Arunachal Pradesh: Airgun Surrender Initiative Earns Global Recognition at UNESCO Conference

ITANAGAR: In a remarkable achievement for wildlife conservation, the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan in Arunachal Pradesh has garnered international acclaim at UNESCO’s International Conference on Biosphere Reserves in Sabah, Malaysia. Spearheaded by Mama Natung, the Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in Arunachal Pradesh, this initiative stood out as India’s most promising wildlife conservation success story, earning the privilege of presentation at the prestigious global conference.

The honor was received on November 13 by Dr. Damodhar A.T., IFS, Director of Dehang-Debang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. The recognition was bestowed by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmed, the Malaysian Federal Government Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.

The Airgun Surrender Abhiyan is a voluntary program designed to motivate residents of Arunachal Pradesh to surrender their airguns and licensed firearms, contributing to the preservation of the state's diverse biodiversity. Launched officially on March 17, 2021, in Lumdung, East Kameng District, the initiative marked its inception with the surrender of 46 airguns, leading to the declaration of Lumdung as the first airgun-free village in Arunachal Pradesh.

Under Mama Natung's dynamic leadership, the program has gained substantial momentum. Natung actively engages in raising awareness about the critical significance of wildlife conservation, urging individuals to willingly surrender their airguns. The collective efforts have resulted in more than 2,400 airguns and 9 licensed firearms being voluntarily surrendered by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Damodhar A.T. shared, “It was indeed a great honor for me to represent India and my State Arunachal Pradesh on UNESCO’s global forum and receive the honor for Airgun Surrender Abhiyan in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. I was astonished to see the kind of respect shown to India by the Malaysian Govt. Thanks to MoEF&CC, GoI, and UNESCO.”

This recognition at the UNESCO conference not only underscores the success of the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan but also highlights the global significance of collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation. Arunachal Pradesh's innovative approach serves as an inspiring model for regions worldwide, showcasing the positive impact that grassroots initiatives can have on preserving and protecting biodiversity.

The international recognition received at the UNESCO conference is a testament to the effectiveness of the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan in Arunachal Pradesh. This accolade not only celebrates the state's commitment to wildlife conservation but also positions it as a leader in implementing sustainable practices for the benefit of global biodiversity.

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