Berhampur: The forest and environment department on Thursday felicitated seven wildlife activists with the Chief Minister’s Wildlife Conservation Award (sub-divisional level) of four districts here while observing Wildlife Week.Each winner from sub divisions of Ganjam, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Boudh has provided a cash of Rs 25,000 in recognition of their outstanding performance in the field of wildlife protection and conservation.Divisional forest officer (DFO), Ghumusar North Himansu Sekhar Mohanty was present as the guest in a meeting to mark the occasion, while DFO Berhampur Sunny Khokkar, presided over the meeting. Several forest officers from different divisions attended.Speakers emphasised on the co-existence of wildlife and human beings in the society, while lauding people’s role to protect endangered species such as blackbuck, peacock and Olive Ridley turtles etc in Ganjam district. Due to their protection, the population of blackbuck has increased, while Olive Ridley turtles visit Ganjam coast for mass nesting every year, they said.The Chief Minister’s Award was presented to Niranjan Pradhan of Digapahandi, Sagar Kumar Patro of Ganjam, Samir Kumar Pradhan of Takarada I Sheragada block in Ganjam district, Tarini Charan Panda, Wildlife Protection Squad, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, V Jagannath Raju of Phulbani, Kajal Pradhan, assistant teacher of Govt UG High School, Mediakia, Baliguda and Swaraj Kumar Kanhar of Boudh.