Aaranyak Honoured with Mark Shand Award by Queen Camilla for Elephant Conservation in Northeast India

GUWAHATI– In a momentous recognition of India’s conservation efforts, leading biodiversity organization Aaranyak has been conferred the prestigious Mark Shand Award by the UK-based conservation charity Elephant Family for its pioneering work in protecting Asian elephants in Northeast India.

The award was presented to Aaranyak’s senior scientist Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, at the spectacular ‘Wonders of the Wild’ event held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, on May 13.

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The event was attended by over 250 distinguished guests including Princess Beatrice, Lady Marina Windsor, football legend Ronaldo Nazario, and celebrities Ed Westwick, Amy Jackson, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Aaranyak was lauded for its comprehensive 20-year elephant conservation plan that emphasizes human-elephant coexistence, ecological research, habitat restoration, conservation education, and livelihood support for conflict-affected communities.

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In his acceptance, Dr. Lahkar said, “This award is for all who work relentlessly with us to protect one of the last strongholds of the Asian elephant. We remain committed to coexistence and conservation.”

King Charles praised the organization’s role in managing human-wildlife conflict, stating, “This is a shining example of why collaboration is far better than conflict, and why we must give back to nature to sustain ourselves.”

Founded in memory of Mark Shand, an adventurer and conservationist, the Elephant Family continues his legacy by supporting organizations like Aaranyak working on the frontline of wildlife protection.