A Compendium of Best Practices for Conservation of Wildlife in India A Compendium of Best Practices for Conservation of Wildlife in India © UNDP 2019 All rights reserved. Published in India.
Graphic Design: P.Govind Sivan
Disclaimer: The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or Government of India concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including UNDP or the UN Member States, nor do citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute an endorsement. UNDP must be acknowledged as the source when content is extracted from this publication.
Claudia Sobrevila (1954-2019)
This publication is dedicated to the fond memory of our friend and colleague Claudia Sobrevila. She was a fierce champion of women in conservation and fought tirelessly to conserve wildlife. As manager of the Global Wildlife Program, Claudia cared deeply for ensuring that wildlife and communities around the world live in peace and harmony. She will be missed dearly.
Acknowledgement
This document has been prepared based on information received from a large number of institutions and individuals, including representatives of state and local governments, NGOs and Academic Institutions. We would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all those who have enriched this document. The institutions that supported the publication by providing information are Coromandel International Limited, East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Foundation, Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Foundation India, The Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd (G&B), Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Kanha Tiger Reserve, Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, Regional Center for Development Cooperation (RCDC), Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), formed in Old Jalukie, Pir Jahania Jungle Suraksha Committee, Participatory Learning Action Network and Training (PLANT), Mangrove Foundation, Maharashtra, Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve Management Committee, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), The Trust for Environment Education, Conservation and Community Development, (TREE Foundation), Meghalaya Forest Department, Gujarat Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL). We apologise for any omissions, which in no way belittles their contributions. We would also like to thank Shri Manmohan Singh Negi, Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) and Shri Soumitra Dasgupta, Inspector General of Forests (Wildlife) for their support and guidance towards preparation of this document. The publication has been conceptualized by Dr. Ruchi Pant, Head (Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management) UNDP, who has provided valuable guidance in terms of selection and documentation of the case studies. She was supported by her members of her team Mr.Vedant Rastogi, Mr. Parth Joshi and Mr.Auro Shashwat (UNDP Consultant) in the process. We recognize the contribution of Ms. Vibhupriya Singh (UNDP consultant) for writing the best practices, filing information gaps in the case studies by gathering additional information from key informants, and conducting secondary research. We would also like to thank Ms. Subhashini Balakrinanan, Mr. Siddhant Khanna, Mr. Shashvat Shori, Ms. Bhargavi Hira and Mr. Jaskaran Singh for helping in translation and editing, for bringing out the French version of the publication.
Message
India’s kaleidoscopic natural heritage comprises myriad landscapes including deserts, high mountains, highlands, tropical and temperate forests, swamplands, plains, grasslands and island archipelagos. Home to 4 of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots and one of the 17 megadiverse countries, the country is home to about 7.6% of all mammalian, 12.6% of avian and 6.2% of reptilian species.
Conservation of wildlife runs deep in India’s cultural and spiritual ethos. The philosophy of Monism, or Advaitha, acknowledges nature as the basis of man’s existence and deems it as his duty to live in harmony with all other beings without causing any undue harm.
However, burgeoning human populations are leading to competition for habitat with wildlife, and illegal trade in animals and animal parts has in recent times emerged as one of the five most lucrative crimes in the world, estimated to be valued between US$ 7-23 billion annually.
Many species are directly threatened by illegal trade, and while international and national laws and institutions are in place for their protection, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Fauna (CITES), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), India and the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972, the demand for wildlife products remains and illegal trade is still growing due to inadequate capacities to report crimes and enforce jurisdiction.
India has a robust network of Protected Areas that include 104 National Parks, 551 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 127 Community Reserves and 88 Conservation Reserves spanning more than 160,000 km2. However, a large amount of wildlife still resides outside of these areas where we need to adopt participative conservation models to ensure protection of our natural wealth. Community participation and awareness has emerged as one of the key remedial mechanisms to augment capacities of conservation and enforcement agencies, and this publication highlights some of the best practices in this field. I congratulate the team behind the publication and am confident that it will encourage emergence of more innovative conservation models for protecting our natural capital.
