The Hornbill Run: A Celebration of Conservation in Nagaland
The ecological and cultural significance of the Hornbill bird was brought to the forefront during the recent event, the Hornbill Run: Against Time, held on December 7, 2023. This event was part of the 25th edition of the renowned Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. Organized by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland, in partnership with various organizations, the run aimed to highlight the pressing issues surrounding the Hornbill’s declining population while celebrating its crucial role in local heritage.
The spirited 5.4-kilometer race commenced at the New Police Reserve Junction in Phesama and concluded at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. Dharmendra Prakash IFS, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force in Nagaland, had the honor of flagging off the run. Supongnukshi IFS, the Chief Conservator of Forests (EBR), administered the participant pledge, further engaging the attendees in a collective commitment to conservation efforts.
In a speech delivered during the prize distribution ceremony at the Naga Heritage Village, Dharmendra Prakash expressed his admiration for the diverse turnout, particularly the enthusiasm displayed by the youth. He underscored their role in ensuring that the conservation message resonates with future generations. Prakash reinforced the importance of the Hornbill not just as a bird, but as a vital symbol of Nagaland’s cultural richness and biodiversity. He emphasized that habitat loss and declining populations are issues that require urgent collective action.
Supongnukshi IFS also addressed the participants, drawing attention to the broader ecological implications of the Hornbill’s decline. He pointed out that the loss of species like the Hornbill serves as a clear indicator of ecosystem imbalances. He urged attendees to adopt sustainable resource practices and pay more attention to conservation measures across the region to ensure ecological balance.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation facing five Hornbill species native to Northeast India, Dr. Aparajita Datta, a notable scientist with the Nature Conservation Foundation and Co-Chair (Asia) of the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group, stressed the importance of initiatives like the Hornbill Run in promoting awareness and collaborative conservation efforts. She expressed hope that such events will catalyze broader action toward preserving the Hornbill population and their habitats.
The event saw a significant turnout, with a total of 266 participants from various backgrounds, including NGOs, churches, and government organizations. Participants were honored with awards recognizing their efforts, including medals and cash prizes. Notable winners included Tsuchoi T, who topped the female category with a remarkable time of 25.44 minutes, and Wede T Mero, who led the male category with a time of 19.57 minutes. Special accolades were given to Khughavi Sema, the oldest participant at 54, and 13-year-old Helen, the youngest runner.
The success of the Hornbill Run was not only a reflection of community engagement but also of the collaborative efforts of various organizations such as the Nagaland Forest Management Project, the Tourism Department, and the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group. Smt. Zuthunglo Patton IFS chaired the program, while a prayer for blessing was offered by Rev. Vesotsu Rakho from the Union Baptist Church in Kohima. The collective goal was to foster awareness about conservation and support for the Hornbill’s survival within Nagaland’s rich forests.
The Hornbill Run: Against Time stands as a testament to Nagaland’s commitment to environmental conservation and cultural celebration, reminding all that protecting our natural heritage is a shared responsibility. For further details about conservation efforts and activities in Nagaland, visit Nagaland Forest Department.
