News & Announcement
Awareness Programme on Human–Wildlife Conflict and Red Panda Conservation Held at Soreng
Soreng, March 7 (IPR): An Awareness Programme on Human–Wildlife Conflict and Red Panda Conservation was organised by the West Wildlife Division under the Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim. The programme was held today at the Rurban Complex, Soreng.
The programme aimed to raise awareness on wildlife conservation and promote coexistence between local communities and wildlife. Officials, resource persons, and participants attended the programme and discussed the growing challenges of human–wildlife interactions in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Wildlife Circle, Mr Udai Gurung reflected on earlier times when farming activities were carried out extensively across rural areas. He observed that the gradual decline in agricultural practices over the years has contributed to increasing incidents of human–wildlife conflict. In the past, the presence of extensive farmlands provided animals with wider areas to forage, thereby reducing the impact on individual households. With the decline of such farmlands, wildlife intrusions have become more concentrated and have a greater impact on local communities. He noted, however, that such conflicts existed in earlier times as well.
Mr Gurung highlighted the ecological importance of wildlife, noting that the behaviour and roles of different species are vital for maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems. Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, he urged communities to actively participate in addressing the challenges of human–wildlife conflict rather than placing the entire responsibility solely on the department, although the Forest and Wildlife authorities extend as much support as possible to mitigate such issues.
He also briefed participants on various laws and initiatives undertaken by the Forest & Environment Department for the protection of both humans and wildlife. He spoke about wildlife habitats and shared several measures adopted to mitigate conflict while ensuring the safety of people, crops, and livestock. He further highlighted the use of modern technologies such as AI-driven early warning systems to monitor wildlife movement and provide timely alerts to communities in vulnerable areas.
Mr Gurung also stressed the significance of conserving the endangered Red Panda and spoke about its ecological importance in the Himalayan ecosystem. He noted that the presence of Red Pandas can greatly contribute to promoting eco-tourism in the district. In this regard, he mentioned the importance of conserving habitats such as the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, which holds one of the highest populations of Red Pandas in the region. Preserving such ecosystems, he added, is crucial not only for the survival of the species but also for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Barsey landscape.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by DFO (Wildlife) Ms Nisha Subba, where she highlighted the growing concern surrounding human–wildlife conflict in the state. She stated that the Forest & Environment Department has undertaken several initiatives and adopted modern technologies to strengthen wildlife monitoring, conservation efforts, and the prevention of human–wildlife conflict across the state. She also briefed the gathering on the objectives of the programme and welcomed the participants.
As part of the programme, a presentation on human–wildlife conflict in Sikkim was delivered by Dr Rakesh Basnett, Graduate Forester, Wildlife Circle under the Forest & Environment Department. During his presentation, he highlighted the ecological significance of the state and discussed key drivers of human–wildlife conflict including habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and human settlements near forest areas. He also elaborated on common forms of conflict such as crop raiding and livestock depredation, and spoke about mitigation measures including solar-powered fencing, predator-proof livestock sheds, community monitoring systems, and compensation mechanisms for affected farmers.
Similarly, a presentation on Red Panda conservation was delivered by the Programme Manager of WWF-India, Mr Atharva Singh. During the session, he highlighted the natural habitat of the Red Panda in the Eastern Himalayan region and explained its ecological significance as an indicator species of healthy forest ecosystems. He also discussed the major threats faced by the species, including habitat degradation and human disturbances. Emphasising the need for collective action, he stressed that effective conservation of the Red Panda and its habitat requires collaborative efforts involving government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities.
The session highlighted the challenges faced by local communities due to human–wildlife interactions and explored strategies to promote peaceful coexistence while ensuring the protection of wildlife.
An open house discussion was also held, providing a platform for participants to interact with officials, share their experiences, and deliberate on effective approaches for wildlife conservation and the mitigation of human–wildlife conflict.
