Guwahati, Jan 16: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak
successfully conducted its Nature Camp 2026 recently, following three enriching days of
participatory learning and nature exploration held from January 9 to 11 at the Gibbon
Conservation Centre, located within the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Mariani, Jorhat
district of Assam.
Sixteen enthusiastic youths participated in the camp, exploring a variety of activities in
carefully planned sessions. Among these were an overview of the Hollongapar Gibbon
Sanctuary and its conservation importance, a primer on biodiversity, a series of guided forest walks with an emphasis on habitat, flora, and fauna, and field documentation; instruction in the recognition of butterflies, birds, and mammals; a session on primates; a session on wildlife photography emphasising the significance of visual documentation in conservation; and a session on GIS and GPS basics for nature studies, according to a Press communique.
The camp also made sure that the participants honed their presenting and documentation abilities. Udayan Borthakur, Organizing Secretary and the lead organizer of the camp mentioned “When it comes to environmental stewardship and nurturing of future conservation leaders, Aaranyak delivers on its promise to host an annual nature camp for its younger members.”
“The younger Aaranyak members collectively and practically engage in scientific
observation and analysis of the natural world through this camp,” Borthakur remarked.
The sessions were conducted by experienced resource persons, including Udayan Borthakur, Dr. Dilip Chetry, Arup Kumar Das, Tikendrajit Gogoi, and Ivy Farheen Hussain from Aaranyak; Protul Hazarika, Retired Chief Technical Officer, Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat; and Sarangapani Neog, a noted butterfly specialist.
Participants were actively involved in field observations, technical learning, hands on GPS
exercises, use of citizen science based platforms, wildlife documentation through
photography, and interactive discussions on conservation governance.
Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and Executive Director of Aaranyak,
addressed the participants virtually and shared insights on the organisation’s conservation vision.
Aaranyak President, Jimut Prasad Sarma, also interacted with the participants,
encouraging them with his presence and valuable address.
The camp was organised smoothly with coordination by the organising team from Aaranyak
comprising Udayan Borthakur, Dr. Dilip Chetry, Dr. Pranjal Kr. Das, and Pranab Goswami.
The Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam granted Aaranyak the necessary permission to hold the
camp in the wildlife sanctuary, and the Jorhat Forest Division and the officials of the Meleng
Beat Office under the Assam Forest Department provided the essential support and
cooperation, allowing the Nature Camp 2026 to be a resounding success.