Prakash Keshav Javadekar Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India Message
It is now universally acknowledged that we have entered the Anthropocene where human activity is having a dominant influence on climate and the environment. As the largest democracy in the world, India’s development challenges are multi-fold, but perhaps none is as critical as the threat to our environment, natural resources and biodiversity, which can have adverse cascading impacts upon the health and livelihoods of millions.
We have already started to feel the catastrophic impacts of global warming and climate change both in terms of economic damages as well as loss of lives. However, loss of wildlife due remains an underrated threat that needs to be addressed urgently. Key threats to wildlife include climate change, poaching, and loss of habitat due to unsustainable agriculture, logging, transportation, residential or commercial development, energy production, mining, and fragmentation of rivers and streams and abstraction of water.
A recent report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) draws inextricable links between biodiversity loss and climate change. An estimated 5% of all species would be threatened with extinction by 2°C of warming unless greenhouse-gas emissions are drastically reduced. The planet could lose 16% of its species if the average global temperature rise exceeds 4.3°C.
However, while the larger impacts causing the climate crisis are globally acknowledged with increasing pressure on societies and governments to act, Illegal Trade in Wildlife remains a hugely understated threat. Directly killing wild animals for traditional medicines, art or fashion products and meat or maiming them to be sold as exotic pets is one of the most heinous acts that we can commit against mother nature. A recent study published in the Science journal reveals the shocking statistic that at least one in five vertebrate species (or 5,579 of 32,000 species) - animals with a backbone - are bought and sold on the wildlife market. Action need to be taken both on supply and demand sides, and international cooperation for enhanced monitoring of trade. On the supply side, we need to support poor local people engaging in wildlife collection to develop alternative economic opportunities and complement that with better enforcement targeting middlemen who are illegally trading wildlife.
There are many emerging narratives where concerted actions by governments and citizens have demonstrated positive impact in a relatively short span of time. This publication highlights some of these stories from India, and I am hopeful that it will inspire communities and institutions to reinforce their commitment towards protecting our precious wildlife.
Shoko Noda Resident Representative, UNDP India Abbrevations
ACF Additional Conservator of Forest APFD Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department BCRLI Biodiversity Conservation of Rural Livelihood BMC Biodiversity Management Committee BNHS Bombay Natural History Society CCA Community Conservation Areas CCI Community Conservation Initiative CIFT Central Institute of Fisheries Technology CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CLP Conservation Leadership Program CMS Convention on Migratory Species DBE Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire DFO Divisional Forest Officer EDC Eco-Development Committees EDGE Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EGREE East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem EMS Environment Management Systems FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FRP Fiber-Reinforced Plastic GEF Global Environment Facility GSAC Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee HNAP Hornbill Nest Adoption Program IBA India Biodiversity Awards IBA Important Bird and Biodiversity Area ICCA Indigenous and Community Conserved Area ICDP Integrated Conservation and Development Projects IDE International Development Enterprises IEDP India Eco-Development Project IGS Indian Grameen Services INTA Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IUU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated JFMC Joint Forest Management Committee JICA Japan International Co-operation Agency KTR Kanha Tiger Reserve LPG Liquefied petroleum gas MET Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust MNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MoEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development NCF Nature Conservation Foundation NGO Non-governmental organization NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority NTFP Non-timber forest products PADI Professional Association of Diving Instructors PBR People’s Biodiversity Register PDM Performance Development Management PLANT Participatory Learning Action Network and Training PTR Pakke Tiger Reserve PTR Periyar Tiger Reserve RBS Royal Bank of Scotland RCDC Regional Center for Development Cooperation RET Rare, Endangered and Threatened RF Reserve Forests SAPP