaders, Youth clubs, students and local institutions about the urgent need to protect wildlife—particularly the critically endangered pangolin species—through community-led conservation.

Participants during the sensitisation program on wildlife conservation in Noney, Manipur | Photograph by Manipur FD

The programme witnessed the participation of 45 students from Tazei High School, along with around 30 village elders, leaders from the local church, student unions, women’s organisations, and Forest Department.

Speaking at the event, D. John Sha, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Noney Forest Division, underscored the spiritual responsibility humans hold towards nature. Citing the Bible, he remarked, “God has given humans the responsibility to take care of nature and His creatures; we must protect it, not destroy it for short-term gain.” He urged the audience to approach conservation not only as a legal or ecological duty but also as a moral and spiritual calling.

Monesh Singh Tomar, Assistant Manager, Wildlife Trust of India, served as the resource person highlighted the alarming state of wildlife in the region. He urged the village elders and civil society organisations (CSOs) to understand the crisis and create local laws to preserve their biodiversity and wildlife before it’s too late. He further explained the ecological importance of pangolins in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and appealed to the community to take proactive steps to protect the species from hunting and illegal trade.

Mass-sensitisation event in Noney, Manipur | Photograph by Manipur FD

As part of the session, a short film on pangolin conservation was also screened to help participants understand the significance of the species and the threats it faces. The session also introduced successful community conservation models from other regions, inspiring local leaders to adapt similar approaches for sustainable conservation in their own villages.

Additionally, informative materials on Chinese pangolins were distributed among all participants, to offer detailed insights into the species’ biology, ecological role, and conservation needs.

The programme concluded with a collective pledge from the participants to uphold conservation values and work together to ensure a safer environment for wildlife in the Noney region.

Know more about the the project here.