Awareness drive on Wildlife Conservation held at Raimona

Gossaigaon: A significant awareness campaign on wildlife and biodiversity conservation was held on Monday at the Western Range of Raimona National Park. The event, organized at the picturesque Raimona Jungle Retreat, was jointly organized by the Kaziranga Wildlife Society and the Raimona Golden Langur Eco-Tourism Society. The campaign aimed to promote sustainable conservation practices with a strong focus on the role of forest fringe communities. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including conservationists, forest officials, academicians, eco-tourism stakeholders, and reformed poachers. Delivering the keynote address, Karuna Sarma of the Kaziranga Wildlife Society emphasized the importance of local participation and traditional ecological knowledge in conservation efforts. Retired forest officer Tharanidhar Boro and academician Dr. Jaydev Mandal also addressed the gathering, highlighting the critical need for harmony between people and nature. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dhirendra Nath Basumatary, along with Range Officers Biswajit Basumatary and Pabitra Basumatary, lauded the active involvement of local communities in protecting the forest and promoting eco-tourism. One of the most moving moments of the event came from reformed poachers who shared their journeys of transformation. Their testimonies highlighted how awareness, education, and livelihood alternatives can steer individuals away from poaching and towards environmental stewardship. The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to protect the rich biodiversity of Raimona National Park and to foster a culture of conservation for future generations.