Swamy Ayyappa Punkavana Punarudharana SBB State Biodiversity Board SBVCRMC Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve Management Committee SCME Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem SHG Self Help Group SRI System of Rice Intensification STPF Sea Turtle Protection Force STR Satpura Tiger Reserve TBCLN Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network TCL Tata Chemicals Limited TED Turtle Excluder Device TERI The Energy and Resources Institute TPF Tiger Protection Force TRIFED The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP-INTERPOL United Nations Environment Programme International Criminal Police Organization VCR Village Community Reserves WB World bank WII Wildlife Institute of India WMS Wetland Management Services WPA Wildlife Protection Act WTI Wildlife Trust of India WWF World Wide Fund ZSL Zoological Society of London TBCLN Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network TCL Tata Chemicals Limited TED Turtle Excluder Device TERI The Energy and Resources Institute TPF Tiger Protection Force TRIFED The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP-INTERPOL United Nations Environment Programme International Criminal Police Organization VCR Village Community Reserves WB World bank WII Wildlife Institute of India WMS Wetland Management Services WPA Wildlife Protection Act WTI Wildlife Trust of India WWF World Wide Fund ZSL Zoological Society of London Table of Contents
Introduction i
Map of India with Location of Best Practices v
A. Combating Poaching & Illegal Trade of Wildlife
1 Conservation of Amur Falcons by The Lemsachenlok Society, Nagaland 1
2 Conservation of Amur Falcons by Umru Biodiversity Management Committee, Meghalaya 7
3 Conservation of Whale Sharks by the Junagadh Forest Division,Gujarat 11
4 Conservation of the Greater Adjutant by Ms.Purnima Devi Barman & the Women’s Hargilla Army 17
5 Collective Initiative for Conservation of the Great Hornbill, Arunachal Pradesh 23
6 Conservation of Snow leopard by the Kibber Village Community and Nature Conservation Foundation, Himachal Pradesh 29
7 Conservation of Avifauna by the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust, Odisha 35
8 Conservation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles by Pir Jahania Jungle Surakshya Committee, Odisha 41 9 Conservation of Sea turtle by TREE Foundation,on Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha 47
B. Conservation & Management of Wildlife Habitat
10 Conservation of Avifauna by Coromandel International Limited, Andhra Pradesh 53
11 Conservation of Mangroves and its Biodiversity by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd 59 12 Conservation of Bugun Liocichla by the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve Management Committee, Arunachal Pradesh 65
13 Conservation of Gandhamardan Forests by the Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee, Odisha 71
14 Conservation of Forests by Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) in Old Jalukie Village, Nagaland 77
15 Conservation of Marine Biodiversity through Artificial Reefs and Sustainable Fisheries by Participatory Learning Action & Training (PLANT), Tamil Nadu 83
16 Conservation of Forests by Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network (TBCLN), Nagaland 89
17 Collective Initiative for Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra 95
Relocation & resettlement of communities from core C. wildlife habitat and conservation of tiger reserves
18 Conservation of Core Wildlife Habitat in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh 101
19 Conservation of Core Wildlife Habitat in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh 107
20 Conservation of Wildlife Habitat by the Confederation of Eco- Development Committees, Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) West 113
Bibiliography 119
Notes 124 Introduction
This publication is a compendium of best practices in wildlife conservation from India. In conforming to the objective of the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP)1 , to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable development by combating illicit trafficking in wildlife, protect species and habitats through integrated landscape planning and facilitate knowledge exchange (GWP, 2018), this publication recognizes the good practices of a range of stakeholders towards protection, management and restoration of wildlife population and their habitats. These best practices have been selected out of the winners and special mention cases of the India Biodiversity Awards (2012- 2018); a pioneering initiative of the Government of India in partnership with UNDP, that has captured over 600 nature-based solutions initiated by communities, industries and local governments, towards protection of wildlife and conservation of biological resources. The 20 best practices featured in this publication illustrate the conservation of terrestrial, coastal and marine wildlife, including rare and endangered species listed under CITES and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These practices have been categorized as follows:
