The Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) marked World Environment Day (WED) with a meaningful celebration at Zhadima Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima on 5th June 2025. The event was organized in collaboration with the Forest Department, the Field Management Unit (FMU) of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) under Chiephobozou Range, and the Nagaland Association for Adventure Mountaineering and Education (NAAME).
More than 100 participants—including students, teachers, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and local well-wishers—gathered at the school to raise awareness under the global theme “End Plastic Pollution.”
The programme commenced with a collective pledge to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable practices in everyday life. Delivering the keynote address, Savinuo Kikhi, Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Chiephobozou, encouraged students to take personal responsibility in combating plastic pollution and to serve as environmental ambassadors in their communities.
Akho Phira, Team Leader of NAAME and chair of the event, highlighted the global initiatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and spoke about the ongoing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Nagaland Forest Management Project being implemented by the state’s Forest Department.
A major highlight of the celebration was an open extempore speech competition on the theme “End Plastic Pollution,” which saw enthusiastic participation from 18 students. Contestants eloquently spoke on the dangers of plastic waste and proposed diverse solutions, from stronger policy frameworks to grassroots environmental activism.
In his address, Headmaster Kekhriengulie expressed gratitude to the organisers and urged students to take their environmental learning beyond the classroom and into their homes and communities. “We must become responsible stakeholders in protecting our environment,” he said.
Neitho, Technical Executive from NSBB, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the vital connection between biodiversity and environmental health and advocating for sustainable coexistence with nature.
The event concluded with a joint cleanliness and tree plantation drive around the school campus, enthusiastically supported by students, teachers, and SHG members. Certificates and prizes were awarded to all participants and winners of the speech competition, marking a spirited end to a day dedicated to environmental stewardship.
