Guwahati, Sep 4: Unlike others, Betsida Marak’s approach to conservation transcends traditional boundaries, merging wildlife preservation with community upliftment.
As the manager of Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre in Meghalaya, she wears two hats: conservationist and educator. Her deep commitment to gibbon conservation and rehabilitation has reinforced her belief that protecting the environment and empowering the next generation are inseparable missions.
As head of the Sonja Wildlife Conservation Medium English School, she ensures 160 underprivileged rural children receive free education. The school, run in partnership with Nokrek Heights, Tura, reflects her belief that conservation and community upliftment go hand in hand. “I believe that by educating these children, we are also instilling in them a love and respect for the environment,” she says.
She had always believed that education was the key to empowering the next generation. Within a year of joining the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre, she was appointed head of the school. It was during this time, while working alongside the HURO program team, that Betsida became acutely aware of the conservation issues facing the western hoolock gibbons.
Inspiration from father:
“My interest in gibbons was deeply personal, inspired by my father’s wish to preserve the rich environment of their homeland. “My father, one of the first settlers to create the village of Oragitok, was a wise and hardworking man, deeply respected in our community. He always emphasized the importance of protecting our natural surroundings,” Betsida recalls. This connection to her father’s legacy fueled her growing passion for conservation.
In 2010, after completing her graduation, Betsida sought to make a difference in her community by focusing on its future—the children.
“As I worked closely with the HURO team, I realized that gibbon conservation was not just about saving a species, but also about preserving the cultural and environmental heritage that my father held dear,” she says. This realization marked the beginning of her deep involvement in gibbon rescue and rehabilitation.
In 2018, Betsida’s dedication led her to become the manager of the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre (SWRC). In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing both the rescue centre and the school, balancing the care of gibbons with the education of children. “My role is not just about managing the centre; it’s about creating a nurturing environment for both the gibbons and the children. They are both equally important to me,” she explains.
Under her leadership, the SWRC has become a sanctuary for the world’s largest rescued gibbon population, providing a haven for these endangered primates. Her work is not only a testament to her love for wildlife but also a continuation of her father’s legacy—a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of their homeland for future generations.
Global Gibbon Champion Award: Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Betsida was honoured with the inaugural Global Gibbon Champion Award for her exceptional contributions to gibbon conservation. She is the first person in India to get this honour. This recognition from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Primate Specialist Group Section on Small Apes underscores her commitment to both her community and the endangered species she works tirelessly to protect. It is also rewarding her with a little cash price of 500 US dollars, which Besida said she will dedicate to her children’s education, as well as for offering a treat to her team’s members and school children.
Reflecting on her journey, Betsida expresses a deep sense of fulfilment. “This award is a recognition of the silent dedication and hard work that goes into conservation. It’s not just mine; it belongs to my team and to the community that supports us. Together, we are making a difference,” she says with humility.
