Gangtok: The Public Affairs Officer of American Center, Kolkatta Mr. Douglas G. Kelly accompanied by Ms. Karuna Singh Program Manager on visit to Sikkim in their address to the media persons at Press Club of Sikkim on July 18 about the US concerns on the protection and preservation of wildlife in the eastern Himalayas including North Eastern States at the time when the two Asian countries India and China are extending their trade relationships in the new changing global scenario.
Mr. Kelly while highlighting the purpose of his visit in Sikkim referred about the observation made by Steven Glister, Chief of party support Group, A S E A N Wildlife Environment Network, based in USA who had visited Sikkim recently and had series of meetings here with the environmentalists and the officials of Forest Department and extend co-operation to protect and conserve the flora and fauna of Sikkim. In the wake of trade with China through Nat hula boarder and Sikkim being in the location of a strategic boarder of India and again the climate of Sikkim is very unstable and fragile, the life of flora and fauna of Sikkim is at vulnerable point hence to protect the environment is utmost need of the time.There is need for protection of wildlife in a very systematic and scientific manner and hence US is concerned about the protection of the wildlife which is rich in Sikkim, Mr. Kelly said.He also informed that due to border trade, there is every possibility of smuggling of valuable wildlife animals across the border. Referring to the observation of Glister, he said that there will be periodic discussion with the officials of forest for the sake of protection of wildlife animal of Sikkim. Director Kelly further said that his visit to Sikkim is to introduce the scope of study to the local students here in US universities and to find out the collaboration in the universities and colleges of the both countries in the days to come. “The main reason behind our Sikkim visit is to study the education standards in the state and offer help to the state’s educational institutions,” Mr Kelly, said. Mr Kelly who recently visited China, said: “The education standards in China are very high.”he said that he planned meeting with the students at Sikkim Government College, Tadong Sikkim Manipal University, Tadong and SMIT, Majitar on July 19 where he will deliberate about the scope of studies in US Universities. For any student, who desire to study in US, they can access the information easily or can avail information from American Centre, Kolkatta. He shared his experience about the people of China as he had worked in China earlier, stating that Chinese people are very anxious to know more about Indian people and culture and do trade and business. He praised the positive role of journalists of Sikkim about reporting the protection of environment and wildlife. He also presented books and magazine for the library use of Press club of Sikkim.
