Sonam Wangchuk highlights importance of butterflies for a healthy ecosystem

GANGTOK, : Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, a prominent butterfly expert from Sikkim, had a meaningful interaction with the students at PM SHRI Sonam Choda Lepcha Memorial School, Dzongu on Friday.

During this engagement, Sonam Wangchuk shared his 11 years of butterfly study experience with the students. The session turned into an engaging and interactive discussion, with students actively participating and showing keen interest in understanding the role of butterflies in nature.

In his interaction, the Dzongu native emphasized that butterflies are not only beautiful insects but also important indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence reflects the richness of biodiversity and the balance of natural habitats. He also highlighted that several butterfly species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, under Schedule I & II, which underlines their conservation importance.

It was shared with the students that beyond ecology, butterflies also play an inspirational role in human life.

Butterfly watching has strong potential for sustainable tourism, which can support homestays, create livelihood opportunities for local youth as butterfly guides, and promote nature-based experiences. Moreover, butterflies continue to inspire the fashion world, where their colors and patterns influence designers and creative industries.

Sonam Wangchuk said: “Such awareness programmes are important to nurture young minds and encourage them to value and protect nature. This interaction was conducted under the initiative of Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF, with the aim of promoting conservation awareness and inspiring students to become future custodians of biodiversity.”

He thanked school headmaster Samten Lepcha, the teachers, and students for inviting him to speak on the butterflies of Sikkim, their habitats, and the importance of biodiversity conservation.