Gobuk – Harmony in the Highlands
“Gobuk – Harmony in the Highlands” shortlisted for the TVE Global Sustainability Films Awards 2024. This inspiring documentary showcases Gobuk’s efforts in biodiversity conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable livelihoods.
In a splendid twist of fate, a film capturing the conservation spirit of Gobuk village in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh has made it to the shortlist for the Television for the Environment (TVE) Global Sustainability Films Awards, 2024. Titled Gobuk – Harmony in the Highlands, the film shines a spotlight on Gobuk’s enterprising efforts to preserve their rich biodiversity while stirring up a sustainable approach to nature-linked livelihoods.
The film, crafted with care by Tezpur-based Green Hub fellows Stanzin Tandup and Pauzatuala Suante, with the backing of Epum Sirum and Titli Trust, stands as one of the four finalists in the ‘Young Filmmaker Short Film Award’ category. Not a bad place to be, wouldn’t you say? These young filmmakers have conjured up something rather remarkable, demonstrating that preserving the planet can be every bit as captivating as the next big blockbuster.
Gobuk’s conservation efforts go beyond simply planting a few trees or posting signs saying “Save the Forest.” The village recently held its inaugural Siang Biodiversity Meet in May 2024, a gathering that would make any environmentalist sit up and take notice. Through this platform, Gobuk aims to establish itself as a beacon for conservation in the region, encouraging other tribes across Arunachal Pradesh to consider a balanced approach that combines nature preservation with livelihood generation through responsible tourism.
Among the film’s standout features is the work of the Epum Sirum Welfare Society, which rolls up its sleeves to engage local villagers in reducing hunting pressures on their verdant surroundings. Meanwhile, Titli Trust has teamed up with local youth to map the area’s biodiversity and create nature-linked tourism opportunities. One might say Gobuk is not only “barking up the right tree” but is also laying down roots for the long haul.
What’s especially heartening is the participation of local children, thanks to a charming little initiative called Green School, jointly supported by Green Hub and Royal Enfield. This grassroots school introduces the young ones to the wonders of nature through birdwatching, storytelling, and nature trails. It’s an education without walls, filled with open skies and wild possibilities—a far cry from your average classroom fare.
This documentary deftly showcases Gobuk villagers’ evolving bond with their environment, from a history intertwined with hunting to a future focussed on conservation and wildlife protection. Through responsible tourism, they’ve found a way to protect their forests while also providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community—a delicate balance of heart and head, you might say.
The TVE Global Sustainability Films Awards, now in its 13th year, celebrates films that inspire and offer tangible solutions for a more sustainable future. Films like Gobuk – Harmony in the Highlands are doing just that, with storytelling that isn’t just about pointing a camera but nudging audiences to think about their own connections with nature. After all, a film that only makes you think is a nice bit of telly, but one that spurs you to act—that’s magic.
With any luck, Gobuk – Harmony in the Highlands will clinch the win and shine an even brighter light on Gobuk’s trailblazing efforts.
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