Guwahati: Aaranyak successfully facilitated the second phase of the Nature Exposure and Awareness Programme (NEAP) on Wednesday, engaging 25 students from Shankardeva Shisu Niketan School in Mayang, Assam.
The event was conducted around the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) to raise awareness on the role local communities play in nature conservation.
The event was inaugurated by Pranjal Baruah, Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, who underscored the significance of involving the local community in wildlife conservation efforts and ensuring sustainable coexistence.
He emphasised that adopting responsible behaviours, both within and near the sanctuary, is crucial to preserving the area’s biodiversity and maintaining the delicate balance between humans and nature.
Aaranyak’s Ujjal Bayan, a researcher in the Rhino Research and Conservation Division, gave an insightful talk on the critical importance of wildlife conservation.
He elaborated on the various functions and aspects of ecosystems, highlighting the interdependence between biodiversity and human well-being.
Bayan inspired the participants to actively contribute to ongoing conservation initiatives.
During the session, Bayan explained how Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary plays an essential role in providing ecosystem services to thousands of nearby villages, stressing the importance of preserving the sanctuary for the benefit of both wildlife and local communities.
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The programme also included interactive activities such as nature walks and discussions on the local flora and fauna, offering the students an opportunity to engage directly with their natural environment.
The event concluded with Bayan urging the participants to take action and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts to safeguard the sanctuary for future generations.
This initiative, supported by an IUCN (CAG) grant, was designed to foster awareness and encourage sustainable conservation practices among the communities living in and around Pobitora WLS.
By involving these communities, the programme aims to strengthen the foundation of coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring the long-term health of the sanctuary and its ecosystems.
