Assam: Orang Nature Camp engages students in biodiversity conservation through immersive learning in tiger reserve

HORNBILL TV

The Assam Forest department has inaugurated the fourth edition of the Orang Nature Camp at the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve to engage students in biodiversity preservation.

Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 20 (HBTV): The Assam Forest Department, in collaboration with biodiversity conservation group Aaranyak, inaugurated the fourth edition of the Orang Nature Camp at the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve to engage students in biodiversity preservation.

The four-day residential camp, held from May 17 to 20, brought together 32 students from six nearby high schools for an educational experience in the wild. The camp was attended by Field Director of Orang Tiger Reserve Pradipta Baruah and Aaranyak's Secretary General Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar.

Dr Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Government of Assam, said the Forest Department leaves no stone unturned in its efforts to conserve the state’s protected areas.

Field Director Pradipta Baruah encouraged students and teachers to focus on the activities and lessons during the nature camp, stating that the knowledge gained would help them become more resourceful individuals, guided by nature's example as a great teacher.

Dr Talukdar expressed gratitude to the Assam Forest Department and the authorities at Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONP&TR) for facilitating a series of such camps. He urged students to learn from the sessions led by experts on biodiversity, and to share their knowledge with peers and families, thereby expanding the camp's reach within the community.

‘The Nature Camp is being organised from May 17 to 20 by Aaranyak, with support from DSWF, UK, to sensitise students to the importance of biodiversity and nature,’ said Arif Hussain, Manager in the Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) of Aaranyak, who has been instrumental in organising these camps over the years.

Students attending the camp were drawn from Sealmari High School, Vallabhai Higher Secondary School, Bechimari ME Madrasa, Sankardev Jatiya Bidyalaya, Keramot Ali ME School, Bosola High School, and Fatasimolu ME School.

Alongside officials from Orang Tiger Reserve, the camp is supported by wildlife photographer Nejib Ahmed of Wild Wings, senior journalist Swapan Nath, and local wildlife enthusiasts including Baharul Islam.

Senior forest officials and environmental experts are conducting sessions for the students. The camp includes indoor and outdoor activities, as well as a safari in the national park.

(ANI)