Guwahati: Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organization, held the eighth chapter of its “Nature’s Wonderland: A Journey of Curiosity” program on December 15th.
The event, organized in collaboration with Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden and Wipro Earthian, focused on reconnecting participants with nature within Guwahati’s urban environment.
Guwahati, a distinctive urban area within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, is ringed by eighteen hills, eight Reserve Forests, two Wildlife Sanctuaries, the acclaimed Ramsar site Deepor Beel, and the mighty Brahmaputra River, making it a sought-after place to live.
Thirty individuals, including students and their parents, participated in the program. Tikendrajit Gogoi, Project Officer of Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division, introduced the event. Experts from various fields, including Pranjal Mahananda, Biologist at Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden; Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, renowned herpetologist and CEO of Help Earth; Abhisek Sarkar, GIS Expert at Aaranyak; and Nitul Kalita, Project Officer of the Tiger Research & Conservation Division (TRCD) of Aaranyak, guided the participants.
The program emphasized the importance of urban biodiversity for human well-being and highlighted the role of green spaces, water bodies, flora, and fauna in urban areas. Experts led discussions on various aspects of urban biodiversity, including the significance of zoological parks in fostering a love for nature, the impact of climate change on herpetofauna, and the role of citizen-driven conservation efforts. Abhisek Sarkar discussed how GIS and remote sensing contribute to environmental conservation. Nitul Kalita shared insights into birdwatching, bird ecology, habitat characteristics, and the significance of animal pugmarks in conservation research.
“Nature’s Wonderland” is an initiative by Aaranyak that aims to promote nature learning through experiential learning. The series explores green landscapes, water bodies, flora, fauna, and nature-based traditions practiced by indigenous communities in and around urban areas. The program follows a series of guided tours in green landscapes around Guwahati, focusing on the roles of biotic and abiotic factors, ecosystem significance, environmental challenges, and conservation strategies.
Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Aaranyak’s Senior Manager of Environment Education and Capacity Building, expounded on “Nature’s Wonderland” and emphasized urban biodiversity and eco-therapy. He also shared insights into the healing power of forest bathing and discussed future student involvement in documenting urban biodiversity.
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