Arunachal Pradesh Envisions itself as a ‘Land for Hornbills by 2047’

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Multi-stakeholder workshop held recently in Pasighatbroughttogether the government, Indigenous community leaders, scientists and conservation practitionersto chart a new future for hornbill conservation

PASIGHAT, 23July : In a significant step towards safeguarding one of India’s most iconic group of birds, over 55 representatives from government agencies, Indigenous communities, research institutions, universities, conservation organizations and civil society have jointly developed avision and workplan of a State-wide Hornbill Conservation Action Plan for Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative sets theambitious goal of making Arunachal Pradesh a thriving “Land for Hornbills by 2047”, reinforcing the state’s commitment to conserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.

Arunachal Pradesh is home to five of India’s nine hornbill species—the Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Austen’s Brown Hornbill and Oriental Pied Hornbill. Three of these species are globally threatened, while all five are providedthe highest level of legal protection under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act. Hornbills, particularly the Great hornbill which is the state bird, holds adeep cultural significance for many indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh, and are known as ‘farmers of the forest’ for their critical role in dispersing seeds and regenerating forests.

Despite nearly 80 percent of Arunachal Pradesh beingunder forest cover, many hornbill populations outside protected areas face increasing threats from habitat degradation, fragmentation and hunting. Recognizing the need for landscape-scale conservation, the participants agreed on the importance of supporting Indigenous communities to protect their forests, strengthening habitat connectivity, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, and fostering long-term partnerships across the state and adjoining transboundary landscapes.

The three-day workshop, held from 16–18 July at Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, was organized by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Department of Economics of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), the state’sDepartment of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and the Zoo Outreach Organization.

Around 55 participants representing the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, community-based organizations, indigenous leaders,researchers and scientists from Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Institute of Science and APU, NGOs including Ashoka Trust for Environment and Education (ATREE), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Arunachal Pradesh Community-led Conservation Forum initiated by WWF,alumni of Green Huband representatives from the Nagaland Forest Department and Nagaland Community-Conserved Areas (CCA) Forum and Aaranyak from Assam collaborated to develop a shared vision and draft action plan. The workshop is supported by the Whitley Fund for Nature, the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group.

On the first day, the NCF team provided the foundation for the workshop based on their long-term work on hornbills in Arunachal, followed by perspectives and observations from many forest officials, researchers and community members. Over the next 2 days, through working group discussions, a shared vision and a preliminary action framework was developed. A smaller drafting group will now refine the document, with the first draft expected by September and the final Conservation Action Plan scheduled for completion early next year, providing a roadmap for coordinated conservation action across Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr. Aparajita Datta, Executive Director &Senior Scientist,Nature Conservation Foundation,& Co-Chair, IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group

“Thiscollaborative Conservation Action Plan would strengthen community-led conservation for hornbills ensuringthat we can all come together to fulfil the vision for Arunachal as a land for hornbills”.

Dr. TajumYomcha, Scientific Officer, PCCF’s Office (Wildlife & Biodiversity)

“I am sure that we will have a robust plan for safeguarding our hornbills,”

Dr. Fames Linggi, Associate Professor &Head, Dept of Economics, Arunachal Pradesh University

“We often realise the value of our natural heritage only when it is under serious threat. This action plan is an important step towards ensuring that hornbills continue to thrive in Arunachal Pradesh.”

Talut Siram, Honorary Wildlife Warden, East Siang

“I hope for the early return of hornbills to all areas in Arunachal.”

Ruksar Rukbo, PhD researcher, Rajiv Gandhi University

“Hornbills need to be protected but we also need to focus on communities and livelihoods and nudge people gently to change their behavior rather than strict action”.

Biswajit Tayeng, representative,the Adi BaaneKebang and WTI

“The workshop was a valuable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and interact with representatives from different tribes and communities across Arunachal Pradesh.”

Tamo Dadda, Assistant Commissioner, Itanagar“Let’s hope our hornbills will have a happy future.”

About the Organizers

The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a non-profit conservation and research organization dedicated to science-based conservation across India. The workshop was organized in partnership with Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, and the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, with technical facilitation from the Zoo Outreach Organization under the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group process. The initiative was supported by the Whitley Fund for Nature, the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group.