Ukhrul, October 14, 2026: Environmental Force at Grass Root Level (ENFOGAL), a grassroots environmental organisation based in Ukhrul, has received the State-Level Wildlife Protection Incentive Award 2026 in recognition of its sustained efforts towards wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur.
The award was presented during the grand finale of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration 2026, organised by the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, on Wednesday. The event was held under the theme “Connecting Habitat, Thriving Wildlife.” The Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, attended as the Chief Guest, while the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Losii Dikho, who holds the portfolios of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), presided over the function. Shri Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), was also present.
For nearly a decade, ENFOGAL has been working at the grassroots level to protect the region’s rich biodiversity through community-led conservation, wildlife monitoring, habitat protection and environmental awareness. The organisation works closely with village authorities, youth groups, local communities Ukhrul Forst Department and conservation partners to strengthen local participation in wildlife protection and promote the long-term conservation of the region’s natural heritage.
A key focus of ENFOGAL’s work is the conservation of Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), locally known as Nongin, the state bird of Manipur. Through community engagement, camera-trap monitoring, biodiversity documentation and conservation awareness, the organisation is working to protect the species and its forest habitat. By engaging village institutions and local communities, ENFOGAL seeks to strengthen community stewardship and encourage collective action to address threats to wildlife.
ENFOGAL is also actively engaged in community-led conservation of the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Manipur, with support from GreenHub × Royal Enfield through its conservation grant initiative. The project focuses on mobilising local communities, strengthening grassroots conservation leadership, raising awareness about pangolins and their ecological importance, and building community capacity to protect the species from hunting and illegal wildlife trafficking. By placing local communities at the centre of conservation efforts, the initiative seeks to foster long-term community ownership and safeguard pangolins and their habitats.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is another important conservation partner, supporting ENFOGAL’s work on Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and other wildlife conservation initiatives. This partnership contributes to strengthening grassroots conservation, wildlife monitoring, community engagement and biodiversity protection across the region. Together, these partnerships demonstrate the importance of collaboration between local organisations, conservation institutions, funding partners and communities in achieving meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes.
Beyond its work on Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and pangolins, ENFOGAL has undertaken camera-trap monitoring and biodiversity documentation that have contributed to recording several important wildlife species, including Blyth’s Tragopan and other birds and mammals inhabiting the forests of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. These efforts help improve understanding of local biodiversity and reinforce the importance of protecting ecologically significant habitats.
ENFOGAL’s conservation approach recognises the importance of customary institutions, traditional ecological knowledge and community participation in protecting forests and wildlife. By working with village authorities, youth volunteers, local guides and community conservation groups, the organisation aims to establish lasting conservation practices rooted in local leadership and collective responsibility.
The award marks an important milestone in ENFOGAL’s conservation journey and recognises the dedication of its members, field teams and community stakeholders. It also highlights the value of partnerships between grassroots organisations, conservation institutions and local communities in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes.
As ENFOGAL moves forward, it remains committed to strengthening community-led conservation, protecting threatened species and their habitats, and expanding grassroots participation in biodiversity protection across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. The recognition serves as encouragement to continue its efforts to safeguard Manipur’s unique wildlife and natural heritage for future generations.
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