GUWAHATI: International Tiger Day was observed at Manas Conservation and Outreach Centre near the Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on Monday.
The event was organized by the Tiger Research and Conservation Division (TRCD) of Aaranyak, Manas Tiger Reserve, and IUCN India in collaboration with the Government of Environment and Forests of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), World Wide Fund for Nature- India (WWF) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
Members from the indigenous Bodo community living in fringe villages of Manas National Park, Forest personnel, conservation leaders, nature enthusiasts, SSB, and Assam Police personnel attended the event.
The celebration was marked by a series of activities relating to the tiger, habitats and forest conservation.
The event kicked off with the inauguration of an exhibition where products produced by members of indigenous communities through conservation initiatives developed by Aaranyak were displayed.
Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, senior scientist and Dr Dipankar Lahkar, senior conservation biologist of Aaranyak gave a comprehensive presentation on the recovery of tigers in Manas.
They also spoke about the roles of local communities, non-governmental organizations, and the forest department, specifically the Indo-Bhutan Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA), for the recovery of tiger population in Manas.
The event was graced by Anindya Swargiary, PCCF (Retired) ; Suman Mohapatra, IFS, CHD Forests, BTC ; Dr. Jaideep Baruah, Director of ASTEC; Meenal Pahuja, Sr Project Associate, IUCN India as guest speakers.
Tenzin Wangchuk, Chief Environment Officer, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, sent a video message for the participants of the programme, wherein he applauded the initiatives of every stakeholder that has contributed to the conservation of TraMCA landscape.
During the event, Anindya Swargiary and Tenzin Wangchuk were honoured for their proactive leadership in establishing the TraMCA Initiative.
The eminent dignitaries were felicitated during the event.
Addressing the event, Mohapatra underlined the importance of raising awareness among the coming generations about the importance of preserving Manas and other natural habitats for wildlife.
During her speech, Pahuja mentioned the landmark tiger conservation initiative – Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme—that is currently ongoing in tiger-bearing countries around the world including India.
She said communities living in the fringes of Manas Tiger Reserve are setting a great example of coexistence which is immensely aided in tiger and habitat conservation.
Aaranyak is committed towards the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and supporting the indigenous communities residing in the Manas Landscape through Alternative Sustainable Livelihood activities, education, and awareness programmes. The initiative is supported by IUCN-KfW.
International Tiger Day is observed globally on July 29th each year as a call to action to halt this destructive trend and safeguard tigers. As the top predators in their habitat, tigers are currently in risk of becoming extinct.
