Women living in villages around the Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary (LBWLS) are transforming the invasive water hyacinth weed into eco-friendly handicrafts, creating a sustainable source of livelihood while supporting conservation efforts in the region.
Located in the Assam valley and connected to the landscape of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the Laokhowa-Burhachapori sanctuary has been undergoing ecological restoration after large-scale eviction drives cleared encroachments from the protected area, once known as a major habitat for the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
To reduce the dependence of nearby communities on forest resources and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve authority and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, launched a project promoting water-hyacinth craft among women living near the sanctuary.
The initiative is being supported by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).
Abundant water hyacinth available across the wetland-rich landscape of LBWLS is being used as raw material for producing handcrafted items. Two women’s groups were trained by expert instructors and provided with equipment and market support to manufacture eco-friendly products.
The initiative is being led by Arif Hussain from Aaranyak’s Rhino Research and Conservation Division.
He also acknowledged the support extended by Dr Sonali Ghose, stating that the project aims not only at livelihood generation but also at securing wildlife habitats in the sanctuary landscape.
Rajib Hazarika praised the initiative, saying such livelihood projects improve coordination between local communities and the Forest Department, which ultimately benefits wildlife conservation.
However, he also highlighted the need to improve the durability of water-hyacinth products, noting that the material absorbs moisture easily and may decay quickly.
At present, two self-help groups comprising around 20 women are fully engaged in producing and selling water-hyacinth handicrafts in markets across Nagaon, Kaziranga and nearby areas.
Most of the women involved are homemakers who work from manufacturing units set up at Singimari village under the Pragati Self Help Group and Kaliadinga village under the Bonani Self Help Group in Laokhowa.
Master trainer Anjuma Begum said the initiative has enabled women to earn a regular monthly income without affecting their household responsibilities.
After receiving advanced-level training, the women are now producing a wide range of market-friendly items including dining mats, table runners, baskets, handbags, purses, serving bowls, tissue boxes, mobile holders, hanging flower vases and hats.
Commercial production began in February 2023 following the completion of advanced training sessions.
According to Aaranyak official Arif Hussain, the organisation has also been helping the groups secure bulk orders and expand market linkages so that the craftswomen can increase their earnings as demand for the eco-friendly products grows.