ECO WARRIORS NAGALAND

 

In a landmark decision for wildlife protection, the Pujenvong Council of Kiphire District, Nagaland has enacted a complete and immediate ban on the hunting, consumption, and trade of pangolins within its jurisdiction.  This bold move underscores the strength of community governance in safeguarding endangered species and marks a significant moment for conservation efforts in the region.

Background & Scope of the Ban

The Pujenvong Council is composed of four village councils: Pungro, Jenty, Old Vongti, and New Vongti.  Together, these villages have enforced the ban under customary and community-based authority, reflecting a unified stand against illegal wildlife trade. 

Nagaland’s Kiphire district lies close to the Indo–Myanmar border and encompasses ecologically rich terrain, including proximity to the Saramati mountain range and diversity that supports species like the Chinese pangolin. Due to its strategic location, the area has seen pressures from poaching and trafficking routes. 

Why the Ban Matters

• Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally. Their scales and meat are highly sought in illegal markets, often under false medicinal claims. 

• The species are cryptic, slow-breeding, and already under severe threat—local protections like this ban can tip the balance in their favor.

• Local enforcement is often more responsive and culturally resonant than distant legal frameworks. The community-led nature of this ban strengthens ownership, social accountability, and deterrence of poaching.

Eco Warriors Nagaland: Recognised and Ready to Support

The Pujenvong Council explicitly acknowledged Eco Warriors Nagaland and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for their prior conservation initiatives that helped shift attitudes and create fertile ground for this decision.  This public recognition underscores how sustained engagement, awareness-raising, and collaboration do bear fruit.

As Eco Warriors, we now stand at a pivotal juncture. This ban is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a call to action. We have several opportunities to reinforce, expand, and replicate this success:

1. Amplify the narrative
   Use the Pujenvong decision as a flagship success story. Showcase it on our website, social media, newsletters, and partner communications. Let people see that community-driven conservation is real and effective.

2. Support enforcement & monitoring
   Partner with village councils, forest departments, and local youth groups to help with monitoring, reporting, and coordinating patrols. Our technical and on-ground resources can strengthen the ban’s implementation.

3. Engage with adjacent communities
   Use this momentum to reach out to neighboring districts and village councils. Present Pujenvong as a model and offer capacity-building so others can follow suit.

4. Education and awareness campaigns
   Expand community education (especially among youth, schools, and village leaders) about pangolin ecology, the perils of illegal trade, and the legal ban itself — reinforcing how each person can be a guardian.

5. Alternatives & incentives
   Help community members find sustainable livelihoods so that reliance on wildlife hunting is reduced. Promote eco-tourism, forest-friendly livelihoods, and incentive schemes (e.g. recognition awards for “wildlife guardians”).

6. Periodic reviews and policy reinforcement
   Advocate for periodic reviews of the ban, adapt enforcement strategies, and encourage formal recognition by higher levels (district, state) to back community actions with stronger legal frameworks.

Call to Action

• To communities & councils: Take inspiration from Pujenvong — a group of villages can collectively protect their forests and species, and garner recognition for it.

• To individuals and youth: Join in as watch groups, citizen scientists, or educators. Your voice and vigilance count.

• To partners and funders: Support the scaling up of this model across Nagaland. Financial, technical, or material backing can help replicate the success beyond Kiphire.