Assam-based wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has been named a recipient of the 2026 Wayfinder Award, presented by the National Geographic Society and Kia, in recognition of her pioneering efforts to protect the endangered greater adjutant stork, locally known as the hargila.
The award honours individuals driving impactful solutions to global challenges, and Barman was recognised for leading the Hargila Army, a grassroots movement of more than 20,000 women working on species protection, habitat conservation, environmental education and sustainable livelihoods.
Her community-led approach has helped improve the bird’s conservation status and earned international acclaim as one of the world’s most successful conservation initiatives.
Global Recognition For Community-Led Conservation
The Wayfinder Award acknowledges changemakers whose work creates lasting social and environmental impact. Barman’s conservation model has brought together thousands of women across Assam to safeguard nesting sites, raise awareness about biodiversity and integrate conservation with local livelihoods.
Once viewed as a nuisance in many communities, the greater adjutant stork has gradually become a symbol of local pride through sustained public engagement. The Hargila Army’s efforts have demonstrated how grassroots participation can play a decisive role in protecting endangered species while empowering communities, particularly women.
From Endangered Species To A Symbol Of Hope
The greater adjutant stork is among the world’s rarest stork species, with Assam serving as one of its most important habitats. Over the years, habitat loss, human encroachment and negative perceptions threatened its survival. In response, Barman pioneered a conservation strategy that blended scientific research with cultural outreach, encouraging residents to embrace the bird as part of their natural heritage.
Her work has been recognised internationally in the past and has contributed to a notable recovery in awareness and protection efforts surrounding the species, making the Hargila Army a widely cited example of successful community-driven conservation.
Recognition Builds On Years Of Global Acclaim
The 2026 Wayfinder Award adds to a growing list of international honours received by Purnima Devi Barman for her innovative conservation work. Over the years, her efforts to protect the greater adjutant stork have earned recognition from leading global environmental organisations, highlighting how local communities can drive meaningful ecological change.
By combining scientific research with cultural traditions, women’s empowerment and environmental education, Barman has created a conservation model that is increasingly being studied as an example of how grassroots initiatives can help address biodiversity challenges while improving livelihoods.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Purnima Devi Barman’s recognition highlights the transformative power of collective action rooted in empathy, inclusion and respect for nature. Her work shows that meaningful environmental change is often achieved not through top-down interventions alone, but by empowering communities to become custodians of their own ecosystems. At a time when biodiversity faces growing threats worldwide, the Hargila Army offers a hopeful model of coexistence between people and wildlife.
How can more communities across India be encouraged to build similar people-led movements that protect both nature and local livelihoods?
