- The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) will be held in Arunachal Pradesh, promoting the region’s dedication to wildlife conservation, with a specific emphasis on hornbills.
- This event, slated for 18-20 January, 2024, in Seijosa, Pakke Kessang area, brings together various communities to work together to safeguard these unique birds and raise environmental awareness.
- Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival’s theme is “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh”.
- Meaning: This year’s theme, which translates as “Let Our Hornbills Remain” in Nyishi, emphasises the essential need of maintaining these wonderful birds.
- Conservation Advocacy: The PPHF acts as a platform to campaign for the preservation of hornbill populations and their natural habitats.
Emphasis on Wildlife Conservation
- Hornbill Species: The Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh is home to four hornbill species: wreathed, great Indian, oriental pied, and the endangered Rufous-necked hornbill.
- Nyishi Tribal Contribution: The celebration honours the Nyishi, Arunachal Pradesh’s biggest tribal community, for their important involvement in hornbill conservation. They went from hunting hornbills to advocating for their preservation.
- Alternative revenue: PPHF’s goal is to provide alternative sources of revenue for the region and promote awareness of PTR and its environs, so promoting economic growth while protecting the environment.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/india/arunachal-pradesh-s-pakke-paga-hornbill-festival-gears-up-for-its-9th-edition-93924