Bongaigaon, 25th August 2025: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with support from Royal Enfield Social Mission, organised a two-day (23rd- 24th August) exposure trip to Rangapani in Baksa district for 20 women from fringe villages of Kakoijana in Bongaigaon. The initiative was designed to encourage sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening community-based conservation efforts.

On the first day, participants travelled to Nganglam, Bhutan, where they witnessed Bhutanese culture, architecture, and community practices that prioritise forest protection and environmental conservation. The visit also showcased how women in Bhutan are leading small businesses and supporting local economies.

Later in the evening, participants visited the Manas Mauzigendri Ecotourism Society, where Mr. Mahendra Basumatary, President of the society, shared insights into the revival of Manas National Park. He explained how the park, once severely degraded, was restored through community participation and how society has grown as a model of conservation-led ecotourism.

The exposure trip aimed to inspire sustainable livelihoods for women and golden langur conservation | Photo by Team WTI

On the second day, the group visited Zankla Studio, an eco-business initiative led by Mr. Kirat Brahma. Here, participants learned about the importance of eco-friendly enterprises in rural settings. A hands-on training session was also organised, where artisans demonstrated embroidery techniques using Golden Langur motifs on cotton fabric and guided them in making replicas of the species.

The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) is an endangered primate, endemic to western Assam and southern Bhutan, with its distribution limited to the area between the Sankosh and Beki rivers in the eastern Himalayan landscape. Despite being listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the species continues to face mounting threats, including habitat fragmentation, road accidents, electrocution, and increasing human-wildlife conflict.

By directly involving local communities in such immersive experiences, WTI is helping to foster a deeper emotional and cultural connection with the golden langur and its habitat. The exposure trip served not just as a skill-building exercise, but as a sensitisation initiative, allowing participants to see how conservation can coexist with livelihoods, and how they can play a meaningful role in protecting the species.

20 women from fringe villages of Kakoijana, Bongaigaon| participated in the exposure trip | Photo by Team WTI

To encourage continued practice and engagement, WTI provided each participant with an embroidery kit, a Golden Langur plush toy, and a tote bag featuring Golden Langur motifs. These symbolic and practical tools are designed to reinforce the conservation message and inspire creative advocacy within their communities.

Through this initiative, WTI reaffirmed its commitment to linking conservation with sustainable development, empowering fringe communities—especially women—to become stewards of the golden langur’s future.