?They will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, as sites which are rich in birds are also likely to be rich in other species,? BNHS director Asad R. Rahmani said.

At least 28 IBA sites are facing ?unsustainable exploitation of natural resources?, which includes trapping and poaching. Another threat is the expansion of agriculture fields and slash-and-burn cultivation. Excessive firewood-collection is cause for concern in 19 IBA sites across the state.

Rahmani said site-support groups comprising residents and NGOs would be constituted to conserve avian species in the region. He said public involvement in conserving the nesting sites of the greater adjutant stork was essential for the long-term survival of the species.

Gogoi lauded

Constance Bernard, sector director (South Asia) of World Bank, has lauded Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi for successfully introducing the concept of self-help groups in the state.

Bernard, along with bank officials met the chief minister on Sunday to discuss the Assam agriculture competitiveness project, which was sanctioned by the bank last week to the state.