Guwahati, June 27: Regions premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, with support from the Rufford's Small Grants Foundation, in association with Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve (ONP&TR) Authority and Department of Environment & Forest- Govt of Assam, conducted a series of sensitisation programmes on importance of biodiversity conservation at different educational institutions around ONP & TR from 20^-24 June. Above 1100 students, from 7 schools and institutions in the area were reached through multiple outreach activities.  

This initiative was aimed to educate students residing around the ONP & TR, in understanding the importance of protecting the biodiversity around them to safeguard the planet's rich and diverse ecosystem.

The outreach series had several activities for the students including presentation on biodiversity conservation with special focus on Orang National Park, interactive sessions, group activities, quiz and drawing competition and distribution of reading materials for libraries to foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world among the students.

The programme began on June 20 at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya (PDUAM) Dalgaon, where a day long workshop on ‘Applications of Geospatial Technology in wildlife conservation and habitat research’ along with hands on GPS uses was conducted in collaboration with Department of Botany and Zoology of PDUAM. Around 80 students from the mentioned departments of the college participated.

On 21 June, a conservation group activity was organised at Keramat Ali ME School, Silbori with more than 100 students of 6^th, 7^th and 8^th standards participated. The topic for the group activities were ‘Importance of wetland, Use of pesticides and its impact on environment, Importance of Biodiversity, Plastic pollution, Rain water harvesting where student groups presented their thoughts.  On the same day a drawing contest for students of 6^th standard and interaction on wildlife conservation with around 150 students of 9^th standard was held in Sirajul Hoque High School, Silbori.

While on June 22, another drawing competition focusing on nature and wildlife conservation was conducted for around 250 students of primary sections at 2No K achari Bhetitop LP School followed by a presentation and interaction session on wildlife conservation with around 200 students participated at Borsola Higher Secondary School.

Arup Kumar Das, Senior Manager at Geo-spatial Technology and Applications Division (GTAD) of Aaranyak, who led the initiative stated that “Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy and sustainable environment, encompassing the incredible variety of life on Earth. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance, providing ecosystem services and supporting human wellbeing. However, the alarming decline in biodiversity due to human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation and other such activities pose a threat to our planet’s health and future of our generations to come. Through our initiative we strive to create a harmonious relationship between human and environment with collective effort.”

On day 4, on June 23, a presentation and interaction on wildlife conservation along with an open quiz contest with around 150 students in Sialmari High School, Koupati participated. Another 200 students in Vallabh Bhai Patel Higher Secondary School, Koupati were reached too.

The outreach series concluded on June 24 in presence of Pradipta Baruah, DFO & Director Mangaldoi Wildlife Division, Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve, and Pranjit Deka, Forester along with other forest officials of ONP&TR, where prizes were distributed to the student winners from the participating schools at the conference hall of the national park.

Aaranyak’s staff members Arup Kumar Das, Madhumita Borthakur, Avishek Sarkar, Arif Hussain and Wasima Begam were the resource persons who interacted with the students and teachers and facilitated in successful completion of the outreach programmes. Gaura Baidya and Prerna Das from Aaranyak also attended. Aaranyak’s Pranab Goswami provided his valuable assistance during the design of the campaign.