Guwahati: Wildlife conservationists emphasised the crucial role of the media in raising awareness about wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade during a presentation organised by biodiversity conservation organization Aaranyak.
The media fraternity was urged to focus more on highlighting issues related to wildlife conservation and the growing illegal wildlife trade globally to elevate public awareness about the need to combat wildlife crime and to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to address this pressing issue threatening biodiversity.
Aaranyak’s resource team emphasised the significant contribution that the media can make in preventing wildlife crime and preserving biodiversity, which is vital for the planet’s survival.
They highlighted the importance of journalists being well-informed about protected wildlife species listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022. This knowledge equips journalists to effectively report on wildlife crimes and contribute to their prevention.
Dr Jimmy Borah and Ivy Farheen Hussain from Aaranyak stressed the importance of accurate reporting, including details such as the species involved, the location of the crime, and the perpetrators. Accurate reporting plays a crucial role in raising awareness and aiding in the prevention and prosecution of wildlife crimes.
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The presentation underscored the alarming scale of illegal wildlife trade globally, urging media and enforcement agencies to give it the same level of attention as other serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.
The call to action comes amidst a gathering of prominent journalists from across the country attending the National Executive Committee Meeting of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) in Burha Mayong, Morigaon district, Assam, organised by the Journalists Union of Assam (JUA).
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