The Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society (MMES) recently organised an awareness programme on human–wildlife conflict and Bengal Florican conservation at Nava Dihira Gaon in Baksa district.
The programme, titled “Living with the Florican”, focused on issues related to human–elephant conflict and stressed the urgent need to protect the critically endangered Bengal Florican along with its grassland habitat. Nearly 80 youths and farmers from five villages of the Koklabari area took part in the event, highlighting increasing community involvement in conservation efforts.
Experts from the Forest Department, WWF, academic institutions and local community leaders addressed the gathering, sharing practical knowledge on wildlife conservation. The discussions covered protection of grassland habitats, scientific monitoring of the Bengal Florican, measures to reduce human–elephant conflict, and the use of solar fencing to minimise crop damage and promote coexistence.
During the programme, certificates were also distributed to volunteers who took part in the Bengal Florican Count for Conservation, recognising their role in field-level wildlife monitoring and data collection.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the resource persons, villagers and participants for their cooperation and active participation. Organisers said such community-led initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich areas like Baksa.
The awareness programme was supported by the Small Grants Programme (SGP) – OP7, which aims to encourage local participation in biodiversity conservation.