Biodiversity-rich Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEMWS) in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, harbors significant eco-tourism potential that could enhance the livelihoods of local communities, contingent on their support for ongoing conservation efforts directed by the forest department. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kempi Ete emphasized this point during a recent community awareness program aimed at combating wildlife crimes within the sanctuary, organized by the Community Surveillance and Monitoring Team (CSMT) and supported by the biodiversity conservation organization, Aaranyak. Ete encouraged community members to take photographs of the wildlife and share them on social media to draw attention from wildlife enthusiasts, thereby promoting eco-tourism in surrounding villages.
The DFO highlighted the crucial need for community involvement to protect wildlife effectively, given that the sanctuary is primarily staffed by a small number (40-50) of forest personnel, which is insufficient for complete security. She urged vigilance against hunting, especially of bird species, and unregulated fishing, warning that all wildlife species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, as amended in 2022. Violations could lead to severe penalties and adversely affect the employment prospects of local youth if they become involved in wildlife crimes.
Tatem Jamoh, the president of the CSMT unit in Anchalghat, stressed the importance of such awareness programs to cultivate ongoing community cooperation for wildlife protection. His sentiments were echoed by Maksam Tayeng, the Honorary Wildlife Warden of East Siang District and CSMT chairman, who noted that enhanced protection measures would also lead to job creation for locals. The program featured contributions from various local leaders, including Zila Parishad Member Annu Paboh Komut and Range Officer Nalo Tasing, all reinforcing the commitment to wildlife conservation in D’Ering Sanctuary.
