Guwahati, Dec 29: With an objective to provide alternative livelihood for women from marginalised communities at Borunguri-Bongaon 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.
Prominent biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyakm (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 (LBCS).
US-based conservation agency, International Rhino Foundation has provided support for the noble initiative that aims at skill development of 25 women participating in the programme so as to provide them with an alternative livelihood opportunity that will reduce their dependence on forest resources thereby boosting 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 livelihood 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 training programme organised from 25-29 December was graced by SK Gupta, Range Officer of Dhaniya Range, R Gogoi, Range Officer of Gorajan Range of Laokhowa Burhachapori WLS, Smarajit Ozha, Laokhowa-Burhachapori Conservation Society, senior Aaranyuak official Arif Hussain and also Bonojit Lalung and Abhijit Bordoloi, member of Bongaon and Borunguri EDC respectively.
The Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is known 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.