Will Assam’s Hargila Army Work Globally?

Introduction

In a remarkable example of cross-border conservation, the successful Assam conservation model for the greater adjutant stork has been adapted in Cambodia. This effort focuses on the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, aiming to empower local communities, especially women, to protect endangered stork species and wetland biodiversity.

The programme is spearheaded by Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, founder of Assam’s Hargila Army and a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth. It represents a new wave of community-led conservation blending science, culture, and women’s empowerment.

Background: Assam’s Hargila Army

The Hargila Army is a women-led conservation movement based in Assam, India. It is dedicated to saving the greater adjutant stork, a rare bird once seen as a nuisance by locals.

Changing Perceptions

In the past, villagers often destroyed nesting trees of these birds. Through community participation, awareness programmes, and cultural integration, the Hargila Army transformed public perception. Today, these storks are seen as symbols of pride and ecological heritage.

Unique Approach

The movement combines scientific knowledge with cultural traditions. It celebrates storks in folk songs, religious ceremonies, and local festivals. Women artisans even weave stork motifs into traditional textiles, creating both awareness and livelihood opportunities.

Training Programme in Cambodia

On 28 July 2025, 20 Cambodian women conservationists and park rangers participated in a training programme hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia. The event introduced them to the Hargila Army model of conservation.

Empowering Women in Leadership

The programme included leadership exercises to help women recognise their strengths in conservation work. Activities encouraged participants to connect local culture with environmental values.

Innovative Learning Methods

• A textile hunt explored nature motifs in traditional Cambodian fabrics, linking cultural heritage with wildlife conservation.

• A web of life game illustrated the interdependence of species, showing how the loss of one affects the whole ecosystem.

Educational Outreach and Community Engagement

During the training, educational posters featuring the behavioural ethogram of the greater adjutant stork were unveiled.

These posters:

• Explain stork behaviour in simple terms.

• Encourage coexistence between people and wildlife.

• Are designed for schools, community centres, and ranger stations.

The inauguration was attended by local community members, conservationists, and rangers, marking the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots conservation for the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.

Global Collaboration: Sisters and Brothers of Storks

The event also marked the creation of the Sisters and Brothers of Storks network — a global alliance working alongside the Hargila Army.

Goals of the Network

• Protect greater adjutant storks and other stork species worldwide.

• Promote cross-border conservation strategies.

• Share knowledge, skills, and experiences across countries.

This global collaboration is an example of how local actions can inspire international movements for biodiversity protection.

Significance of Women’s Leadership

Women are placed at the heart of conservation in this model.

Why Women Matter in Conservation

• Women often have deep connections to community life.

• They can weave conservation messages into daily routines and cultural traditions.

• Women’s leadership strengthens community ownership of conservation projects.

This approach not only protects biodiversity but also empowers women socially and economically.

South-South Cooperation and Ecological Ties

This initiative is a milestone in South-South cooperation — a partnership between countries of the Global South.

Strengthening Bonds

• It builds ecological and cultural ties between Assam and Cambodia.

• Encourages exchange of conservation models across similar ecosystems.

• Aims to replicate and adapt the Hargila Army’s success in other regions.