More than a recreational outdoor programme, a three-day Summer Nature Camp in the Manas Landscape gave young participants an immersive understanding of biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, sustainable livelihoods and community-led conservation, demonstrating how people and nature can thrive together.
Held during July 4-6 at Koklabari, the camp brought together students and young nature enthusiasts for experiential learning across forests, rivers and villages surrounding the Manas World Heritage Site.
The camp was inaugurated by Mr. Mrinal Daimari, Assistant Field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve; Mr. Chandrakanta Basumatary, Range Officer, Bhuyanpara; Mr. Kamal Azad, Assam Gaurav awardee and noted social worker; Mr. Rustom Basumatary, research scholar and social worker; Ms. Rina Daimari, renowned bird watcher; Chairperson of Kamardisha VCDC; and Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed, Head of the Tiger Research and Conservation Division, Aaranyak. The programme opened with a traditional Bodo Aros (prayer) performed by members of the Ferenga Ecotourism Group, a local youth collective promoting ecotourism as a sustainable livelihood.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Chandrakanta Basumatary recalled the historic Maozigendri Movement of the early 2000s, which strengthened community participation in conserving wildlife and habitats in and around the Manas World Heritage Site. Mr. Mrinal Daimari highlighted the importance of blending traditional knowledge with local resources to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and encouraged wider recognition of conservation success stories emerging from Manas and the Bodoland region.
Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed said Aaranyak’s long-term collaboration with local communities has helped restore wildlife populations while improving community well-being. He noted that integrated conservation efforts have contributed to the recovery of tiger numbers in Manas from 14 individuals in 2015 to nearly 60 in 2026, supported by habitat protection and reduced dependence on forest resources.
Throughout the camp, participants explored village ecosystems, interacted with community elders, documented local biodiversity and learned about indigenous weather forecasting, traditional rainfall classifications and cultural conservation practices. They also experienced authentic Bodo cuisine prepared by the Dwisa Sher Bodo Cuisine Women’s Group.
Field sessions included a river walk to understand freshwater ecosystems and a visit to traditional homestead agroforestry systems in Hatijan village, where participants observed how biodiversity, agriculture and culture remain closely interconnected.
One of the camp’s highlights was a guided nocturnal walk along the boundary of Manas National Park led by Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed, during which participants observed frogs, learned about their ecological importance and witnessed thousands of fireflies illuminating the forest. For many, it was their first such experience in more than a decade.
On the final day, participants learned indigenous fishing techniques in the Sewali River using traditional gears such as Jekhai and Khada, alongside hand-fishing methods practised for generations. Guided by local women, they also explored sustainable harvesting of wild edible plants through a community-led foraging session.
The technical sessions and field activities were led by Mr. Jayanta Kumar Sarma, Ms. Gayatri Dutta, Mr. Kamal Azad and Mr. Bijit Baro, with coordination and support from Ms. Nibedita Talukder, Ms. Momita Narzary, Detsung Basumatary, Sunny Paul, Pankaj Das, Majammil Hoque, Bijay Basumatary, Barnali Baro, and members of the Ferenga Ecotourism Group, whose collective efforts made the immersive learning experience possible.