Special Correspondent
Ukhrul October 6:
In a remarkable celebration of the 71st Wildlife Week, the Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL) organized its 8th Nature Camp from October 3 to 5, 2025, in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) Ukhrul, Pettigrew College Eco Club, and the Wildlife Trust of India. The event, held at Paorei–Shirui area under the theme “Human–Animal Coexistence,” brought together students, educators, forest officials, and youth organizations in a collective call for environmental stewardship.
A total of 37 campers representing Pettigrew College Eco Club, Savio Higher Secondary School, Alice Christian Higher Secondary School, and Little Angels’ School participated in the three-day camp. The program received strong support from the DFO Ukhrul and her dedicated team, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, and the President of Tangkhul Shinao Long, all of whom encouraged the young participants to become guardians of the natural world.
The Nature Camp was enriched by the active involvement of the Shirui Youth Club, Greenland Youth Society, local teachers, and media personnel from Ukhrul.
The primary objective of the camp was to nurture a sense of environmental responsibility and foster a deeper connection between humans and nature through holistic, hands-on learning experiences. The program emphasized understanding nature’s delicate balance and the importance of peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in the face of increasing ecological challenges.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in a series of interactive and educational activities designed to awaken their curiosity and commitment toward the environment. These included species study and identification, night trail exploration, bird watching, camera trapping sessions, and a workshop on waste management. Expert lectures, group discussions, and storytelling sessions added depth to their learning, helping the youth grasp complex ecological concepts in simple, relatable ways.
Forest experts and educators highlighted the significance of biodiversity, the threats faced by wildlife due to habitat loss and climate change, and the need for community-led conservation efforts. The DFO team demonstrated field techniques in species tracking and the use of camera traps, which fascinated the campers and gave them a glimpse into real-world wildlife research.