GUWAHATI: In a bid to foster environmental consciousness and nurture a deep-rooted appreciation for nature, a nature camp was recently organised at Sarbura Singnar in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
Spearheaded by Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation, in collaboration with Diring LP School, the camp aimed to underscore the critical need for conservation endeavours and sustainable practices.
The district’s second such camp garnered enthusiastic participation from 28 children, representing Sarbura Singnar and Khailun Terang villages.
Rangsina Phangcho, Project Officer at Aaranyak, inaugurated the camp with an inspiring speech, highlighting the significance of establishing a connection with nature, understanding biodiversity, and fostering environmental stewardship among the youth.
Dilip Singnar, the Headmaster of Diring LP School, Dr Jayanta Kr Roy, Manager and Senior Wildlife Biologist at Aaranyak, and Arif Hussain, Manager at Aaranyak, were among the dignitaries who joined the initiative.
They stressed on the transformative impact of such camps on young minds, encouraging active engagement in conservation efforts and ecological preservation.
The day’s agenda was brimming with engaging activities meticulously designed to immerse the students in the wonders of nature.
An ice-breaking session facilitated by Bhaskor Barukial, a dedicated Project Officer at Aaranyak and an avid naturalist, set a positive tone for the day.
Barukial introduced the students to the captivating world of birdwatching, showcasing the region’s rich avian diversity.
The highlight of the camp was undoubtedly the nature trails, where students were divided into five groups for an immersive exploration of nature.
Guided by experts, the students delved into native plants, wildlife habitats, and conservation practices firsthand, enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship.
After a refreshing lunch break, the energy levels remained high as students engaged in group activities and poster presentations based on their nature trail experiences.
Dr. Roy and Swapn Nath provided guidance and inspiration during the poster presentations, encouraging students to share their findings and reflections.
Sourav Gupta, a researcher at Aaranyak, facilitated an interactive session through engaging discussions and multimedia presentations, enlightening the students about the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving these invaluable natural resources for future generations.
The camp concluded with an environmental game led by Nath, followed by a stirring speech focusing on the preservation of nature and culture.
Certificates were also distributed to all participants, acknowledging their active involvement and commitment to environmental conservation.
Overall, the camp emerged as a resounding success, leaving a profound impact on the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors of environmental conservation in their communities.
The programme’s success was further facilitated by the assistance of the Women Collective Group from Sarbura Singnar and the team from the Kaziranga Karbi Anglong Landscape – Natural Resource and Management Programme.