HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 21: An engaging session took place at the conference hall of All Bodo Small Tea Growers’ Association in Dimakuchi, Udalguri district of Assam, where representatives from Aaranyak and the Forest department interacted with media persons. The session focused on biodiversity conservation and finding ways to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Led by senior conservation scientist Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, the Aaranyak team found the valuable feedback provided by media persons on local biodiversity issues and human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Udalguri district to be enlightening.
The session commenced with Dr Lahkar delivering a comprehensive presentation on the global and local status of HEC, challenges related to mitigating HEC, fostering coexistence, and the crucial role the media can play in this regard. DFO of Dhansiri Forest Division, Dibakar Das, graced the occasion as the chief guest and stressed the importance of positive cooperation from the media and non-governmental organisations to facilitate concerted efforts for biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife coexistence.
Jayanta Kumar Pathak, a senior manager at Aaranyak, presented a detailed overview of various biodiversity issues and their far-reaching implications. He emphasised the significance of every species of flora and fauna for biodiversity conservation and the well-being of future generations, highlighting the “One Health” principle.
Bijay Sankar Bora, an executive member and documentation consultant at Aaranyak, underscored the power of the media in amplifying critical biodiversity conservation issues globally through digital platforms. He emphasised the need for a responsible media with a passion for conservation, particularly in the current critical juncture.
The program, organised under the auspices of Dhansiri Forest Division, Aaranyak, Dimakuchi e-Media Forum, Tangla Press Club, Media Club Tangla, and Udalguri Press Guild, began with opening remarks from Aaranyak senior official Anjan Baruah. The event received support from the SBI Foundation and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Senior journalists Pawan Nath and Musadik Hussain actively participated in the discussion, expressing appreciation for organising such an interaction on biodiversity conservation and human-animal coexistence in Dimakuchi. They highlighted the proactive efforts of local media in raising awareness about conservation and the urgent need for strong political will to restore traditional elephant habitats in the area.
The successful organisation of the media interaction at short notice was made possible by the efforts of Aaranyak staff members based in Dimakuchi, including Rabiya Daimari, Dibakar Naik, Reshma Narzary, Abhijit Saikia, and intern Ajay Salve from Azim Premji University.
