Assam’s biologist Purnima Devi Barman promotes hargila conservation in global event at Stuttgart

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 7, 2024

Assam’s renowned wildlife conservationist and senior biologist at Aaranyak, Purnima Devi Barman, has been invited as a distinguished guest by the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden in Stuttgart, Germany.

This invitation is part of their environment education program for October, where she will engage in an extensive learning and exchange experience. Barman, who has received multiple prestigious accolades such as the United Nations Champion of the Earth Award and the Whitley Fund for Nature’s Green Oscars, will share her expertise on conservation through workshops, talks, and educational activities.

She will also be a guest speaker at the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) annual conference, scheduled to take place at Leipzig Zoo from October 8 to 12. Her visit will focus on promoting environmental education and exchanging knowledge on wildlife conservation, particularly her efforts to conserve the greater adjutant stork (Hargila) in Assam.

Purnima has already arrived in Stuttgart, Germany, where she has commenced her participation in the learning exchange program on environmental education and Hargila conservation awareness. During her month-long engagement,

Barman will connect with numerous officials from European zoos and aquariums, including scientists and conservationists.

As part of her participation in the EAZA annual conference, which attracts around 900 attendees every year, she will deliver two talks. These talks will focus on the coexistence journey of the endangered Hargila (Greater Adjutant Stork) with local communities in Assam, and effective environmental education models that support the conservation of the stork and other bird species. Through her involvement, she aims to exchange knowledge and insights to further conservation efforts globally.

During her stay, Barman will visit several European zoos including the Zoo in Munich in Switzerland, Zoo in Frankfurt to collaborate on conservation efforts and promote awareness about endangered species.

Purnima’s visit marks an important collaboration between global conservation communities, advancing efforts to protect endangered species and fostering environmental education on an international scale.