Kohima, Nov 5: Nagaland’s Nature Learning Centre hosted the opening ceremony of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2024 on November 4, kicking off a four-day event promoting citizen science and conservation. The initiative, held annually from November 4 to 7, drew nature enthusiasts, students, educators, and officials.
Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, DFO Wokha Forest Division and DFO Doyang Plantation Division, delivered the keynote address, highlighting TEBC’s significance in environmental awareness and bird-watching. Citing Amur Falcon conservation, he encouraged younger generations to protect all birds.
The ceremony featured video screenings, impactful speeches, and presentations. Key speakers included Sandeep Rajgotra, IFS, Wildlife Warden of Kiphire; Umesh Maurya, Consultant, Pentax Binoculars; Mittal Gala, Project Coordinator, Bird Count India; and Dr. Dolly Kikon, Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz.
TEBC 2024 is organized by Wokha Forest Division, DMU Wokha, and Doyang Plantation Division, in collaboration with Dimapur Wildlife Division, Kiphire Wildlife Division, Northeast Birding Tours, Bird Count India, and eBird India. Other partners include Eco Warriors Nagaland, Foundation for Ecological Security, and Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum.
Nearly 100 participants attended, including members from Photography Club Dimapur, Better Dimapur, Eco Warriors, and students from Beanstalk School, Unity College Dimapur, and Bethel AG School, Deziphe. Tekameren Jamir, Eco Warrior, explained the eBird and Merlin apps, while Umesh Maurya provided hands-on binocular training.
TEBC aims to document Nagaland’s rich birdlife, understand trends in bird population, and promote community-based conservation. The event concludes on November 7, with participants contributing to a dedicated bird counting effort and conservation activity.
The Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2024 is a vital initiative promoting citizen science and conservation in Nagaland, inspiring collective action for environmental protection.
