Assam's Bibhuti Lahkar Receives Mark Shand Conservation Award from King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a charity gala hosted at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, London, celebrating both wildlife conservation and art, with a focus on supporting the Elephant Family. The Elephant Family is a charitable organization founded by Queen Camilla’s late brother, Mark Shand. The event, titled “Wonders of the Wild,” was an important occasion for raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts, particularly for elephants.

One of the most significant moments of the evening was when Queen Camilla presented the prestigious Mark Shand Conservation Award to Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a well-known conservationist from Assam, India. Dr. Lahkar is associated with Aaranyak, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has played a crucial role in Asian elephant conservation, particularly focusing on conflict mitigation between humans and elephants. His work in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was particularly recognized, as it has been vital in reducing human-elephant conflicts and ensuring the survival of the species in the region.

The event also saw the participation of other notable figures, including royalty, celebrities, and conservation leaders. It was a celebration of efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats across the globe, with the gathering focusing on various environmental initiatives. One of the key features of the evening was the Big Egg Hunt fundraiser, which showcased large, artistically designed eggs placed throughout London. These eggs, designed by artists, were part of a creative fundraising campaign aimed at raising money for wildlife conservation.

King Charles, who is known for his environmental advocacy, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. He spoke about the need for nations and organizations to work together to protect the planet and its ecosystems. Queen Camilla, in her address, fondly recalled the passion her late brother Mark Shand had for wildlife conservation, particularly his dedication to elephants, and how this passion had inspired the creation of the Elephant Family charity.

In addition to the focus on elephants, the evening highlighted grassroots conservation efforts in Assam, India. Organizations like Aaranyak and the Balipara Foundation, which are based in Assam, were featured as significant contributors to local conservation work. These organizations have been working tirelessly to protect endangered species and improve the relationship between local communities and wildlife.

The entire event underscored the importance of both large-scale conservation projects and local efforts, showcasing the various ways in which different groups and individuals are contributing to wildlife preservation. Queen Camilla’s presentation of the Mark Shand Award to Dr. Bibhuti Lahkar symbolized the recognition of grassroots conservation efforts and their importance in the global context of wildlife protection.

Overall, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation, the need for collective action, and the impact that organizations like Aaranyak and the Elephant Family are making in the fight to protect wildlife. The gala also celebrated the legacy of Mark Shand and his commitment to elephants, while continuing to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to preserve endangered species around the world.