Dr. Purnima Devi awarded with Whitley Gold Award 2024

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman Wins Whitley Gold Award

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, India, has been honored with the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for the second time in her illustrious career.

This esteemed accolade, often referred to as the 'Green Oscar,' recognizes her unwavering dedication to conserving the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as 'Hargila,' and its wetland habitat.

Dr. Barman's remarkable achievements in wildlife conservation and her ability to mobilize local communities have garnered global recognition, cementing her status as a trailblazer in grassroots conservation efforts.

Dr. Barman's Journey and Mobilization Efforts

Dr. Barman's passion for the Greater Adjutant Stork took root during her childhood, when she witnessed the societal aversion towards these majestic birds. Despite their crucial role in the wetland ecosystem, the Hargila was often perceived as a nuisance, leading to the destruction of their nesting sites.

Undeterred by these challenges, Dr. Barman embarked on a mission to change the narrative and rally local support for the conservation of these remarkable creatures.

Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Barman founded the 'Hargila Army of Stork Sisters,' a grassroots movement comprising local women dedicated to protecting the storks' nesting areas. Her approach focused on empowering communities and fostering a sense of ownership over conservation initiatives.

By engaging with villagers and sharing her knowledge, Dr. Barman successfully transformed negative perceptions, ensuring that the Hargila was now embraced as a symbol of cultural pride.

Reversing the Decline and Expanding Reach

Dr. Barman's interventions proved pivotal in reversing the alarming decline of the Hargila population, which had dwindled to a mere 450 birds in Northeast India.

Through her collaborative efforts with the local wildlife NGO Aaranyak, she implemented targeted conservation strategies that not only safeguarded nesting sites but also raised awareness about the ecological significance of these storks.

The impact of Dr. Barman's work has been nothing short of remarkable. The Hargila population has now quadrupled, exceeding 1,800 individuals, a testament to the efficacy of her community-driven approach.

Emboldened by this success, Dr. Barman has set an ambitious target to double the global population of the Greater Adjutant Stork to 5,000 by 2030, extending her efforts to other regions within India and Cambodia, where these storks reside.

Scaling Up Conservation through Education and Collaboration

Recognizing the importance of sustainable conservation practices, Dr. Barman has prioritized conservation education among Assamese students. By instilling a deeper appreciation for biodiversity from an early age, she aims to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.

Additionally, her initiatives include knowledge exchange programs between universities, fostering cross-border collaboration, and sharing of best practices in wildlife conservation.

Global Recognition and Support

Dr. Barman's extraordinary achievements have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting grassroots conservation leaders, has recognized her exceptional efforts by bestowing upon her the Whitley Gold Award for the second time.

This prestigious award, presented by charity patron Princess Anne – the Princess Royal, sister of King Charles III – at the Royal Geographical Society award ceremony in London, comes with a prize of GBP 50,000 in project funding for one year.

The Whitley Awards not only provide financial support but also offer enhanced visibility, networking opportunities, and training to the winners.

This recognition serves as a powerful testament to the crucial role played by grassroots conservationists in addressing global biodiversity and climate crises, inspiring others to follow in Dr. Barman's footsteps.

Conclusion

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman's unwavering dedication to the conservation of the Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat has earned her well-deserved acclaim on the international stage.

Her innovative approach, rooted in community engagement and empowerment, has transformed the narrative surrounding these magnificent birds, ensuring their protection and preservation for future generations.

As she continues to scale up her efforts across India and beyond, Dr. Barman's pioneering work serves as an inspiration to conservationists worldwide, reinforcing the importance of grassroots initiatives in safeguarding our planet's rich biodiversity.