Guwahati, March 19: An awareness session on wildlife crime mitigation conducted for personnel of the
elite border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) highlighted the crucial role the border guards can
play in prevention of wildlife crimes in the proximity of international borders.
The session on the role of border security forces in intercepting and preventing wildlife crimes along
sensitive international borders was conducted by Binita Baruwati, Deputy Manager in the Legal &
Advocacy Division (LAD) of biodiversity conservation non-profit Aaranyak at the BOP of the SSB,
Daranga on March 13, organised by the 64 Battalion SSB.
The session underscored a key message: effective border vigilance can be a decisive line of defence against
wildlife crime.
The session aimed to strengthen the understanding and preparedness of border personnel in tackling the
growing threat of wildlife crime across the Manas National Park Landscape as well as frontier areas of the
Northeast India.
The discussion delved into the evolving dynamics of wildlife crime covering different forms of illegal
activities, emerging trafficking trends and the complex networks involved in transboundary wildlife trade.
Special emphasis was laid on the crucial role of border security forces in intercepting and preventing such
crimes along sensitive international borders.
Beginning with a fundamental understanding of wildlife and its ecological significance, the session
gradually unfolded the realities of wildlife crime – why it occurs, how it operates, and the far-reaching
unwarranted consequences it has on biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
In order to make the session more relatable and impactful, real-life case studies from the region were
presented by the resource person, offering participants practical insights into on-ground challenges. The
ecological importance of Northeast India, coupled with the unique difficulties in combating wildlife crime in
this biodiversity-rich yet vulnerable region, was also highlighted.
The programme was further supported by Aaranyak, with active assistance from its official Mizing Boro,
reflecting a collaborative effort towards safeguarding the region’s rich natural heritage.
