Living Lakes - Strategies to Protect the Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems

July-September | 2025
Global

Protection of Biodiversity

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Building Community Convergence: From Upskilling Community members to local Nature guides

Project Updates

“International Plastic Bag Free Day”: 3rd July, 2025, Deepor Beel, Guwahati, Assam

NEWS team visited local vendors along the banks of Deepor Beel, near the Watchtower, to raise awareness about reducing the use of plastic bags. The team also aimed to educate vendors on waste segregation and promote biodegradable wrapping for food and fruits. A total of ten local vendors, representing both male and female genders, were engaged in a brief questionnaire survey to assess their understanding and awareness of plastic pollution. Additionally, the team informed them about various strategies to minimize plastic usage. A short demonstration was conducted by NEWS personnel on how to create paper bags from newspapers, which can be useful in times of need. Overall, the event was successful, with NEWS personnel effectively conducting the survey, distributing handouts for making paper bags, and providing educational materials.

Session on "Odonata Identification on 11th July, 2025, Chakardo Community Hall, Chakardo, Guwahati

The citizen science initiative focused on Odonata identification, life cycle, and habitat preferences to enhance youth engagement in biodiversity monitoring. A PowerPoint presentation titled “Odonata: The Sparkling Bioindicator of the Ecosystem” introduced common species in Assam and Deepor Beel, emphasizing their ecological significance. Key topics included distinctions between dragonflies and damselflies, life cycle variations, predatory behaviours, and defence mechanisms. Three short documentaries supplemented the session. A total 8 numbers of youth group members participated on the session. Participants expressed appreciation for the session and interest in contributing to the India Biodiversity Portal. The meeting concluded with encouragement for ongoing engagement and support.

Bioblitz program with the Deepor Beel Youth Community on medicinal plants, birds, butterfly and odonatan on 14th July, 2025, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Graden, Guwahati

The Deepor Beel youth community, in collaboration with NEWS personnel, participated in a bioblitz program at the “Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden,” where they documented birds, butterflies, odonates, and medicinal plants. Dr. Swapna Devi Ray guided them on preparing checklists from opportunistic encounters, identifying diagnostic features, distinguishing sexes, and recognizing breeding traits and seasonal colour morphs, while local plant expert Mr. Lakshman Terron shared insights on the garden’s history, medicinal plants, and the impact of pollution on aquatic diversity. A total 8 numbers of youth community members participated on this bioblitz program. The participants uploaded their observations to the “India Biodiversity Portal,” under Dr. Ray’s guidance. The program concluded with a discussion on community-based monitoring in conservation, documenting 40 plant species, nine bird species, eight butterfly species, and six odonate species, including the Bengal Centaur Oakblue (Arhopala centaurus) and the Common Mime (Papilio clytia), both protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, along with invasive species such as Bitter Vine (Mimosa micrantha) and Lantana (Lantana camara).

Neemastra Demonstration under Biodiversity-friendly Agricultural Practices conducted for Farmers of Deepor Beel in the month of July 2025

NEWS under IKI-LLBCP demonstrated "Neemastra" - Preparation of a biodiversity-friendly, non-toxic alternative to synthetic pesticides that acts as a natural pest repellent without causing harm to beneficial insects. The demonstration promoted Biodiversity-friendly Agricultural Practices among the local community of farmers in villages - Chakardo, Keotpara, Deuripara, Hirapara, Baruahpara and Thakuriyapara from Deepor Beel, Assam in the month of July 25 with 19 farmers.

“Know Your Plants” session under citizen science activity for Deepor Beel Youth Group: 8th August, 2025, Chakardo Community Hall, Chakardo

A session was conducted on plant identification using vernacular names and the book “Seed Calendar” by Dr. Priyasa Saikia, including seed morphology and dispersal. The session commenced on how vernacular names can serve as tools for species identification in the case of plant species. A thorough discussion was held on the various shapes and sizes of seeds and their role in seed dispersal. A total 6 youth group members participated on the session followed by a discussion on upcoming field visit for bioblitz.

