On the occasion of Migratory Bird Day 2024, ALLAFUM stressed that a decline in insect populations could disrupt ecosystems by altering vegetation, reducing habitat for ground-breeding species, and diminishing the supply of insect-pollinated fruits for frugivorous birds.
TFM Desk
In a meeting organized by the All Loktak Lake Areas Fishers Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) and the Champu Khangpok Floating Village Welfare Committee, the fishers of Loktak Lake marked World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (October 12) with a strong focus on the conservation of insects and the protection of birds. The event emphasized this year’s theme, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” highlighting the critical role insects play in the lifecycle of migratory birds and the alarming decline in insect populations globally.
The fishers noted that insects are not only essential to the survival of migratory birds but also support other species like bats and fish, contributing significantly to ecosystem functions. A decline in insect populations could disrupt ecosystems by altering vegetation, reducing habitat for ground-breeding species, and diminishing the supply of insect-pollinated fruits for frugivorous birds. The meeting underscored the need for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of species and the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services essential to both wildlife and humans.
The attendees discussed ways to document and understand local and migratory bird species and the insects they depend on, stressing that without proper documentation, it would be difficult to track changes in biodiversity. As part of their recommendations, the fishers decided to urge the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to conduct a thorough study and set up a dedicated biodiversity monitoring unit at Loktak Lake to ensure the rich biodiversity is preserved.
The meeting also expressed gratitude to the Manipur High Court for its ruling (PIL 24 of 2017), calling for an overhaul of the LDA and ensuring that experts are placed in charge of managing Loktak’s biodiversity.
In addition to these efforts, ALLAFUM and the Champu Khangpok Village have renewed their commitment to prohibiting night fishing with lights in the Champu Khangpok area from December 30 to March 30, a measure aimed at preventing disturbances to migratory birds during their stay at Loktak.
Oinam Rajen of ALLAFUM and Heishnam Arun of Champu Khangpok expressed their hope that these steps would contribute to the protection of both local and migratory bird populations at Loktak Lake.