The remote village of Gobuk in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district is playing host to the 2nd Siang Biodiversity Meet from May 18 to 24. The week-long gathering brings together 25 participants from across India for an immersive journey into the pristine forests, rich biodiversity, and the traditional lifestyle of the Adi community. The event is being organised by the Titli Trust, with support from the Royal Enfield Social Mission, and in collaboration with local groups such as EpumSirum and the Gobuk Welfare Society. Volunteers from the Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism Fellows are also lending their support to the initiative, which seeks to link community-led conservation with sustainable livelihoods and responsible tourism. “At Royal Enfield, we believe in enabling journeys that have a deeper purpose. Through our partnership with the Titli Trust, we are proud to support the community of Gobuk in preserving their environment while also promoting sustainable tourism,” said Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation.Highlighting the community’s grassroots conservation efforts, Sanjay Sondhi, Founder Trustee of Titli Trust, remarked, “Gobuk is setting an inspiring example by conserving its local forests and biodiversity, contributing to scientific research, and encouraging responsible tourism. The model here has shown how nature and livelihoods can be closely connected for the benefit of both people and the planet.”
Scientific exploration of the Upper Siang landscape has already yielded major findings. Biodiversity surveys have recorded more than 200 species of birds, 300 butterfly species, and over 750 types of moths. A research collaboration with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, has led to the identification of 20 moth species previously unrecorded in India, now published across two editions of the Journal of Tropical Lepidoptera Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal based in the United States. Among the newly documented moths are Mellea atristrigulalis, Rotunda rotundapex, Psilalcis inoueorum, and Lymantria hauensteini. Significantly, two genera—Rotunda and Nudina—have been reported from India for the first time, solidifying Gobuk’s reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. Butterfly lovers have also been drawn to rare and endemic species found in the region, including the Dark Freak, False Tibetan Cupid, Elusive Prince, Brown Gorgon, and Yellow Gorgon. Guided butterfly and moth-watching sessions are among the event’s highlights, offering visitors a chance to see these unique species in their natural habitat.
This year’s edition also features the Miine Tarning Trail, a newly introduced nature path, along with “Super Meimei Adventures”—a full-day cultural immersion where local women and educators lead participants through forest walks infused with Adi cultural knowledge and traditional storytelling. Importantly, the Siang Biodiversity Meet supports local homestays and eco-tourism ventures, helping the community generate income while preserving its ecological and cultural heritage. Participants are not only exploring biodiversity but also tasting local cuisine and engaging with traditional Adi practices, making the meet a holistic experience.
