Detailed Notes
Aaranyak: Assam's First Non-Profit Biodiversity Conservation Organization
Aaranyak works through a science-based and community-driven approach, integrating applied research, environmental education, capacity building and policy advocacy. It is recognized by the Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) and operates as a multidisciplinary institution comprising biologists, conservation scientists, community workers, educators and environmental legal experts.
Origin and Growth
Aaranyak began in 1989 as a small nature club formed by young environmental enthusiasts. Its first major conservation effort focused on saving the White Winged Wood Duck (Deo Hah) in the Dibru-Saikhowa Sanctuary, where illegal fishing and poaching threatened the species. The organization filed a petition against violations of wildlife and forest protection laws, and the verdict favored Aaranyak. This early success laid the foundation for its evolution into one of India's most respected biodiversity conservation institutions.
Over the years, Aaranyak expanded from a grassroots movement into a nationally and internationally recognized organization and became a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has since established itself as a major contributor to environmental protection, research excellence and sustainable development across the Northeast region.
Core Mission and Objectives
Aaranyak's mission is to promote biodiversity conservation by fostering scientific research, environmental awareness, education and sustainable livelihood development. Its key objectives include:
Creating public awareness about maintaining ecological balance
Conserving and restoring ecosystems across Northeast India
Educating school children about wildlife and natural habitats
Strengthening interstate and international NGO networks for conservation
Preventing wildlife trade through public awareness and legal action
Supporting communities near forests and protected areas to reduce dependency on natural resources
Advancing applied research for sustainable livelihood generation
Key Areas of Work
Aaranyak specializes in conserving endangered species such as the Greater Adjutant Stork, one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, tigers and primates. It supports forest departments with anti-poaching operations, GIS mapping, human-elephant conflict mitigation and habitat restoration.
The organization operates a K9 sniffer dog squad to combat wildlife crime and runs a Wildlife Genetics Laboratory for forensic research. It also applies GIS, remote sensing and climate science tools to address issues related to wetlands, floods, droughts and water resource management.
Community engagement is central to Aaranyak's conservation strategy. By working closely with local populations, especially women and youth, it promotes sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on forest ecosystems and improve rural resilience.
Institutional Structure and Capacity
Aaranyak functions through 14 specialized divisions, of which 8 focus on key threatened species of Northeast India, while the remaining divisions address broader biodiversity, water, climate and ecosystem research priorities. The organization employs around 220 full-time staff members and works with over 500 members and collaborators.
The organization is led by its founder Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, who serves as Secretary General and CEO, and is internationally recognized for his contributions to wildlife conservation.
Major Achievements and Awards
Aaranyak has received several national and international recognitions for its impactful conservation work:
Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar 2012 by the Government of India
Mark Shand Award presented by Elephant Family at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, in the presence of King Charles and Queen Camilla
SGP Best Innovation Award by UNDP and TERI
Seuj Sandhan - In Search of Green - Award 2024
Biju Phukan Best NGO Award 2023
Institutional Award in the Field of Science and Technology 2017 by the Government of Assam
Lighthouse Activity Award 2014 for Community Based Flood Early Warning System
Sansad Adarsha Gram Yojana Good Practices Award 2015
RBS Earth Heroes Award 2011
Its documentary Manas and People won the Best Environment Film award at the 68th National Film Awards 2022. Aaranyak was also honored by the Balipara Foundation in 2025 for completing 35 years of biodiversity conservation work.
National and International Recognition
Aaranyak is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, since 27 February 2006. It is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has served as a member of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The organization has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dibrugarh University to strengthen wildlife research and academic collaboration.
Founder Dr. Bibhab Talukdar has served as a member of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), contributing to national forestry research and policy development.
Headquarters and Contact
Address : 13 Tayab Ali Byelane, Bishnu Rabha Path, Beltola, Guwahati, Assam - 781028
Official Website : https://aaranyak.org
Phone Number : +91-361-2230250
Significance
As Assam's first non-profit biodiversity conservation organization, Aaranyak plays a pivotal role in shaping conservation science, wildlife protection, environmental education and sustainable development in Northeast India. Through community engagement, advanced research and policy advocacy, it continues to strengthen India's environmental governance and ecological resilience.