By Varsha Wadhwani
The story of Nature Communities keeping history and nature alive
In the verdant depths of the Eastern Himalayas, 9 Nature Communities are preserving 1000 Years of Environmental Heritage and 145 Years of Cultural Inheritance. Building upon their traditional knowledge, they are restoring barren parking lands into a thriving web of life and wilderness. They are spinning yarns and weaving their livelihoods to grow their future and protect Mother nature with their heart, mind and wisdom that they have inherited from their ancestors.
With their labour of love and care, perseverance and dedication over 10 years, the parking lot of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark has flourished into a paradise on Earth with 1,00,000+ plants, 75+ birds and 72+ butterflies. The Eastern Himalayan Botanic Garden in the heart of one of world’s global biodiversity hotspots is a testimonial of nature flourishing at the hands of its true guardians – the forest fringe communities, who practice living in harmony with nature. Wild Mahseer is the hub of mindful tourism in Balipara County impacting community development and growth through rural livelihoods, social mobility and preservation of our Nature Capital.
Every nook and corner of this property is painted with memories of the yesteryear and narrates the story of the Burra Sahibs (Chief officer) and Burra Memsahibs (and their wife), who hewed the Tea Bungalow culture and rooted it in the history of Assam.
Serenely tucked along the banks of Brahmaputra and spread over 22-acres, Wild Mahseer comprises of the Burra (visiting agent’s) Bungalow, a mute spectator of the tea heritage that allows visitors to immerse in the nostalgia of the colonial lifestyle. Looked after by community members, it is a mecca of natural and cultural resources brought to life with knowledge from the past and care for the future.
As nature communities take us on a journey through time and history of tea at the well-kept secret of Assam, explore the tidy collection at our in-house library over a cup of freshly brewed Assam tea at the Heritage Bungalow. Let your reading soul pick the choice of the heart and sing the words amidst manicured lawns and green nature.
Discover many hidden treasures in the world of oneness with nature keepers, who guide you through experiences to connect with nature. Nature trails, jungle bathing, tree hugging, slow cycling and walking, practicing Yoga Assamica, taking on adventure sports, bird watching or simply laying on the grass carpet surrounding the Bungalows under the clear blue skies and witness beauty and miracles everywhere.
We learn about the art of nurturing nature from local botanists who have taught us to plough fields, plant trees, gardening and traditional agriculture. They have led the way to build our in-house nursery where we are growing seeds for the future to develop robust populations of endemic species and craft rural livelihood for communities nearby through landscape services and promotion of plants.
Communities in the region such as the Garo, Mishing and Nyishi are known for their vibrant culture, warm hospitality, simplicity and deep attachment to their natural heritage. Most of the indigenous tribes have settled along the banks of the river Brahmaputra and earn their livelihood through agriculture, fishing and selling handicrafts. A visit to the homes of these communities, gives a glimpse into their ethnic way of life and the simplicity of their way of living.
Built with natural elements and merging sustainable architecture with design, these houses are an epitome of reducing our carbon footprint and sustainably incorporating natural resources in our lifestyle. Typically, known as Chang Ghar and built on piles, it protects people from wild animals and annual floods. Communities are also reshaping their territorial landscape by transforming the riverside ecosystem.
Most of the local cuisine prepared is made with local ingredients and home grown produce. Recipes are handed down from generations and have scientific and medicinal value. Food is cooked in earthen ware or traditional utensils. Communities grow their own vegetables and have home gardens with medicinal and food plants. Traditional recipes and ingredients are often used for curing ailments or living a healthy lifestyle.
Women in the region are adding a touch of color and heritage through preserving the ancient art of weaving and weaves of the region. Crafting their livelihood, they empower themselves through their art and by supporting other women in their village. Organizing themselves as group, they reforest barren lands and educate themselves through participating in development programmes for learning new skills that will complement their traditional knowledge.
The land of blue hills Assam although in certain parts affected by Human Elephant conflict, some tea gardens flourish alongside Asian Elephants, where the Adivasi community co-exist with the magnificent animal allowing safe passage for them. With Long conical bamboo baskets tied to their backs, they pluck tea leaves while nature’s great ecosystem engineers, the Asian Elephants continue to grow forests.
There are many key lessons that one can learn from these communities, who are nature’s care givers and nurturers. From preserving our roots and flourishing with the dynamic global and climate change, to integrating their livelihood with mindful usage of natural resources. Sustainably incorporating their natural heritage in their lives and growing together with their community. They are keepers of nature’s secret and torchbearers for carrying forward its legacy.
Learn more at wildmahseer.com
Link to the video of Wild Mahseer
Link to the virtual tour of Wild Mahseer