Guwahati: With an aim to foster a deeper understanding of nature by emphasizing the importance of urban ecosystems, Aaranyak, the region’s premier biodiversity conservation organization, on Sunday hosted the eighth chapter of the unique initiative called “Nature’s Wonderland: A Journey of Curiosity.”
This event, organized in collaboration with Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden and Wipro Earthian, offered a unique opportunity for students and seniors to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature.
A total of thirty participants, comprising students, parents and nature enthusiasts, participated in the nature learning program. The event commenced with an informative briefing by Tikendrajit Gogoi, a Project Officer at Aaranyak‘s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division.
Guwahati, which is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot with a unique urban landscape, boasts a rich natural heritage. Surrounded by eighteen hills, eight reserve forests, two wildlife sanctuaries, the internationally acclaimed Deepor Beel wetland, and the mighty Brahmaputra River, it offers a unique opportunity for urban dwellers to experience the wonders of nature.
Yet, the increasing urbanization and modern lifestyles are leading to a decline in the human-nature connection.
Aaranyak, through its initiative “Nature’s Wonderland – A Journey of Curiosity”, aims to facilitate nature learning by emphasizing the role of urban biodiversity.
The initiative focuses on urban ecosystems, examining green landscapes, water bodies, local plant and animal life, and the nature-based practices of indigenous communities living in and around cities.
It follows the principle of experiential learning, where nature enthusiasts are guided by experts from various fields who explain the roles of biotic and abiotic factors, ecosystem significance, environmental challenges, and conservation strategies.
Pranjal Mahananda, Biologist at Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden; Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha, renowned herpetologist and CEO of Help Earth; Abhisek Sarkar, GIS Expert at Aaranyak and Nitul Kalita, Project Officer of the Tiger Research & Conservation Division (TRCD) of Aaranyak, guided the participants on various aspects of urban biodiversity within Guwahati’s green spaces.
Pranjal Mahananda highlighted the importance of urban landscapes for human well-being, biodiversity documentation, and the role of zoological parks in fostering a love for nature among young minds.
Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Senior Manager at the Environment Education and Capacity Building Division (EECBD) of Aaranyak, explained the purpose of Nature’s Wonderland and the significance of urban biodiversity and eco-therapy. He shared insights on the healing power of forest bathing and discussed future student involvement in biodiversity documentation within urban landscapes.
Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha inspired participants by emphasizing the joy of working in nature conservation. He also discussed how climate change threatens herpetofauna species and stressed the critical role of citizen-driven conservation efforts.
Abhisek Sarkar provided insights into the role of GIS and remote sensing in modern environmental conservation. Nitul Kalita shared knowledge about birdwatching, bird ecology, and habitat characteristics, as well as the importance of animal pugmarks in conservation research.
The entire programme was coordinated by Jayanta Kumar Pathak and Tikendrajit Gogoi of Aaranyak.
