Itanagar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at bridging traditional leadership with modern conservation efforts, thirty Gaon Burahs and Gaon Burihs (village elders) from Arunachal Pradesh embarked on a three-day exposure-cum-awareness tour to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
The initiative, flagged off by 38th East Pasighat Assembly Constituency MLA Tapi Darang, seeks to cultivate environmental stewardship and promote eco-tourism among rural leaders.
The participants, hailing from Bosing and Bogong village clusters, will immerse themselves in learning experiences that include jungle safaris, community interaction sessions, and conservation briefings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The goal is to inspire these village heads to become advocates for wildlife preservation and sustainable practices in their home regions.
During the flag-off ceremony, MLA Darang urged the elders to take a proactive stance against rampant hunting and illegal wildlife practices, especially in support of the ongoing Air Gun Surrender campaign. He expressed hope that the knowledge gained from this tour would spark a lasting shift toward community-driven environmental protection. “I believe this exposure tour will bring positive change in our society in the years to come,” he remarked.
NPP Block President and senior citizen Gagam Ering praised the tour as a visionary step, emphasizing the importance of educating grassroots leaders on the long-term benefits of eco-tourism and conservation for future generations.
Kenpi Ete, DFO of the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, noted that Kaziranga’s globally acclaimed community-based conservation model could serve as an example for Arunachal’s rural belt. He reiterated that genuine biodiversity protection hinges on the involvement of local stakeholders.
District Tourism Officer Leena Perme shared insights on Kaziranga’s success in linking conservation with economic upliftment. She pointed out how wildlife tourism has empowered local residents through homestays and related services—a replicable model that could boost village economies across Arunachal Pradesh.
The group, led by nature guide and journalist Gandhi Darang, will also participate in a plantation drive within the park, symbolizing their collective commitment to nurturing the environment. The tour, taking place from April 4 to 6, is fully sponsored by MLA Tapi Darang and reflects a growing resolve within the state to blend cultural traditions with contemporary environmental consciousness.