In order to boost livelihood opportunities for women from marginalised communities at Borunguri-Bongaon, an area surrounding the Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary within famed Kaziranga Tiger Reserve of Assam, a five-day workshop on water hyacinth crafts was conducted with overwhelming participation.

One of India’s prominent conservation organisation for biodiversity Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) organised the training in collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Authority, Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon Girls College and Laokhowa Burhachapori Conservation Society.   An international conservation agency based in the US, International Rhino Foundation has provided support for the noble initiative, whose aim is to develop the skills of 25 women participating in the programme in order to reduce their dependence on forest resources, to provide them with alternative livelihood opportunities and to encourage conservation efforts.

“Empowering communities! @aaranyak, in collaboration with LBCS and Forest Dept, hosts a Water Hyacinth Product Skill Training for EDCs of Laokhowa Bongaon and Barunguri Bongaon. Building skills, fostering sustainability!”, Posted Kaziranga National Park & Tiger reserve on microblogging platform X on December 26.

Empowering women with water hyacinth craft skills not only improves their livelihoods but also contributes to conservation by transforming an invasive plant into marketable products. This sustainable approach fosters economic independence while addressing environmental challenges through creative utilisation of resources.

The programme organised from 25-29 December was graced by SK Gupta, RO Dhaniya Range, R Gogoi, RO, Gorajan Range of Laokhuwa Burhachapori WLS, Smarajit Ozha, Laokhowa-Burhachapori Conservation Society, Arif Hussain, Manager, Rhino Research and Conservation Division of Aaranyak, Bonojit Lalung and Abhijit Bordoloi, Member, Bongaon and Borunguri EDC.

The Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. This protected area encompasses grasslands, wetlands, and the Brahmaputra River, providing a habitat for Greater one-horned rhinoceros, Royal bengal tiger, and various bird species, fostering biodiversity conservation.