manipur rainforest
Image: Northeast Now

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) has officially recognized Manipur based Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT) as World Environment Day hero!

UN Environment is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environment dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

In a congratulatory certificate, the UN Environment thanked RCT from Manipur, India for the participation in the World Environment Day efforts and joining  in the ‘fight to Beat Air Pollution.’

RCT, a Tamenglong based non-profit organisation is formed by a group of volunteers who actively thrive for a better Tamenglong by engaging themselves in various social activities and campaigns relating to conservation of environment and wildlife in the district.

The RCT started its momentum since 2001 and was registered in 2014,”says a functionary of the club. “We the Rainforest Club Tamenglong have been doing conservational work for the past few years in an around Tamenglong Town and Villages. With the help of some experts from different fields, we do animals rescue and gives some tips how to/what to do in times of animals rescue or if animal injured other beings.

RCT conduct campaign regarding alternative means of livelihood and sustainability in some few villages of Tamenglong District.

Every year RCT organized Amur falcon festival since November 25, 2015 to spread across the state of Manipur the need to protect Amur falcon (Falco Amurensis) and it’s roosting and feeding habitat in Tamenglong District in collaboration with Forest Department, Manipur.

Last year two Amur falcons were tagged with satellite radio transmitters for migratory research study in Tamenglong District. It is also actively engaged in mass cleanliness and tree plantation during World Environment Day since 2010.

The global body must have given the recognition considering the remarkable environmental activities of the RCT, feels a forest official in Manipur.

Sobhapati Samom is Northeast Now Correspondent in Imphal. He can be reached at: [email protected]