Sangatam Resolution to Protect Pangolins

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The apex body of the Sangtam community in Nagaland has adopted a resolution (Sangatam Resolution) to protect pangolins within its traditional jurisdiction, marking a major step in curbing wildlife trafficking along the India–Myanmar border. The initiative covers parts of Kiphire district and Tuensang district, regions close to Myanmar that are known transit routes for illegal wildlife trade.

Why in News?

Nagaland’s Sangtam community adopted a formal resolution to protect pangolins. (Sangatam Resolution)
The move targets wildlife trafficking along the India–Myanmar border.
It is part of a broader anti-smuggling initiative supported by conservation groups.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals globally.

Pangolins and the Wildlife Trafficking Crisis

Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked wild mammals, hunted mainly for:

Scales (used in traditional medicine)
Meat (considered a delicacy in illegal markets)

Scale of the Problem

The India–Myanmar border (1,643 km long) is a major smuggling corridor.
Pangolins from Northeast India are trafficked to international markets.
Weak enforcement and difficult terrain aid illegal networks.

All pangolin species are protected under international and Indian wildlife laws, yet illegal trade continues.

Sangatam Resolution: Community-Led Conservation Initiative

The resolution was passed by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, the apex organisation of the Sangtam tribe.

Key Features of the Resolution

Ban on hunting and trading pangolins
Community monitoring of forest areas
Cooperation with enforcement agencies
Awareness programmes at village level

Conservationists have described the move as a milestone in grassroots wildlife protection.

Sangatam Resolution: Role of Conservation Organisations

The initiative is linked to the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

It is supported by:

Wildlife Conservation Network
Pangolin Crisis Fund

These organisations focus on:

Community engagement
Capacity building
Enforcement coordination
Intelligence sharing

WTI began anti-trafficking efforts in Manipur in 2023 and later expanded to Nagaland’s border districts.

Critical Biodiversity Landscape

The Sangtam-inhabited region forms part of the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world’s richest ecological zones.

Ecological Characteristics

Dense tropical and subtropical forests
High species diversity
Shifting cultivation practices
Important wildlife corridors

These features make the region biologically valuable but also vulnerable to poaching.

Significance of the Sangatam Resolution

1. Strengthening Community Conservation: Local institutions become active protectors rather than passive observers.

2. Disrupting Trafficking Networks: Community vigilance reduces safe routes for smugglers.

3. Enhancing Enforcement: Better coordination with forest and police authorities.

4. Preserving Indigenous Stewardship: Aligns traditional values with modern conservation goals.

Sangatam Resolution: Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive step, several challenges remain:

Porous international border
Limited manpower for enforcement
Economic incentives for illegal trade
Difficult terrain and connectivity
Threats from organised crime networks

Long-term success will depend on sustained support and livelihood alternatives.

Way Forward

To strengthen pangolin conservation, authorities and communities may focus on:

Expanding community conservation models
Promoting eco-tourism and green livelihoods
Improving cross-border cooperation
Strengthening surveillance and intelligence
Integrating conservation with tribal governance

Conclusion

The Sangtam community’s resolution to protect pangolins marks a significant shift towards people-centric conservation in Northeast India. By combining traditional authority with scientific and institutional support, the initiative offers a sustainable model to counter wildlife trafficking. If replicated across border regions, such community-led efforts can play a decisive role in preserving endangered species and safeguarding ecological security.

Summary

The Sangtam community’s decision to protect pangolins represents a landmark in community-led conservation in Northeast India. Supported by national and international conservation organisations, the initiative aims to disrupt trafficking networks operating along the India–Myanmar border while strengthening local stewardship of biodiversity.