Guwahati: Aaranyak, a leading organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation, has conducted two outreach programs in Assam to raise awareness about human-elephant conflict (HEC) and promote coexistence with these magnificent creatures.
The programs, held on September 18 and 19 at Bholatar Lokhipriya LP School in Udalguri and No.2 Dangargaon in Tamulpur, engaged a total of 64 villagers.
During both events, a video documentation on Aaranyak’s signature campaign “Gajah Kotha” was screened. Besides, solar fencing and lemon bio-fencing as effective methods for mitigating HEC were also demonstrated during the event.
Supported by the SBI Foundation, these outreach programs aimed to equip communities with a deeper understanding of elephant behaviour.
Additionally, the programs also aimed at offering practical solutions like seasonal solar fencing and bio-fencing to protect crops and property during encounters with elephants.
Following the presentations, interactive discussions were held, focusing on the specific HEC challenges faced by the villagers.
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Aaranyak facilitators, including Mondeep Basumatari, Abhijit Saikia, Dibakar Nayak, Bikash Tossa, and Pradip Barman, helped communities brainstorm and develop long-term strategies to manage and mitigate these conflicts.
This initiative by Aaranyak empowers communities to coexist peacefully with elephants, promoting the conservation of both human well-being and Assam’s rich biodiversity.
