Assam conservationist Dr Bibhuti Lahkar wins the Neville Shulman Award to empower youth in wildlife conservation

Guwahati, Nov 7: A wildlife conservationist from Assam Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar is on a mission to empower young researchers to protect and preserve Northeast India’s ecological heritage.

Lahkar is one of the recipients of the 2024/25 Neville Shulman Award from Earthwatch Europe which funds environmental research that tackles pressing challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and freshwater pollution. He is the only Indian to receive the honour this time. The award has also been conferred on two other persons from different parts of the globe.

Dr. Lahkar, who leads Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division, has made significant strides in conserving Asian elephants and managing grassland habitats across Northeast India. His project, which aligns with the award’s mission, focuses on engaging Assam’s youth in wildlife conservation, equipping them to become stewards of India’s rich biodiversity.

“My project focuses on engaging young researchers in the conservation of wildlife and its habitat in Assam. I am interested in empowering and capacitating the youths who can be the future custodians of the rich biodiversity of Northeast India. I feel very privileged to receive this award and express my gratitude to Earthwatch for this support.”, Dr Lahkar said on being selected for the honour.

“I need to mentor 5 researchers on wildlife conservation and habitat improvement as part of this award,” he said.

In his role as the head of Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division, Dr. Lahkar has long championed the preservation of Asian elephants and the unique biodiversity of the region. His project not only highlights Assam’s conservation challenges but also offers a model for youth-led environmental action.

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