Guwahati, June 5: A workshop organised for journalists covering areas close to human-elephant conflict (HEC) hotspots and affected area in Baksa district of Assam, focused on the important role the media can play in HEC mitigation through reportage that highlight ways for human-wildlife coexistence and scientific mitigation measure that facilitate conservation of wildlife overcoming adversity in the ground.

Premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) organised the sensitisation workshop on Sunday for media personnel in collaboration with Mushalpur Press Club, and Baksa Press Club with support from the SBI Foundation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Gracing the workshop, P K Brahma, DFO Baksa Division interacted with the journalists and spoke on the drivers of human elephant conflict while senior scientist from Aaranyak Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar described in detail the current human wildlife conflict scenario and on potential effective measures to promote coexistence.

Jayanta Pathak an environmental educator from Aaranyak talked on how critical thinking and scientific approach on part of the journalists while reporting news on wildlife conservation will help coexistence and conflict mitigation.

Pathak also threw light on linking nature-based solutions and traditional knowledge to contribute towards circular economy and human wellbeing.

Aaranyak official Anjan Baruah moderated the workshop where senior conservation biologist from Aaranyak Dr Alolika Sinha interacted with the journalists. Researcher Abhijit Saikia assisted in note making.

Faculties from Azim Premji University, Bangalore, Ms. Ekhanee Baruah and Mr. Samudra Gogoi, along with their student Ajay Salve, who is currently an intern with Aaranyak, were present in the workshop that was attended by 21 journalists from both print and digital media.  Journalist Dilip Kumar Haloi made concluding remarks in the workshop that ended with vote of thanks from Alkash Ali.