World Wildlife Day is celebrated on the 3rd of March and is recognized by the United Nations.

As one global family, we depend on wildlife and biodiversity for many essential needs, including food, fuel, medicine, shelter, and clothing. To continue benefiting from Mother Nature and her beauty, individuals and communities are working together to protect ecosystems and ensure that plant and animal species can survive and thrive for future generations.

World Wildlife Day provides a chance to appreciate the incredible diversity of wild plants and animals. It also raises awareness about the urgent need to strengthen efforts against wildlife crime and the human-driven loss of species, which have significant economic, environmental, and social consequences.

In light of this international day, we are delighted to share this inspiring story from Odisha, India. Bijaya Kumar Dash, who is also an active tree-planter, tells us about how he became inspired by wildlife.

Bijaya Kumar Dash*

Footprints in the mud, footprints in the heart

Bijaya Kumar Dash says that “When I was in class 6, a herd of wild elephants ventured into the paddy field (rice field) of my village at night, and they left their deep footprints on the muddy surface. I had also heard in the fields that the villagers noticed the footprints. Those footprints were stored in my mind and guided me to do something for the elephants.

This incident was new to me, and it astonished me that such magnificent animals are living in our forests!

I became more and more curious about these majestic elephants. As a small child, it was not possible to see them or follow them in nature. Gradually, I completed my postgraduate course in History from Utkal University, and started nature trailing, collecting data, and listening to the “gossips of the forest” to learn about elephant presence. My curiosity about elephants began to grow, and I started to talk with forest officials. Although some forest officials misbehaved and scolded me with rough language, I remained motivated.

With time, I became the Honorary Wildlife Warden of Dhenkanal District. I’ve completed three terms in this prestigious position for six years, and I’ve been granted the opportunity to do some commendable work for the conservation of elephants.

In addition to my love for elephants, I am involved in a wide spectrum of work, such as organizing tree planting in forests, water harvesting structures in forests for wildlife, awareness on Human Elephant Conflict (HEC), nursery raising of elephants, qualifying plant species, addressing threats like electrocution of elephants, ditch threats, train hits, and corridor restoration, etc. These projects eventually led me to receive awards like the Biju Pattnaik Wildlife Conservation Award (Sub Division Level), District Youth Award, and Green Corridor Champion Award.”

Bijaya, celebrating the 69th Vana Mahotsav (Tree Planting Festival) 2018 at the foothill of Ghantabaja near Tamanda.

When asked about his planting activity, Biyjaya commented, “I’m not planting for any party or persons. I’m devoted to forests and nature.”

We thank your Global Tree Initiative team in India for sharing this story with us, and we especially thank Bijaya Kumar Dash for your extraordinary work, dedication, and commitment to wildlife. We are inspired by your story, and we hope to hear from you again in the future!

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Below are some photos of the tree-planting that Bijaya Kumar Dash has organized in the past.
*Photo of Bijaya with an elephant comes from his LinkedIn profile.