Zero tolerance towards wildlife trade in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Forest Department has adopted ‘Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade’ as its theme for this year’s World Environment Day, which falls on June 5. The Department will focus on illegal wildlife trade for the whole year. The state-level launch of the programme will be held in Punalur, forest minister K Raju’s constituency.

“We normally think of wildlife as encompassing only the animal world. However, the term includes the plant world too. There are several species of the wild, both plants and animals that are under threat due to illegal removals,” said head of forest force Brandson Corrie. He said that the success of providing full protection to wildlife rested on full citizen participation. “Unless every citizen extends full support in ways both great and small, halting wildlife trade will remain a great challenge,” the HOFF said. He said that citizens could contribute in four ways.

One, understand the challenges and spread awareness about the challenges faced. Two, provide authorities timely vital information about any detail regarding the illegal wildlife trade. (For this the public can call: 1800-423-4733). Three, avoid products sourced from the illegal wildlife trade.

Four, become what Mr Corrie terms a “Five Star citizen” by undertaking actions in each of the five areas that impact our local environment: plant trees, recycle waste (composting of bio waste), undertake water harvesting (harvest rain water), have a source of alternative energy (solar energy), participate in community environment care activities.

“The department will work with institutions to encourage responsible citizenship. Community environment care programmes will be conducted involving resident associations, neighbourhood groups, clubs such that at least one member from each household participates in environment care activities in the locality,” Mr Corrie said.