TRAFFIC India and WWF India, in partnership with The Gauhati High Court conducted a two day orientation programme on wildlife conservation for the Judiciary in Mizoram .

The workshop was held at the Administrative Training Institute, Aizawl, Mizoram from 10 – 11 September 2011 and was inaugurated by Dr. Garbyal, IFS, Principal Secretary & PCCF, Environment and Forest, Government of Mizoram. Mr. R Thanga, Registrar, Aizawl Bench  also presided over the inaugural function, which was graced by the presence of 30 other Judges and Judicial Officers of Mizoram Bench.

The programmes principle aim was to sensitize the Judiciary about issues related to wildlife conservation. The Judiciary plays a significant role in championing the cause of forest and biodiversity conservation, and the orientation programme provided a timely update on the status of Forest and Wildlife legislations, International Conventions on related issues and enforcement of wildlife laws in India.

Dr. Garbyal in his inaugural address expressed his appreciation for TRAFFIC India and WWF, for having organized the programme on wildlife conservation. He also expressed his concern about building awareness on environment and wildlife related laws among the Judiciary members in Mizoram. Dr. Garbyal said “Implementation of wildlife laws will depend on the perception of the judicial officers and judges. When environment and wildlife related cases come to court, the understanding of the judges towards such issues is necessary for undertaking the right decisions. Therefore without proper orientation and training towards these laws, the Judiciary will not be able to do justice to our environment”.

Dr. Garbyal also felt that while the Hon. Supreme Court and the High Court are very proactive on conservation issues, the judiciary of North East needs to be enlightened on the various environmental aspects. State like Mizoram having such rich biodiversity demands greater association of its people and specially judiciary towards environmental protection and conservation. He urged the judicial officer to play a catalytic role in wildlife conservation.

Mizoram is connected with air and land routes which provide a lucrative bed for illegal wildlife traders to smuggle their goods. Moreover because of its border sharing with Bangladesh and Burma it is more vulnerable to illicit wildlife trade. This is also a major route for pangolin scales smuggling, live birds, Red Sanders and medicinal plants.
Ms. Moulika Arabhi, Director, Centre for Environmental Law, WWF India providing the background of the programme stated ‘We want to work in co-ordination with the judiciary to protect the rich biodiversity of Mizoram”.

Mr. Khalid Pasha, Coordinator – Research & Training, TRAFFIC India emphasized the emergence of organized trans-national wildlife crime and stressed the need for co-operation, collaboration and awareness to meet this challenge.

The various sessions during the programme will be led by and Mr. Samir Sinha, Head, Traffic India highlighted the issue of illegal wildlife trade in India, Mr. Liankima Lailung, Conservator or Forest, Wildlife & Director, Dampa who spoke about Biodiversity wealth of Mizoram; Dr. Lalnuntluanga, Associate Professor, Mizoram University and EC member Central Young Mizoram Association spoke on Herbal Wealth of Mizoram and legal and technical issues on wildlife enforcement. The Programme was presided by eminent resource persons like Mr. Ritwick Dutta and Mr ADN Rao, Advocates, Supreme Court.  
The experience sharing amongst the participants and resource persons was most valuable. This is the fifth in a series of TRAFFIC India and the Centre for Environmental Law-WWF India training programmes to be conducted for the Judiciary across North Eastern States.