JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use the Site in standard view. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To use standard view, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options.

 
You are here : Home Assamese biologist wins RBS Earth Heroes Award
| Last Updated:: 17/10/2016

Assamese biologist wins RBS Earth Heroes Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) assessed the state the Greater Adjutant Stork was in, the picture was grim. The species went on to be evaluated as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The cause found a crusader in Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese wildlife biologist and conservationist, whose efforts have earned her the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Earth Heroes Award 2016.

 



The RBS instituted the award in 2011 in an attempt to recognize and honour individuals and institutions who work to preserve and protect the ecosystem.

 



"It is indeed an honour for me to be here and receive this award. I think it will motivate those who are working to save the environment. I am grateful to the RBS Foundation and jury members," Barman told TOI after receiving her award in New Delhi on Friday.

 

 


Barman has been working with women in Dadara and Pachariya villages of Kamrup district to save the Greater Adjutant Stork. She dedicated her award, given under 'Save the Species', to the two village committees, the Sankardev Sishi Niketan in Dadara, police, Kamrup district administration and the Assam State Zoo, besides her team members.

 

 


"I am happy our work has been recognized. It was only made possible with cooperation from everyone. I want to share my happiness with everybody associated with the work," said Barman, who is associated with Aaranyak, a city-based NGO which works for wildlife conservation.

 

 


Aaranyak had won the Earth Guardian Award given by the RBS in 2011. Another conservationist of Assam, Jadav Payeng, had won the RBS Green Warrior Award in 2013.

 

 

 


According to the IUCN, the total population of the Greater Adjutant Stork is estimated to be between 1,200 and 1,800. The IUCN, which is the world's oldest and largest global environmental network, further said that around 800 birds are found in Assam and at least 156 birds in Bihar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: The Times of India