Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong, Oct 23: Premier biodiversity conservation
organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with the North East Affected Area Development
Society (NEADS), successfully organised a three-day community knowledge exchange and
learning programme in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape of Assam from 13-16
October 2025.
The programme was facilitated by Journey For Learning (J4L) with the objective of
strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing among community groups to promote
sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
The initiative brought together participants from diverse community backgrounds, fostering
mutual learning and collaboration on themes such as sustainable water management,
agroforestry, eco-restoration and livelihood diversification. A total of six participants from
the Barak Valley took part in this immersive exchange.
The programme began with an introductory briefing and a session on community-based
natural resource management (CBNRM) practices. Participants engaged in discussions on
water supply systems and the use of activated charcoal filters, followed by a tea processing
demonstration that highlighted sustainable livelihood practices. The participants also gained
an overview of nursery management, river water monitoring and participated in a village
walk covering restoration plots, weaving units and agroforestry fields.
During these interactions, the group learned about Pirbi’s collective business model, which
empowers local producers through sustainable and inclusive practices. These engagements
allowed participants to observe and understand community-led conservation and restoration initiatives that strengthen both local economies and ecosystems.
This exchange programme served as a valuable opportunity for community representatives
from the Barak Valley to learn directly from practitioners in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape. It promoted cross-learning on water governance, ecosystem-based livelihood
practices and sustainable resource management-reinforcing the importance of community
participation in conservation efforts.
