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Assam's Purnima Devi Barman Receives 'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award for Conservation Efforts
In a prestigious acknowledgment of her dedicated conservation work, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist hailing from Assam, has been bestowed with the esteemed Whitley Gold Award by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN). The GBP 1,00,000 award, often dubbed the 'Green Oscar,' was presented to Dr. Barman at a ceremonious event held at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Dr. Barman's remarkable efforts have centered on the preservation of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as "Hargila," and its crucial wetland habitat. Despite facing dwindling numbers, with only an estimated 450 birds remaining in Northeast India, Dr. Barman's intervention has led to a remarkable turnaround. Through galvanizing local communities, particularly women, and collaborating with organizations like the local wildlife NGO Aaranyak, she has seen the population of these majestic birds quadruple to over 1,800.
The significance of Dr. Barman's work extends beyond mere conservation efforts; it embodies a profound cultural and ecological reverence for the Hargila. Her project not only aims to increase the number of breeding pairs but also seeks to empower local women as advocates for the stork's protection, forming what she terms the 'Hargila Army' of 'Stork Sister' advocates.
Furthermore, Dr. Barman's vision extends globally, aiming to double the global population of the Greater Adjutant Stork to 5,000 by 2030. Her scale-up measures encompass collaborative efforts across India and Cambodia, involving extensive conservation education initiatives and knowledge exchange programs.
Dr. Barman's recognition with the Whitley Gold Award underscores the critical role of grassroots conservation leaders in addressing global biodiversity and climate crises. Her exemplary dedication not only safeguards a species but also highlights the intricate ecological balance and cultural significance intertwined with wildlife preservation.
The accolade received by Dr. Purnima Devi Barman serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, amplifying the imperative for collective action in nurturing and protecting our natural heritage for generations to come.
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