A. Combating poaching and illegal trade of wildlife: This section presents a selection of best practices where the local communities along with supporting institutions have effectively dealt with poaching and capture of animals for illegal wildlife trade, resulting in a significant reduction in the threat level and population recovery of rare and endangered wild species. Poaching and illegal trade of wildlife is a significant challenge faced by conservation and enforcement agencies across the world. The value of illegal wildlife trade is estimated at USD 7.8 - 10 billion per year making wildlife crime the fourth most lucrative illegal business after narcotics, human trafficking, and weapons (GWP, 2018). The threat is even more prevalent in India due to vastness and porous nature of the boundaries of wildlife habitats including the protected areas coupled with limited anti-poaching infrastructure (WWF India, n.d.) and manpower. While demand plays a key role in fueling wildlife crime, poaching is also the result of extreme poverty (GWP, 2018). Local communities in many such areas poach wildlife for subsistence and commercial benefits. India has a robust legal and policy framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade. Trade in over 1800 species of wild animals, plants and their derivative is prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
i India is also a member of the CITES2 (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) since 1976. Multilateral organizations such as UNDP, WWF and IUCN, work closely with the National and the State Governments and various agencies to help study, monitor and influence action to curb illegal wildlife trade and poaching activities. Along with the international and national initiatives, the local communities and various institutions have taken up initiatives in diverse biogeographic regions of the country; such as, creating Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) and Village Community Reserves (VCRs) with prohibition on hunting and community patrolling, destroying poaching camps, conducting awareness campaigns, initiating livestock compensation schemes for curbing retaliatory killing of predator species, developing education modules, generating alternative livelihood opportunities and establishing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers.
B. Conservation and management of wildlife habitat: This section presents few best practices where the local communities and institutions along with government and private institutions have made tremendous efforts towards the conservation of terrestrial, marine and coastal wildlife habitats and providing a safe abode to the locally rare and endangered wildlife population. Habitat loss is probably the greatest threat to biodiversity in the present day and is identified as the main threat to 85 percent (WWF Panda, n.d.) of allspecies described in the IUCN’s Red List. A recent assessment found that only a quarter of land on Earth is substantively free of the impacts of human activities. This is projected to decline to just one-tenth by 2050 (WWF, 2018). Forest loss and degradation is mostly caused by the expansion of agricultural land, intensive harvesting of timber, wood for fuel and other forest products, as well as overgrazing. Around half of the world’s original forests have disappeared, and they are still being removed at a higher rate than any possible level of regrowth. As tropical forests contain at least half the Earth’s species, the clearance of some 17 million hectares (WWF Panda, n.d.) each year is a dramatic loss. Human impact on natural resources has also resulted in marine and coastal degradation. Almost 6 billion tonnes of fish and invertebrates have been taken from the world’s oceans since 1950. Plastic pollution has been detected in all major marine environments worldwide.
ii Freshwater habitats, such as lakes, rivers and wetlands, are also affected by a range of factors including habitat modification, fragmentation and destruction; invasive species; overfishing; pollution; disease; and climate change (WWF, 2018). Coral reefs support more than a quarter of marine life (Reaka-Kudla, Wilson, & Wilson, 1997) but the world has already lost about half of its shallow-water corals in only 30 years (Hooidonk, Maynard, Manzello, & Planes, 2013). If current trends continue, up to 90% of the world’s coral reefs may be destroyed by midcentury (Hooidonk et al., 2016). The conservation initiatives presented in this section range from, creating Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) with prohibition of hunting, felling of trees and extraction of NTFPs from the forests; planting of indigenous flora to regenerate the degraded habitat; expanding marine habitats by deploying corals reef structures; to encouraging and generating awareness amongst communities regarding sustainable fishing practices.
