Home / Environment / Assam's 'Stork Sister' Wins Nat Geo Wayfinder Award
Assam's 'Stork Sister' Wins Nat Geo Wayfinder Award
4 Sep
Summary
- Purnima Devi Barman awarded 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award.
- She founded the 'Hargila Army' of women protecting storks.
- Her efforts significantly increased stork population and chick survival.
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese conservationist, has been honored with the 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award for her vital work with endangered wildlife. This award celebrates her unique approach to conservation, focusing on grassroots community involvement.
Dr. Barman is renowned for establishing the 'Hargila Army,' a women-led initiative aimed at protecting the greater adjutant stork, locally called 'hargila.' This movement has mobilized thousands of women to safeguard nesting habitats and raise awareness.
Her dedicated efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the greater adjutant stork population in Assam and a high chick survival rate. Dr. Barman's conservation model, emphasizing local empowerment, is gaining international attention as a blueprint for endangered species protection.
This recognition adds to Dr. Barman's list of accolades, including the Whitley Award and India's Nari Shakti Puraskar, underscoring her significant impact on conservation and community development.
