Guwahati, March 27: A consultation hosted by biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) in collaboration with Tinsukia Press Club on ‘biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife coexistence’ last week in the premises of the Press Club unanimously agreed that resolution of raging problem of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in the eastern Assam areas lied in restoration habitat and migration corridors.
The consultation while appreciating the mass awareness drive on human elephant coexistence, formation of early warning network called Rapid Response Units (RRU) in HEC-affected areas and initiatives for installation of solar fence undertaken by Aaranyak in certain areas of eastern Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Majuli, Sivasagar and Jorhat, took the view that though these temporary measures would help mitigate the HEC, the last solution could be achieved only through restoration of elephants habitats and migration corridors.
Research-based biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with British Asian Trust and with support from Darwin Initiative, co-hosted the interaction with Media with Tinsukia Press Club on March 23 last with objectives to enlighten the media about Aaranyak’s ongoing community driven efforts for mitigation of the HEC through co-existence.
Aaranyak’s wildlife biologist Rubul Tanti made a detailed presentation on Aaranyak’s hitherto initiatives for HEC mitigation through facilitation of human elephant coexistence with community support. He highlighted the success so far achieved in the initiative and charted the roadmap for future.
Aaranyak’s publicity secretary Bijay Sankar Bora in his presentation highlighted how media can be the catalyst in Aaranyak’s efforts for achieving coexistence in HEC hotspots in the area. He flagged the media’s importance for harping on biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration issues at this crucial juncture for the animal kingdom.
Aaranyak’s senior official Zakir Islam Bora through his presentation gave an overview of the organisation structure, operations and missions of 34-year-old Aaranyak.
Earlier, Aaranyak official Rimpee Moran set the ball rolling for the interaction by explaining the broad objective of the programme. She and another Aaranyak staff member Ejaj Ahmed played key roles in conducting the programme.
