HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, May 2: Aaranyak’s conservation biologist Purnima Devi Barman has been conferred with the ‘Green Oscar Whitley Gold Award 2024’ for her sustained community-oriented efforts for biodiversity conservation
This accolade recognised her tireless work in conserving the endangered greater adjutant or the locally known Hargila one of the world’s rarest storks.
This recognition marked a significant achievement not only for Barman, but also for the state and the rest of the country. It brought to focus women power in biodiversity conservation on the global stage.
An elated but hugely humbled Barman has stated that the award will further embolden her resolve to protect the greater adjutant stork with community support.
“The award is really meant for the women in the community who have been my source of strength in the journey so far. It is a message from women from the country to the world how we through dedication and commitment can spur conservation efforts,” said Barman, who has been invited by the India High Commissioner in London for a felicitation on Friday.
Her remarkable efforts have mobilized local women in the state, especially those from her key conservation project site at Dadara-Pachariya in Kamrup district of the state and attracted attention worldwide for the conservation of this species through sustained involvement of community women.
Secretary general and CEO of Aaranyak, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar said, “The achievement of Purnima Devi Barman has made us proud and encouraged all of us to strive to excel in our relentless mission to nourish nature to secure the future of animal kingdom on the planet. Her exemplary dedication towards conservation of the endangered greater adjutant stork through overwhelming cooperation from community women highlights how the role of women is so important for conservation of biodiversity. Her ability to induce the community to put up sustained team efforts for conservation of biodiversity has stood out across the planet and the award has reaffirmed it.”
Aaranyak’s another woman conservation leader Alolika Sinha said, “Purnima Devi’s conservation efforts are incredible and an inspiration for the conservationists, particularly for all the women who are doing their bit to save the planet.”
Aaranyak’s head of operation, Mridusmrita Devi said, “Our heartiest congratulations to Purnima Devi Barman on winning the Green Oscar Whitley Gold Award 2024, which recognises her dedicated efforts in conserving the endangered greater adjutant stork. Her work has not only inspired Aaranyak, but also made women everywhere proud.”
This accolade adds to Barman’s impressive list of achievements, including the UN Environment Champions of the Earth Award in 2022. Her tireless efforts serve as a beacon of hope for conservationists worldwide and exemplify the impact of grassroots movements in safeguarding biodiversity.
Team Aaranyak says thanks to Whitley Fund for Nature for honouring its acclaimed conservation biologist Purnima Devi Barman with this year’s prestigious Whitley Gold Award.
