3D printing protects wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a world where tradition and conservation often clash, a startup in Arunachal Pradesh uses 3D printing technology to bridge the gap.

Arunachal Ivory and Ornaments was founded by Nabam Bapu and his friend Anang Tadar. It offers synthetic alternatives to animal parts traditionally used in Indigenous cultural practices.

This innovative approach preserves cultural heritage while protecting endangered species from poaching.

Bapu, a member of the Nyishi community, was deeply concerned about the impact of hunting on rare animals like the great hornbill and clouded leopard. This is because their parts are used in Nyishi men’s traditional headgear and machetes.

To find a solution, Bapu teamed up with Tadar and his wife, Likha Nana, a history researcher, to create realistic replicas of these animal parts using materials like synthetic resin, plastics, wood, and glass.

Since the tiger rules the jungle and the eagle rules the sky, people believe that wearing their parts is the implication of the mighty spirit of these creatures. In addition, it is considered a status symbol which is why they are killed.

Determined to keep their culture alive without harming wildlife, the team spent two years perfecting their synthetic designs, ensuring they were authentic enough to gain the approval of village elders.

Arunachal Pradesh, home to 26 major tribes, encourages the wearing of traditional dress in schools to keep cultural practices alive. However, the demand for authentic animal parts is costly and detrimental to wildlife.

By providing affordable and ethical alternatives, Arunachal Ivory and Ornaments aims to reduce the reliance on wild animal parts and discourage illegal poaching.

Bapu believes that technology can play a crucial role in conservation. He says it is essential to use that especially to preserve their culture and protect wildlife.

With their startup, Bapu and his team are confident they can make a significant impact on the preservation of endangered species while honouring the rich traditions of Indigenous communities.

Image Credit: Ashwani Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paddy_fields_at_Ziro,_Arunachal_Pradesh.jpg