Northeast Desk, 13th May: In a groundbreaking revelation for biodiversity conservation, Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district unveils ten new moth records for India, marking a significant milestone in environmental research. The discovery comes on the heels of a comprehensive community-led conservation effort initiated by the Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism. Scheduled from May 12 to 18, the inaugural Siang Biodiversity Meet aims to spotlight the region’s ecological richness and promote responsible tourism practices.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district has emerged as a haven for biodiversity, with the recent discovery of ten new moth species setting a precedent in environmental research. Led by the Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism, this groundbreaking finding underscores the region’s ecological significance and highlights the need for sustainable conservation efforts.
The two-year survey conducted by the Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project yielded remarkable results, revealing not only the ten new moth records but also an array of diverse flora and fauna. The Upper Siang district, spanning over 6,000 sq km, boasts over 250 butterfly species, 650 moth species, 200 bird species, and numerous species of odonates. Among the notable findings are rare butterfly species like the Dark Freak, Blue-bordered Sergeant, and Elusive Prince, reaffirming the area’s status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, lauded the community-led conservation efforts and emphasized the importance of responsible tourism in preserving the Himalayan ecosystem. Through initiatives like climate schools and responsible tourism fellowships, the project aims to empower local youth to champion climate action and biodiversity conservation.
The conservation initiatives spearheaded by the Titli Trust have already begun to yield tangible results. Gobuk village, inspired by the project’s ethos, has implemented a ban on hunting in their forests, signaling a paradigm shift towards nature-centric livelihoods. Additionally, the Green School initiative, supported by Royal Enfield, is fostering environmental awareness among children and youth, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Sanjay Sondhi, founder of Titli Trust, hailed the positive impact of the project on forest-dwelling communities, particularly the Adi tribe in Gobuk village. He underscored the community’s rapid adoption of conservation practices and highlighted their role in preserving the region’s biodiversity.
In conjunction with the moth discoveries, the Siang Biodiversity Meet, scheduled from May 12 to 18, aims to celebrate the region’s ecological wealth and foster partnerships for sustainable development. Organized by local community-based organizations and supported by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and Royal Enfield, the event will feature guided nature trails, educational presentations, and community engagement activities.
As Royal Enfield continues to champion conservation efforts in the Himalayas, the Siang Biodiversity Meet serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism and building resilience in mountain communities. With a vision to enable 100 Himalayan communities to thrive amidst climate change by 2030, Royal Enfield aims to inspire a global movement towards sustainable exploration and environmental stewardship.
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