Guwahati: Aaranyak’s conservation biologist Dr Purnima Devi Barman has been rewarded for her tireless work in conserving the endangered greater adjutant or Hargila (as called locally by the community in Assam), one of the world’s rarest storks.
Whitley Fund of Nature gave the Gold Award to Aaranyak’s conservation biologist Dr Purnima Devi Barman, saying that her work has successfully changed local attitudes around the unique Greater Adjutant Stork and galvanised local people, primarily women, to safeguard nests.
“For me, the Gold award means the victory of Hargila..a species which always faced negative perception won the Gold…I dedicate this award to the people of Assam who blessed me. This is also a victory for every woman ..our Assamese women are strong and courageous. They can make every impossible thing happen, and they are an integral part of nature,” an elated Purnima Devi Barman told EastMojo.
Whitley Fund of Nature said she will now scale up conservation efforts to the state of Bihar in East India and into Cambodia to encompass the global geographic range of the stork – and increase the population to 5,000 birds by 2030.
She will grow community-driven conservation initiatives to bolster the number of Greater Adjutant breeding pairs by 20% within two years by safeguarding the four nesting colonies in Assam.
Purnima will now expand the support of local women to grow the ‘Hargila Army’ of stork advocates from 10,000 to 20,000 participants.
She will establish a collaborative network of Whitley Fund for Nature alumni, students, scientists and policymakers. This will involve providing conservation education to more than 20,000 Assamese students and a knowledge exchange programme between students at Bihar University and the University of Assam.
She will join forces with the Ethical Conservation Alliance – pioneered by fellow WFN alumni – to share experiences and support conservation practitioners around the world to build respectful partnerships with local and indigenous communities.
“The award is meant for the women in the community who have been my source of strength in the journey so far. It is a message from women from the country to the world how we through dedication and commitment can spur conservation efforts,” said Dr Purnima, who has been invited by the India High Commissioner in London for a felicitation tomorrow.
This recognition marks a significant achievement not only for Dr Barman but also for Assam and the rest of the country as well as brings to focus women’s power in biodiversity conservation on the global stage.
A Whitley Award winner in 2017, Purnima received Continuation Funding in 2019. With the support of WFN and other partners, Purnima and her team have delivered impressive results:
IMPACT: The local Greater Adjutant Stork population in Assam has increased from 750 to more than 1,800, making it currently home to the largest Greater Adjutant nesting colony in the world.
Nests have increased to 250 in 2021 from just one nesting colony of 27 in 2007 located in the Kamrup District in northeast Assam, which has since been recognised as an Important Bird Area and secured under the Indian Biodiversity Act.
The project has rescued more than 500 Greater Adjutant chicks that have fallen from nests. A total of 45,000 saplings have been planted near the stork nesting trees and wetland areas to increase nesting habitat.
The IUCN now estimates the bird’s global population to be at least 3,180 and in 2023 reclassified the species from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’, a testament to the success of Purnima’s work.
The ‘Hargila Army’ conservation movement has now engaged 10,000 local women in advocacy, education and empowerment activities ~1,000 women have been trained and supported to develop sustainable livelihoods such as weaving and horticulture.
As the Team Aaranyak rejoices in her feat, the Secretary-General and the CEO of Aaranyak, Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar said, “The achievement of Dr Purnima Devi Barman who has been associated with Aaranyak since 2002, has made the Team Aaranyak proud and encouraged all of us to strive to excel in our relentless mission to nourish nature to secure the future of animal kingdom on the planet.
“Purnima Devi’s exemplary dedication towards conservation of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork through overwhelming cooperation from community women highlights how the role of women is so important for the conservation of biodiversity. Her ability to induce the community to put up sustained team efforts for the conservation of biodiversity has stood out across the planet and the award has reaffirmed it.”
Aaranyak’s other woman leader Dr Alolika Sinha said, “Purnima Devi’s conservation efforts are incredible and an inspiration for the conservationists, particularly for all the women who are doing their bit to save the planet.”
“The award adds recognition to her dedicated efforts in conserving the endangered greater adjutant stork (Hargila). Her work has not only inspired Aaranyak but also made women everywhere proud,” said Head of Operation of Aaranyak, Mridusmrita Devi.
Also Read: Security forces apprehend 4, including insurgents in Manipur