Collaborative Efforts to Establish 'Land for Hornbills' Conservation Plan by 2047

Itanagar, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: PASIGHAT, 25 Jul: Representatives from government agencies, indigenous communities, research institutions, universities, conservation organisations, and civil society have jointly developed a vision and work-plan for a statewide hornbill conservation action plan, with the goal of making a ‘Land for Hornbills’ by 2047, during a workshop held here recently.

India is home to five of the nine hornbill species – the great hornbill, wreathed hornbill, rufous-necked hornbill, Austen’s brown hornbill, and oriental pied hornbill. Three of these species are globally threatened, while all five are provided the highest level of legal protection under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act. This legislation underscores the importance of conserving these majestic birds, which are not only vital to their ecosystems but also hold significant cultural and ecological value.

Hornbills, particularly the great hornbill, which is the state bird, hold a deep cultural significance for many indigenous communities and are known as ‘farmers of the forest’ for their critical role in dispersing seeds and regenerating forests. This ecological function is essential for maintaining the health and diversity of forest ecosystems, which are increasingly under threat from human activities.

Despite nearly 80 percent of the region being under forest cover, many hornbill populations outside protected areas face increasing threats from habitat degradation, fragmentation, and hunting. These pressures are exacerbated by the rapid expansion of agricultural land, urban development, and infrastructural projects that disrupt natural habitats and reduce the availability of food sources for hornbills.

Recognising the need for landscape-scale conservation, the participants agreed on the importance of supporting indigenous communities to protect their forests, strengthening habitat connectivity, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, and fostering long-term partnerships across the state and adjoining transboundary landscapes. This collaborative approach is critical, as it not only empowers local communities but also ensures that conservation strategies are culturally relevant and sustainable.

Around 55 participants representing the Forest Department, State Biodiversity Board, community-based organisations (CBOs), and indigenous leaders, along with researchers and scientists from Rajiv Gandhi University and the Indian Institute of Science, besides NGOs, including Ashoka Trust for Environment and Education (ATREE), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Community-led Conservation Forum, alumni of Green Hub, and representatives from the Nagaland Forest Department and Nagaland Community-Conserved Areas Forum, collaborated to develop a shared vision and draft action plan. This diverse participation highlights the multifaceted nature of conservation efforts, which require input from various stakeholders to be effective.

On the first day, the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) team provided the foundation for the workshop based on their long-term work on hornbills in the region, followed by perspectives and observations from many forest officials, researchers, and community members. Over the next two days, through working group discussions, a shared vision and a preliminary action framework was developed. These discussions were crucial for identifying key challenges and opportunities in hornbill conservation, as well as for fostering a sense of ownership among participants.

A smaller drafting group will now refine the document, with the first draft expected by September and the final conservation action plan scheduled for completion early next year, providing a roadmap for coordinated conservation action across the state. The timeline for the action plan reflects a commitment to thoroughness and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard in the final document.

Nature Conservation Foundation executive director Dr. Aparajita Datta stated that this collaborative conservation action plan would strengthen community-led conservation for hornbills. This sentiment underscores the belief that local communities are often the best stewards of their natural resources, given their intimate knowledge of the land and its ecosystems.

PCCF Office Scientific Officer Dr. Tajum Yomcha expressed confidence, saying, “I am sure that we will have a robust plan for safeguarding our hornbills.” This optimism reflects a growing recognition of the importance of science-based conservation strategies that are informed by the realities on the ground.

APU Associate Professor Dr. Fames Linggi noted, “We often realise the value of our natural heritage only when it is under serious threat. This action plan is an important step towards ensuring that hornbills continue to thrive in the region.” His comments highlight a broader issue in conservation: the need to act proactively rather than reactively to protect biodiversity.

East Siang Wildlife Warden Talut Siram expressed hope for the early return of hornbills to all areas in the region. This hope is indicative of the broader goal of restoration ecology, which seeks to not only protect existing populations but also to re-establish species in areas from which they have been extirpated.

Ruksar Rukbo, a research scholar at Rajiv Gandhi University, highlighted the need to protect hornbills while focusing on communities and livelihoods, advocating for gentle nudges towards behavioral change rather than strict action. This approach aligns with contemporary conservation philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of engaging communities in conservation efforts and recognizing their rights and needs.

Adi Bane Kebang representative Biswajit Tayeng described the workshop as a valuable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and interact with representatives from different tribes and communities across the state. Such interactions are vital for building trust and collaboration among diverse groups, which can often have differing priorities and perspectives on conservation.

“Let’s hope our hornbills will have a happy future,” Itanagar Assistant Commissioner Tamo Dadda remarked. This hopeful outlook reflects the collective aspiration of all participants to see a thriving population of hornbills in their natural habitat.

The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) organised the workshop in partnership with the APU and the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, with technical facilitation from the Zoo Outreach Organisation under the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group process. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of multi-disciplinary approaches in conservation, bringing together expertise from various fields to address complex ecological challenges.

The initiative was supported by the Whitley Fund for Nature, the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group. These partnerships are crucial for providing the necessary resources and expertise to implement effective conservation strategies.

In conclusion, the 'Land for Hornbills' conservation plan represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term survival of hornbills in India. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, and emphasizing community-led conservation, this initiative aims to create a sustainable future for both hornbills and the communities that depend on them. The successful implementation of this action plan could serve as a model for similar conservation efforts in other regions, highlighting the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches in biodiversity conservation.