Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Guwahati: Conservationist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been named a recipient of the 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award. Presented in partnership with Kia, the honor recognizes 15 global changemakers who are addressing urgent environmental and scientific challenges through innovation and community leadership.
Known as the Stork Sister, Dr. Barman gained international acclaim for her efforts to save the endangered greater adjutant stork, or hargila. She founded the Hargila Army, a grassroots movement that has mobilized over 20,000 women to protect nesting sites and promote environmental stewardship. This initiative shifted public perception of the bird from a nuisance to a protected species.
Dr. Barman began this work in 2007 during her PhD research in Assam's Kamrup district. She observed the birds abandoning wetlands for trees near villages, where they faced the threat of deforestation. Her strategy involved rallying local women to take active roles in habitat preservation and sustainable development, creating a model that balances ecological needs with community life.
The National Geographic Society praised her achievements as a standout success story. The organization stated that her work serves as a prime example of "how grassroots participation can deliver lasting environmental impact." This award further establishes Assam and the Northeast region as a hub for effective, community-driven conservation on the global stage.
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