The 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival, held from November 26 to 28 in Khachang village, Miao Circle, Changlang district, reinvigorated commitment to conservation amidst the misty forests of Miao. For three days, this vibrant eco-event transformed the region into an interactive landscape for scientists, students, conservationists, and locals to celebrate the rich biodiversity of Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, spanning nearly 1,985 sq km and home to over 600 butterfly species.
Initially launched eight years ago to reconnect people with nature, the festival has evolved into a major anticipated event in Arunachal Pradesh, blending science, community interaction, and cultural exchange. Participants, including those from Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, joined local enthusiasts and students from nearby institutes, captivated by the region’s ecological wealth. The interaction fostered pride among villagers as butterfly species that inhabit their landscapes were identified by experts.
Key highlights included the inauguration of a new four-unit beat camp at 40th Mile, led by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife & Biodiversity) N Tam, which aims to enhance monitoring and protection efforts within the park. His engagement with the Namdapha park management, and coordination meetings with various stakeholders, including the WII Dehradun team, underlined a commitment to address concerns raised by local tour operators and improve collaborative efforts.
The festival also featured educational components, such as workshops on butterfly identification and habitat management, alongside sessions celebrating the ethnobotanical knowledge of local tribes, showcasing the historic coexistence between communities and their forest environments. Youth training in scientific recording of butterfly sightings emphasized long-term biodiversity monitoring.
The vibrant cultural aspect of the festival included traditional performances from the Singpho, Tikhak, and Longchang communities, along with local foods and crafts that enriched the experience. For the first time, guests were accommodated in homestays, supporting community livelihoods while fostering cultural exchange.
As the festival concluded, the fluttering butterflies served as a poignant reminder of the collective effort needed to ensure ongoing conservation, positioning the local community, students, researchers, and forest guardians as vital contributors to preserving Namdapha’s ecological integrity for future generations.
