Tezpur: Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India visited Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve today on November 2. The visit was a part of his official tour to observe the ongoing initiatives under the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) Phase-II, supported by the Agence Française de Development (AFD). Thierry Mathou was accompanied by Lise Breuil, Country Director, AFD, New Delhi; Thierry Morel, Consul General of France in Kolkata; Samuel Bouchard, Chargé de Mission – Influence et Coopération; and Anurag Singh, APCCF & Project Director, APFBC Phase-II.
During the visit, the Ambassador interacted with Piraisoodan B., Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Division-cum-Field Director, Nameri Tiger Reserve, and other officials of Nameri Tiger Reserve. The Field Director delivered a detailed presentation highlighting various interventions undertaken under the APFBC Phase-II Project, particularly those focusing on habitat restoration, wetland rejuvenation, eco-tourism, and conservation of White-winged Wood Duck. The Ambassador also interacted with members of the Eco-Development Committees operating in the buffer areas of Nameri Tiger Reserve and appreciated their significant role in community-based conservation and eco-tourism promotion. Later, the ambassador undertook a Gypsy safari inside Nameri Tiger Reserve to experience its diverse habitats and wildlife. He expressed appreciation for the on-going conservation initiatives under the project—particularly the efforts towards the conservation of the White-winged Wood Duck, the State Bird of Assam, and the establishment of the Nameri Eco-Camp at Hatigate, which effectively integrates local community welfare with nature-based tourism.
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The visit concluded with a stop at the Nameri Eco-Camp at Hatigate, where the Ambassador and accompanying dignitaries were hosted for an ethnic lunch arranged by the community-run eco-camp management.
