Purnima Devi Barman Wins 'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award 2024 for the Second Time
Recognition for Conservation Efforts in Assam
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, has been honored with the Whitley Gold Award 2024, also known as the Green Oscar, for her exceptional work in wildlife conservation. This is her second Whitley Gold Award, having previously received it in 2017. Dr. Barman's efforts in the conservation of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, known as Hargila, and its wetland habitat have earned her this prestigious recognition.
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| Purnima Devi Burman honored with 'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award 2024 for the second time |
Conservation Efforts for the Greater Adjutant Stork
The Greater Adjutant Stork, a large bird that feeds on decaying organic matter, was once considered an unwanted species due to its scavenging habits. Its nesting sites on trees were often destroyed by local people. Dr. Barman's conservation initiative aimed to change public perception and protect the stork's habitat.
Through her dedicated work, Dr. Barman has managed to unite the local community, forming the Hargila Sena, and has effectively transformed attitudes towards the bird. Thanks to these efforts, the population of the Greater Adjutant Stork has grown from around 450 to over 1,800, a remarkable increase in a relatively short period.
Whitley Gold Award Presentation and Future Goals
Dr. Barman received the Whitley Gold Award trophy from charity patron Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at the Royal Geographical Society Awards ceremony in London, United Kingdom. The Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-registered charity, established the Whitley Gold Awards in 2007 to recognize outstanding contributions to nature conservation.
Dr. Barman's goal is to double the global population of the Greater Adjutant Stork to 5,000 by 2030. To achieve this, she is actively working in India and Cambodia through a network of grassroots activists, raising awareness, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Her dedication and success in protecting the Hargila bird have garnered international acclaim.
Recognition and Celebration of Conservation Success
To acknowledge Dr. Barman's significant contribution to conservation, the Government of Assam observed 7 October 2022 as "Hagrila Day." This special day celebrated the success of Dr. Barman and the Hargila Sena in their mission to protect the Greater Adjutant Stork.
Whitley Award 2024 Winners
The Whitley Gold Award carries a prize of GBP 100,000, supporting recipients' ongoing conservation projects. In addition to Dr. Barman, other winners of the Whitley Award 2024 include:
- Naomi Longa from Papua New Guinea.
- Raju Sharma from Nepal.
- Aristide Kamala from Cameroon.
- Kuenzang Dorji from Bhutan.
- Fernanda Abra from Brazil.
- Leroy Ignacio from Guyana.
Conclusion
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman's second Whitley Gold Award is a testament to her dedication and success in wildlife conservation. Her efforts to protect the Greater Adjutant Stork and its habitat have not only helped restore a critically endangered species but have also inspired others to take action for conservation. The recognition she receives serves as a beacon of hope for those working to preserve our planet's biodiversity.
