Guwahati: Aaranyak has been conferred with the prestigious Mark Shand Award by the UK-based wildlife charity Elephant Family. The award was presented during a grand ceremony titled Wonders of the Wild, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London on May 13.
The award recognises Aaranyak’s unwavering dedication to the conservation of Asian elephants in Northeast India, with a special focus on fostering peaceful coexistence between wild elephants and human communities.
The organisation employs a range of conservation strategies, including ecological research, conflict mitigation, habitat restoration, and community engagement.
Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior scientist at Aaranyak and head of its Elephant Research and Conservation Division, received the award on behalf of the organisation.
The honour was presented by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who serve as joint presidents of Elephant Family.
The event saw an elite gathering of over 250 guests, including Princess Beatrice, Lady Marina Windsor, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, actors Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson, and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
In his keynote address, King Charles III commended the frontline efforts of conservationists across the globe.
“This evening is an opportunity to pay tribute to all the wonderful people who work on the ground to rescue not just elephants, but countless other species,” he said.
“As we continue to exploit nature, we must remember to give something back, to allow it to sustain us.”
Dr Lahkar, in his acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude on behalf of his team. “We thank everyone working with us to protect one of the last remaining populations of Asian elephants in Northeast India. Aaranyak remains committed to mitigating human-elephant conflict and ensuring a future where both communities and elephants can thrive.”
Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division has laid out a 20-year strategic plan that addresses key conservation priorities: from ecological monitoring and education, to improving livelihoods in conflict-prone areas.
The programme is a cornerstone of the organisation’s long-term vision for sustainable coexistence and elephant habitat preservation.
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Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General of Aaranyak, noted that the award is a testament to the organisation’s comprehensive, science-backed approach.
“This recognition is not only a moment of pride but also a motivator to continue our mission with even greater commitment,” he said.
Founded in memory of Queen Camilla’s late brother Mark Shand, a passionate conservationist and author, Elephant Family supports global efforts to protect endangered Asian elephants.
Shand’s bestselling book Travels on My Elephant and his conservation legacy continue to inspire initiatives like Aaranyak’s.
