The inaugural digital botanical garden, developed under the Digital Tree Guide Initiative, was launched at the State Botanical Garden on Aradurah Hill in Kohima on November 4. During the unveiling, Conservator of Forests, Rongsenlemla Imchen, emphasized the garden’s pivotal role in preserving endangered plant species, fostering scientific research, and offering a recreational space for the public. She highlighted the garden’s innovative features, such as QR-coded trees that provide an interactive learning experience. Imchen also urged staff to document Nagaland’s traditional conservation practices, recognizing the garden as both a scientific resource and a venue for public engagement.
Forester Jeiàng Konyak led a practical demonstration with Eco Club students, who participated in tagging 100 trees with QR codes as part of an initiative by the Silviculture Division to raise ecological awareness. The tagging process began with the Conservator marking a Pinus patula, followed by the State Silviculturist and Forest Ranger tagging an Eucalyptus species and Exbucklandia populnea. To ensure the growth of the trees was not impeded, the QR codes were attached using expandable springs. The event was marked by the enthusiastic involvement of Eco Club students from Government High School, Forest Colony, who contributed to this significant conservation effort.
