By engaging local youth, leaders, and communities, the initiative seeks to instill a sense of responsibility for wildlife protection and strengthen the connection between people and their natural surroundings
TFM Desk
In a groundbreaking initiative combining sports and conservation, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Senapati District Olympic Association of Manipur (SDOAM) and the Manipur Forest Department, has launched the first-ever Pangolin Cup 2025. Held from March 17 to 22 at Astro Turf, the football tournament features 16 teams from across the Senapati district, using the power of sports to raise awareness about pangolin conservation and combat illegal wildlife trade.
Supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF) under the Wildlife Conservation Network, the tournament is part of WTI’s Countering Pangolin Trafficking project, which aims to address the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland. By engaging local youth, leaders, and communities, the initiative seeks to instill a sense of responsibility for wildlife protection and strengthen the connection between people and their natural surroundings.
Key Highlights of Pangolin Cup 2025
- Football for Conservation – A novel approach to sensitizing the community about pangolin conservation through sports.
- Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment – Encouraging local youth to champion wildlife conservation.
- Multi-stakeholder Participation – Collaboration between the Senapati Forest Division, SDOAM, WTI, and Naga Civil Societies to reinforce conservation efforts.
- Recognition & Commitment – Promoting local participation and fostering environmental responsibility among the people of Senapati.
Pangolins, the most trafficked mammals globally, face significant threats due to the high demand for their scales and meat. Manipur’s proximity to the Indo-Myanmar border further exacerbates the risk of illegal trade, making the region a crucial focus for conservation efforts. The Pangolin Cup aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring that local communities take pride in protecting their natural heritage and safeguarding pangolins from extinction.
Voices for Conservation
Shri. Shanngam S, IFS, DFO Senapati Division, emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “It is crucial that we instill respect for wildlife in both present and future generations. I urge all civil society organizations to prioritize wildlife conservation as a mandated concern.”
Smt. Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC, Senapati, highlighted the role of civil society in shaping young minds, adding, “If we treat hunting as a sport, the younger generation will follow. The ‘Pangolin Cup’ is a brilliant initiative that unites communities for conservation through football.”
Shri. Ng. Lohro, President of the United Naga Council, reinforced the urgency of protecting pangolins, stating, “This platform highlights the importance of wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation. I urge the communities to support the protection of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin.”
Shri. Panjit Basumatari, Manager CBRC, Arunachal Pradesh, WTI, expressed gratitude to the participating teams and dignitaries, stressing the “urgent need for community-led conservation to protect the critically endangered Chinese pangolin in this region.”
About Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)
Established in 1998, WTI is a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and threatened habitats in partnership with communities and governments. Over 25 years, WTI has saved over 50,000 animal lives, trained and equipped over 20,000 frontline forest staff, assisted in creating seven Protected Areas, and sensitized millions of children on conservation issues.
About the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project
This WTI-led initiative focuses on curbing the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland. By engaging local communities, enforcement agencies, and conservation partners, the project aims to spread awareness on pangolin conservation and promote sustainable alternatives to wildlife exploitation.