The Association for Environmental Preservation (ASEP) is a Voluntary Organisation (VO) registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the registration number of SR/MZ – 54 of 2005-’06. It was established on 5th June 2005. It is an association of voluntarists from all over different parts of Mizoram coming together and zealously working for the improvement, betterment and protection of the environment of Mizoram with its office situated at Upper Khatla, Aizawl. Being an association for the preservation of environment, this voluntary organization has the motto “Save Our Environment and Wildlife”. At present, ASEP has around 300 members and has received unanimous approval and acceptance of its works by both the general public and the State Government at large.
The names and designation of the current office bearers of ASEP are highlighted below:-
President : K. Lalmuansanga
Vice President : Hmingthansanga
Senior Vice Presidents : HC Thawnga
Campaign Director : H. Lalhmunsiama
General Secretary : Peter Vanlalhriata
Asst. General Secretary : TC Vanlalzauva
Treasurer : K. Lalawmpuia
Financial Secretary : KC Vanlalruata
Information Secretary : B. Lalhminghlua
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
1) Preservation and protection of our environment and wildlife
2) To work industriously for the freedom and liberation of our environment and wildlife.
3) To develop and sow the seeds of deep affection and love for our environment and wildlife to the people.
4) To channelize effective efforts for the well-being and betterment of the poor and needy, and
5) Propagation of the needs and importance of our environment and wildlife to the students at all levels of schooling.
ACTIVITIES:
Being a voluntary organization for the protection and preservation of our environment and wildlife, ASEP had taken extensive steps for the things which it stands for. It organizes awareness campaigns through media, newspapers, public meetings, nature trip, seminars, environmental rally, posters campaigns, etc. It also sends out the letters and uses other various methods requesting hunters to abstain from further hunting and subsequently protecting wildlife in this way.
To achieve its aim and objectives to the fullest, ASEP publishes environmental leaflets and books including meaningful and heartfelt environmental cartoons.
Artificial nest boxes are also erected at various points in the city and proved to be the quite handy for nesting birds.
Besides the mentioned activities, this voluntary organization has taken many other steps for the achievement and fulfillment of its aims and objectives and the motto for which it stands for.
Education Outreach and Capacity Building Programme :- ASEP has reached out to several schools and villages across the State to spread awareness among the students and community about the changing environment and the threatened biodiversity of the region.
Rehabilitation Programme :- A lot of birds and animals were rescued with the help of people and Forest Dept. and released in the wild that includes snakes, birds and animals. Artificial nest box has also been one of the rehabilitation programme taken by ASEP. Box were placed in the trees, school compounds, parks, etc. where birds habitat were destroyed to large extend. With the help of this artificial nest box, around 400 – 500 birds were safely handled during this past two years.
Photography :- Awareness among the masses of the people in the state plays a very important role in the region. For this purpose, ASEP has a number of wellknown Wildlife Photographer in the state. In cooperation with the photographer, a programme with a slogan of “Shoot with camera, not with a gun” where photographer takes the photo of environmental photography which later was published in the region with the help of media.
Social networking :- As social networking like facebook, whatsApp, etc. has been one of the most important networking with the other people. ASEP takes the opportunity of this networking sites, the members of the group can discuss, comment and contribute for conservation of environmental issue. This social networking came widespread across the state by now.
ASEP is now the member of the State level committee in the following:-
1) State level Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram.
2) State level Sub-Committee on Fire Prevention.
3) State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Executive Board.
4) State Board for Wildlife.
5) Animal Welfare Board.
WHO CAN JOIN/MEMBERSHIP?
Any Citizen of India who fulfills the following requirements can become the member of ASEP :-
1) He must be clear, fluent and obsessed with the activities, aims and objectives as laid down by ASEP.
2) Membership fee of Rs. 50/- must be paid with an annual fee of Rs. 20/-.
3) He must abstain from intoxicants.
4) He must be faithful, trustworthy and industrious.