Pangolin Cup 2025: Bringing Communities Together for Pangolin Protection in Manipur

SENAPATI ( Manipur ) – The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Senapati District Olympic Association of Manipur (SDOAM) and the Manipur Forest Department has launched the first-ever “Pangolin Cup 2025” from March 17-22, at Astro Turf with 16 teams from various parts of the Senapati district participating – using the football tournament as a medium to raise mass awareness about pangolin conservation and combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT).

Supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF) under the Wildlife Conservation Network, this event marks a significant step toward mobilising communities for wildlife protection.

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The Pangolin Cup is an initiative under WTI’s ‘Countering Pangolin Trafficking’ project, which focuses on addressing the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland.

Through this tournament, WTI aims to engage local youth, leaders, and the communities in Senapati District, using football as a platform to promote conservation messages and encourage local communities to become active stakeholders in wildlife protection while strengthening their connection with nature and their surroundings.

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Key Highlights of the Pangolin Cup 2025 Tournament:

• Football for Conservation – A unique approach to sensitise the community about pangolin conservation through sports.
• Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment– Encouraging local youth to champion wildlife conservation.
• Government, NGOs & Community Leaders – Bringing together the Senapati Forest Division iv, SDOAM, WTI & Naga Civil Societies to reinforce conservation efforts.
• Recognition & Commitment – Promoting local participation and fostering a spirit of environmental responsibility among the people of Senapati.

Pangolin and it’s illegal trade

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, primarily due to the high demand for their scales and meat. The illegal trade of pangolins poses a severe threat to their survival, making it crucial to take collective action involving local communities, enforcement agencies, and conservation organisations.

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Manipur’s proximity to the Indo-Myanmar border poses challenges, as the region is vulnerable to the illegal trade of pangolins. This makes the region a priority for conservation efforts. By fostering awareness through initiatives like the Pangolin Cup Football Tournament, local communities can take pride in safeguarding their natural heritage, protecting crucial habitats, and ensuring a secure future for pangolins in the wild.

Shanngam S, DFO Senapati Division said, “I request all civil society organisations to prioritise wildlife conservation, making it a mandated concern. It is crucial that we instill respect for wildlife in both present and future generations. I am deeply saddened that the younger generation must bear the consequences of our past actions, and I believe it is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve what remains of our forests.”

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Mrs Mamoni Doley, DC, Senapati said, “Being at the top of the hierarchy, civil society organisations (CSOs) must remember that younger generations, especially students, look up to us. If we treat hunting as a sport, they will follow suit. This is why collective action is essential—CSOs as leaders and students as changemakers. It is an honour for our district to host the first-ever “Pangolin Cup” in the state, an event that I hope will inspire similar initiatives across other regions. Football is the perfect way to bring people together, and this tournament is a brilliant step toward uniting communities for conservation.”

Panjit Basumatari, Manager CBRC, Arunachal Pradesh, WTI said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries and my best wishes to the football teams. There is an urgent need for community-led conservation to protect the critically endangered Chinese Pangolin which inhabits this region.”

About the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project

The Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project is a focused initiative by WTI to curb the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland. By working closely with local communities, enforcement agencies, and conservation partners, WTI aims to sensitise people about the importance of pangolin conservation and encourage sustainable alternatives to wildlife exploitation.