Also present during the programme were Director (Horticulture) Ms Rita Sunar, SDM (HQ) Mr PK Subba, DFO (KNP) Ms Bhumika Rai, BDO (Daramdin) Mr Ongdi Sherpa, along with officers and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, the District Forest Department, and participants from across the district.
The programme aimed to raise awareness on wildlife conservation and promote coexistence between local communities and wildlife. Officials, resource persons, and participants attended the programme and discussed the growing challenges of human–wildlife interactions in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Wildlife Circle, Mr Udai Gurung reflected on earlier times when farming activities were carried out extensively across rural areas. He observed that the gradual decline in agricultural practices over the years has contributed to increasing incidents of human–wildlife conflict. In the past, the presence of extensive farmlands provided animals with wider areas to forage, thereby reducing the impact on individual households. With the decline of such farmlands, wildlife intrusions have become more concentrated and have a greater impact on local communities. He noted, however, that such conflicts existed in earlier times as well.
Mr Gurung highlighted the ecological importance of wildlife, noting that the behaviour and roles of different species are vital for maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems. Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, he urged communities to actively participate in addressing the challenges of human–wildlife conflict rather than placing the entire responsibility solely on the department, although the Forest and Wildlife authorities extend as much support as possible to mitigate such issues.
He also briefed participants on various laws and initiatives undertaken by the Forest & Environment Department for the protection of both humans and wildlife. He spoke about wildlife habitats and shared several measures adopted to mitigate conflict while ensuring the safety of people, crops, and livestock. He further highlighted the use of modern technologies such as AI-driven early warning systems to monitor wildlife movement and provide timely alerts to communities in vulnerable areas.
Mr Gurung also stressed the significance of conserving the endangered Red Panda and spoke about its ecological importance in the Himalayan ecosystem. He noted that the presence of Red Pandas can greatly contribute to promoting eco-tourism in the district. In this regard, he mentioned the importance of conserving habitats such as the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, which holds one of the highest populations of Red Pandas in the region. Preserving such ecosystems, he added, is crucial not only for the survival of the species but also for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Barsey landscape.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by DFO (Wildlife) Ms Nisha Subba, where she highlighted the growing concern surrounding human–wildlife conflict in the state. She stated that the Forest & Environment Department has undertaken several initiatives and adopted modern technologies to strengthen wildlife monitoring, conservation efforts, and the prevention of human–wildlife conflict across the state. She also briefed the gathering on the objectives of the programme and welcomed the participants.
As part of the programme, a presentation on human–wildlife conflict in Sikkim was delivered by Dr Rakesh Basnett, Graduate Forester, Wildlife Circle under the Forest & Environment Department. During his presentation, he highlighted the ecological significance of the state and discussed key drivers of human–wildlife conflict including habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and human settlements near forest areas. He also elaborated on common forms of conflict such as crop raiding and livestock depredation, and spoke about mitigation measures including solar-powered fencing, predator-proof livestock sheds, community monitoring systems, and compensation mechanisms for affected farmers.
Similarly, a presentation on Red Panda conservation was delivered by the Programme Manager of WWF-India, Mr Atharva Singh. During the session, he highlighted the natural habitat of the Red Panda in the Eastern Himalayan region and explained its ecological significance as an indicator species of healthy forest ecosystems. He also discussed the major threats faced by the species, including habitat degradation and human disturbances. Emphasising the need for collective action, he stressed that effective conservation of the Red Panda and its habitat requires collaborative efforts involving government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities.
The session highlighted the challenges faced by local communities due to human–wildlife interactions and explored strategies to promote peaceful coexistence while ensuring the protection of wildlife.
An open house discussion was also held, providing a platform for participants to interact with officials, share their experiences, and deliberate on effective approaches for wildlife conservation and the mitigation of human–wildlife conflict.
Also present during the programme were Director (Horticulture) Ms Rita Sunar, SDM (HQ) Mr PK Subba, DFO (KNP) Ms Bhumika Rai, BDO (Daramdin) Mr Ongdi Sherpa, along with officers and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, the District Forest Department, and participants from across the district.
