'Ample opportunity for students to pursue studies in

There is ample opportunity for students in Assam to pursue studies and seek employment in the state's biodiversity sector, a scientific and industrial research organisation said today.
At the same, they can help protect and preserve the region's environment, secretary general of 'Aaranyak' Bibhab Kumar Talukdar said.
Environmental education and capacity building initiatives have been developed by 'Aaranyak', a registered Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO), to promote awareness among the younger generation and the community in general, he told reporters.
"There is enough opportunity to take up studies and consequently a profession in the field of bio-diversity so that the mission to foster conservation of biodiversity through research and environmental education can be sustained", Talukdar said.

It is not necessary that one has to be a biologist to join the biodiversity field but there are capacity building and advocacy for legal and policy reforms and if more youngsters join these areas, they can play a proactive role in ensuring ecological security, he said.
"We support several Self Help Groups by providing livestock and assisting them in farm constructions as well as provide market linkages to mitigate human elephant conflict in several areas of Assam and maanagement and commerce students can help in marketing the products", he added.
Aaranyak's two biolgists Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar and Purnima Devi Barman received international recognition with their awards 'Heritage Heroes Award 2016' of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Whitley Awards (Green Oscars) respectively.

"These awards are an inspiration for the younger generation and both are examples that people from the state can compete globally if they follow their interests with hard work and dedication", he added.