World Elephant Day 2025 celebrated on 12th August, 2025, at Desh
Bhakt Tarun Ram Phukan ME School, Chakardo, Pamohi, Guwahati

On 12th August 2025, NEWS celebrated Elephant Day with 38 students of Desh Bhakt Tarun Ram Phukan ME School. An informative presentation was shared by the team. Elephants play an important role as nature's engineers in seed dispersal. Ethical concerns for elephants used in the tourism and entertainment industry was also highlighted along with a video screening of a baby elephant rescue from Deepor Beel. Leaflets based on understanding elephant behavior were also distributed among the students, promoting a platform for discussion.

“Plant Pioneers: Empowering Communities Through Citizen Science”: 22nd August, 2025, at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden, Mikirpara-Chakardo, Guwahati, Assam

The initiative featured expert talks, competitive exam guidance, documentary screenings, and career insights to enhance youth engagement in plant conservation. Practical training and home garden surveys were conducted, with data to be uploaded to the India Biodiversity Portal. Participants showed strong commitment to ongoing bioblitz activities. Recommendations include establishing an Interpretation Centre at Deepor Beel, expanding expert sessions, mentorship, citizen science collaborations, ecotourism training, and awareness campaigns to empower youth as biodiversity stewards. A total of 26 participants attended the program, including youth group members, students and teachers from Parijat Academy, and local citizens.

Bamboo Handicraft Handholding Session from July to August, 2025 for 21 days, at Chakardo Community Hall, Chakardo, for the Deepor Beel Community Members-

NEWS conducted a 21-day Bamboo Handicraft Handholding Session at Chakardo Community Hall, Guwahati, to train Deepor Beel community members in traditional bamboo craft techniques. Led by expert Mr. Matiram Rabha, the program provided practical skills in bamboo product creation, promoting sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation. Participants produced various handicrafts and received initial market linkage through local activist Mr. Pramod Kalita’s store. Moving forward, a Self-Help Group will be formed to support ongoing production and sales, with NEWS monitoring progress to ensure sustainable community development and economic empowerment.

International Vulture Awareness Day 2025: 6th September, 2025, Holy Home Senior Secondary School, Pamohi

International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2025 was celebrated at Holy Home Senior Secondary School, Pamohi, Guwahati, through a comprehensive awareness program organized by NEWS (Nature, Environment and Wildlife Society). The event aimed to educate students and faculty about the ecological importance of vultures, the threats they face, and the urgent need for their conservation. A total 35 numbers of students participated including two teachers of class 9th Grade. Activities included a detailed presentation on vulture biology and conservation challenges, an interactive session encouraging active participation, and the screening of an Assamese documentary titled “Vanishing Vultures” that highlighted both the plight and conservation efforts of vultures. A symbolic “Pledge Tree” activity was conducted to foster personal and collective commitment towards protecting vultures and their habitats. The program successfully raised awareness, inspired environmental stewardship, and strengthened the school community’s resolve to contribute to biodiversity conservation.

International Vulture Awareness Day 2025 on 12th September, 2025 with Deepor Beel Youth group, Triassam Store, Near to Deepor Beel

In observance of International Vulture Awareness Day 2025, a citizen science initiative was conducted to raise youth awareness and participation in vulture conservation. The program included screenings of two documentaries highlighting vulture ecology, threats, and ecosystem roles, followed by interactive discussions. Participants received practical training in field research methodologies and were briefed by Dr. Ray on the “Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre” at Rani, Assam, covering captive breeding, rehabilitation, research, and community engagement. A total 5 members from youth group participated on the program. The initiative effectively enhanced knowledge, skills, and commitment among youth, fostering sustained involvement in biodiversity preservation and vulture protection.

Demonstration of Agniastra under Biodiversity Friendly agricultural practices conducted in the month of September 2025

A hands-on demonstration session on the preparation of Agniastra, a natural pest management formulation, was conducted for farmers in the Deepor Beel project area. The session took place at three different locations within the project area: Chakardo Kalitapara, Thakuriyapara, and Hirapara, covering four farmer groups. The locations were selected based on farmers’ availability and proximity to their villages. A total of 18 farmers attended and actively participated in the session.