Manas Mitra Programme engages over 1,500 students in conservation awareness initiatives
Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve has intensified its community outreach efforts through the Manas Mitra Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between local communities and wildlife conservation through educational activities and nature-based experiences for students.
Launched on November 14, 2024, at the Bansbari Range on the occasion of Children’s Day, the “Manas Mitra Programme” — meaning “Friends of Manas” — seeks to promote conservation awareness among people living in fringe villages surrounding the reserve, with a special focus on students and youth.
As part of the programme, Nature Orientation sessions have been conducted since February 2026 across 22 schools in villages bordering the reserve.
The awareness campaign has so far reached 1,537 students, educating them on the biodiversity, ecological significance and wildlife conservation efforts associated with Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve. Students participating in the programme were also given animal masks and customised pencils as souvenirs.
A major attraction of the initiative has been the “Jungle Journey for Juniors (J3)” safari programme, under which selected students were offered complimentary educational safaris inside the reserve. Through these guided visits, students received firsthand exposure to the park’s ecosystems, flora and fauna, helping them better understand the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Officials said that till date, 150 students along with 25 teachers have participated in the J3 safari initiative.
The outreach programme also includes interaction with Eco-Development Committees, training sessions for nature guides and jeep safari operators, and engagement with tourism stakeholders to encourage community participation in conservation-linked activities.
Authorities associated with the initiative stated that the programme is designed to foster long-term awareness about environmental protection while strengthening the relationship between local communities and the natural heritage of Manas, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to build grassroots support for conservation by involving younger generations and local stakeholders in preserving one of India’s most ecologically significant protected areas.
