Kaziranga's Eco-Shop Initiative: Empowering Local Artisans Through Global Platforms

Kaziranga National Park's new Eco-Shop on Amazon and GeM pushes community-crafted, eco-friendly products from local artisans to a broader market. The initiative bridges conservation with livelihoods by promoting traditional skills, boosting the regional economy, and enhancing global recognition for Kaziranga's craft heritage.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has launched an Eco-Shop on Amazon and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), aiming to expand the reach of biodiversity-linked products created by local fringe communities. The initiative represents a strategic move to unite conservation efforts with local livelihood opportunities through the sale of products rooted in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

According to Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, this venture is expected to provide greater market access for artisans from nearby villages, while highlighting the rich craft heritage of the Kaziranga area. In just two years, the Eco-Shops managed by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society have successfully generated significant sales, benefiting local communities substantially.

Dr. Ghosh further detailed that sales surged from Rs 1.24 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 1.87 crore in 2025-26. The Eco-Shop offers an array of handcrafted, eco-friendly products such as woven goods, textiles, decorative items, and more, crafted by community members. These creations, which are popular among visitors, include handloom, woodcraft, pickles, honey, and water hyacinth products, each carrying the unique Kaziranga trademark. The Ministry of Textiles' SAMARTH scheme has empowered over 300 women through skill development workshops, providing them a platform to reach markets with their crafted goods.

The standout feature of these products is the incorporation of traditional animal motifs and the use of natural dyes from local wild resources. Training programs have enhanced traditional ecological knowledge and handloom skills, allowing artisans to create market-ready products reflective of the region’s biodiversity. By linking to major online platforms like Amazon and GeM, this initiative aims to boost visibility, demand, and customer outreach for artisans.

Kaziranga National Park continues to uphold its commitment to community-based conservation and livelihood programs that celebrate local knowledge, support artisanal enterprises, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region through its EDC mandate.