Assam Women Turn Water Hyacinth into Means of Livelihood
What Happened
Women near Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary transformed invasive water hyacinth into marketable products and livelihood opportunities.
Key Highlights
- Women manufacture baskets, mats and handicrafts using processed water hyacinth fibres.
- Removal of water hyacinth improves aquatic ecosystem health.
- Training and market linkages strengthened women-led entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrates integration of conservation with livelihood generation.
Key Facts
- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is among the world’s most invasive aquatic plants.
- Dense infestations reduce dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies.
- Laokhowa-Burhachapori forms part of the Kaziranga landscape.
- Community-based conservation supports ecological sustainability and local livelihoods.
