GUWAHATI: The inaugural commemoration of International Day for Biosphere Reserves in Assam took place at the scenic Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Tinsukia.
The day-long festivities held in the heart of the biosphere reserve, unfolded through three distinctive sessions that were attended by 61 participants.
The first event in the itinerary was a morning, nature walk and bird-watching extravaganza at Maguri Motapung Beel, offering enthusiasts an immersive experience in the park’s natural beauty.
The session featured plogging, a serene boar ride and participants were encouraged to click pictures of the diverse avian population at the Beel.
The second session unfolded as a gram sabha dedicated to discussions on the biosphere reserve, with a spotlight on challenges and the pivotal role of women in this ecological haven.
Ritupon Saikia, an official from the Tinsukia Tourist Guide Association, and Asraf Hussain from Tourism of India, led this informative session.
After a friendly welcome, Zakir Islam Bora of Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation, gave a brief introduction, setting the stage for presentations by Bidisha Borah and Rimpee Moran.
They discussed, “Biosphere Reserves: Challenges & Role of Women”, exploring the reserves are different from national parks, and the diverse roles and challenges women encounter in biosphere conservation.
The final session – an open forum for dignitaries and the audience – explored various livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Emphasis was placed on reducing dependence on forest products, and discussions revolved around related government policies.
In this session, the audience gained insights into the instrumental role of community engagement in biosphere conservation.
Organised by the North East Regional Office of the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Aaranyak, the celebration not only showcased the ecological richness of the national park but also underscored the collective commitment to conservation and sustainable development.
