Cambodia Adopts Assam’s Hargila Army Model
Recent efforts have seen the successful Assam conservation model for the greater adjutant stork adapted in Cambodia. This initiative focuses on the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. It aims to empower local communities, especially women, to protect endangered stork species and wetland biodiversity. The programme was led by Dr Purnima Devi Barman, founder of Assam’s Hargila Army and United Nations Environment Programme Champion of the Earth.
Background of the Assam Hargila Army
The Hargila Army is a women-led conservation movement in Assam. It protects the endangered greater adjutant stork through community participation. The movement combines scientific knowledge with cultural traditions. It has successfully changed local attitudes towards the stork, once seen as a nuisance. The initiative integrates education, local customs, and ecological science.
Training Programme in Cambodia
On 28 July 2025, 20 Cambodian women conservationists and park rangers were trained in the Hargila Army model. The programme was hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia. It included leadership exercises to identify women’s strengths in conservation. Activities connected local culture with environmental values. A textile hunt explored nature motifs in traditional fabrics. A web of life game illustrated biodiversity interdependence.
Educational Outreach and Community Engagement
Educational posters featuring the behavioural ethogram of the greater adjutant stork were revealed. These posters aim to raise awareness and promote coexistence with storks and wetland wildlife. Local community members and rangers participated in the inauguration. This marked a new phase of grassroots conservation in the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.
Global Collaboration and Network Formation
The event led to the creation of the Sisters and Brothers of Storks network. This global alliance will work alongside the Hargila Army. Their goal is to protect greater adjutant storks and other stork species worldwide. The network promotes cross-border collaboration and shared conservation strategies.
Significance of Women’s Leadership in Conservation
The initiative emphasises empowering women as guardians of nature. It weaves conservation into the fabric of culture and daily life. Women’s leadership is central to building sustainable community-driven conservation. This approach enhances both biodiversity protection and social inclusion.
South-South Cooperation and Ecological Ties
This initiative represents a breakthrough in South-South cooperation. It strengthens ecological and cultural ties between Assam and Cambodia. The partnership aims to replicate and adapt successful conservation models across regions. It also advances biodiversity protection in globally important wetlands.
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