Aaranyak honoured by Queen Camilla for Elephant Conservation Efforts

Guwahati: In a proud moment for Indian wildlife conservation, Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization based in Assam, has been honoured with the prestigious Mark Shand Award by the UK-based conservation charity, Elephant Family. The award was presented by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla at a glittering event titled Wonders of the Wild, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London on May 13. Aaranyak received the award in recognition of its tireless efforts to conserve the Asian elephant population in Northeast India through innovative strategies aimed at promoting peaceful human-elephant coexistence. Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, senior scientist and head of Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation. The event was attended by over 250 distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Lady Marina Windsor, football legend Ronaldo Nazario, actors Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson, and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The award commemorates the legacy of Mark Shand—renowned travel writer and elephant conservationist—whose book Travels on My Elephant became a bestseller and helped raise global awareness about elephant conservation. Speaking at the event, King Charles praised the dedication of conservationists working on the ground and highlighted the importance of collaboration over conflict in restoring ecological balance. “Whatever we take from nature, we must give back,” he said. Dr. Lahkar expressed gratitude to all who support Aaranyak’s mission, reaffirming their commitment to continue addressing human-elephant conflict and promoting long-term conservation. Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General of Aaranyak, emphasized that the organization’s 20-year conservation plan includes ecological studies, habitat restoration, and livelihood support for communities affected by elephant conflict—paving the way for lasting coexistence.