Spending a day in close proximity with nature plays a pivotal role in reconnecting young people with the environment while bridging inter-generational gaps through interactions with elder community knowledge holders.
A Biodiversity Walk by NEN Nagaland was conducted on 28th January 2022 in Thelupra forest at Tsupfume village under Phek district, Nagaland. 17 youth participated under the guidance of Zhonyi Rhi, a community knowledge holder. The activity consisted of orienting the participants about the walk, assigning tasks and responsibilities viz. Documentation, collection of samples, resource mapping, identification of biodiversity hotspots, & compilation and presentation of their findings. Through the walk, the youth collected close to 40 types of different uncultivated foods, fruits, medicinal herbal plants and natural fibres.
Biodiversity Walk is an important exercise to create awareness of one’s environment, resources, learn about the cultural and spiritual significance alongwith traditional conservation practices. The activity helps young people to understand the hazards of climate change, recognise the relationship between nature and humans, and instill the consciousness to protect the environment.
