Guwahati: Twenty-five nature enthusiasts and conservationists from across India and the world are set to delve into the pristine landscape and biodiversity of the Upper Siang Valley at the Siang Biodiversity Meet.
Scheduled from May 12 to May 18 at Gobuk and Ramsing villages in the Upper Siang district, the meet signifies a commitment to local communities, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability. Participants will immerse themselves in the Siang ecosystem through guided nature trails, educational presentations, and community engagement, aimed at fostering biodiversity conservation.
The impetus for the event stems from the discovery of 10 new moth species in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, a first for India. These findings, published in the latest issue of the international scientific journal Tropical Lepidoptera Research, are the result of two years of community-led conservation initiatives since 2022, spearheaded by the Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism.
In addition to moth varieties, a 65-day survey conducted over the past two years revealed over 250 butterfly species, 650 moth species, 200 bird species, and numerous odonates. Notable butterfly species include the Dark Freak, Blue-bordered Sergeant, Elusive Prince, Brown Gorgon, Yellow Gorgon, Margined Hedge Blue, and the Khaki Silverline. These findings underscore the significance of the Upper Siang district, spanning 6,000 sq km, as a biodiversity hotspot and a sanctuary for pollinators.
The Siang Biodiversity Meet is organized by the Epum Sirum Welfare Society and Gobuk Welfare Society, community-based organizations based in Gobuk, in collaboration with the Titli Trust, a non-profit organization focused on Himalayan conservation and livelihoods. The event receives support from The Mouling National Park, the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, and Royal Enfield.
Sanjay Sondhi, founder of Titli Trust, remarked, “Titli Trust’s collaboration with forest-dwelling communities in Gobuk, supported by Royal Enfield, has yielded positive results. The Adi tribe, comprising the majority of the 1,200 residents, has embraced conservation and nature-linked livelihoods, significantly reducing hunting. The discovery of 10 new moth species in their area was met with surprise and delight.”
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield, emphasized their commitment to community-led conservation and responsible tourism in the Himalayas. She stated, “We aim to support climate schools, responsible tourism fellowships, and green livelihoods, empowering youth to lead climate action.”
The Gobuk village has enforced a hunting ban in their forests as part of their conservation initiatives. The Green School, supported by Royal Enfield through Green Hub – Dusty Foot Foundation, educates children and youth about nature conservation. The event will promote responsible travel practices such as zero waste and traditional biodegradable food packaging, offering homestays and green tourism experiences.
Royal Enfield sees its support for Siang conservation efforts as a step towards fostering responsible tourism and sustainable development in the Himalayas, a region it considers its ‘spiritual home.’ The brand’s social mission aims to build resilience in Himalayan communities and landscapes, with a goal of enabling 100 communities to thrive by 2030 despite climate change challenges.
The Siang Biodiversity Meet is poised to inspire collective action and forge partnerships to shape the future of conservation and responsible tourism in the Himalayan landscape.
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