C. Relocation & resettlement of communities from core wildlife habitat and conservation of tiger reserves: The set of case studies presented under this section are based on conservation of critical tiger habitats through successfully executing the rehabilitation and resettlement of local communities from core region of the habitat and carrying out development activities for creating better socio-economic conditions for the communities. In India, the empirical scientific data establishes that a minimum inviolate area of 800-1200sq.km is required for a viable population of tiger (20 breeding tigresses) along with a buffer of 1000-3000 sq.km (NTCA, 2006). However, forest land has come under immense pressure due to activities such as utilization for grazing livestock, extraction of NTFPs for forest based products and building of infrastructure for boosting tourism. As a result, the habitats of large mammal experience significant pressures with habitat loss and intrusion from local communities who either reside within the protected area or at its periphery. This usually augments the human-wildlife conflicts mostly due to attack by the wild animals on community livestock. Protection and rehabilitation of tiger habitats in India has continuously received significant attention not only from conservation specialists but also from sociologists and economists owing to the challenges in making the process predictable, responsive and transparent with the full and informed participation of members of the communities involved.
iii The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended in 2006 which has provision for identification of the core / critical tiger habitats and voluntary relocation of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers on mutually agreed terms and conditions, aiming at promoting co-existence between wildlife and human activity with due recognition of the livelihood, developmental, social and cultural rights of the local people3 .
These categories are aligned with the key objectives of the global wildlife programme. The best practices contribute to implementing an effective system for governance of wildlife and protected areas, enhancing community livelihood benefits through tourism and micro- enterprises, integrating conservation with land-use planning activities and reducing demand for wildlife products by raising awareness. These best practices may be replicated in other parts of the world.
iv Map of India with Location of Best Practices
Conservation of Snow leopard by the Kibber Village Community and Nature Conservation Foundation, Himachal Pradesh Conservation of Avifauna by Coromandel International Limited, Andhra Pradesh
Conservation of Whale Sharks by the Junagadh Forest Division,Gujarat
Conservation of Mangroves and its Biodiversity by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd Maharashtra
Conservatino of Wildlife Habitat by the Confederation of Eco-Development Committees, Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) West, Kerala
v Conservation of Core Wildlife Conservation of Core Wildlife Habitat in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Habitat in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh
Conservation of Amur Falcons by Umru Biodiversity Management Conservation of the Greater Committee, Meghalaya Adjutant by Ms.Purnima Devi Barman & the Women’s Hargilla Army, Assam
Village Community Reserve Collective Initiative for Conservation of Management Committee, Conservation of the Great Bugun Liocichla by Arunachal Pradesh Hornbill, Arunachal Pradesh the Singchung Bugun, Arunachal Pradesh
Conservation of Forests by Conservation of Forests Conservation of Amur Joint Forest Management by Tizu Valley Biodiversity Falcons by The Lemsachenlok Committee (JFMC) in Old Conservation and Livelihood Society, Nagaland Jalukie Village, Nagaland Network (TBCLN), Nagaland
Conservation of Olive Ridley Sea Conservation of Avifauna by Turtles by Pir Jahania Jungle the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Surakshya Committee, Odisha Trust, Odisha
Conservation of Sea turtle by TREE Foundation,on Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Conservation of Marine Biodiversity through Artificial Reefs and Sustainable Fisheries by Participatory Learning Action & Training (PLANT), Tamil Nadu
Collective Initiative for Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
vi A. Combating Poaching & Illegal Trade of Wildlife
Conservation of Amur Falcons by The Lemsachenlok Society, Nagaland Community protects the Amur Falcons and establishes Community Conservation Area to conserve biodiversity and promote eco-tourism.
1 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Lemsachenlok is a society in the Nagaland falls under the North-East Yaongyimchen village of Longleng district in biogeographic region in India and is a part Nagaland, a state in North-East India. The of the Indo-Burma (Myanmar) Biodiversity society was conceived with the vision of Hotspot. This geographical location, with stimulating development while conserving its varied climatic conditions ranging the environment. Since its inception from tropical to temperate, has greatly in 2010, the society has been actively contributed to the rich biodiversity in the involved in preserving the biodiversity state, with 2,431 species of angiospermic of Yaongyimchen and its neighbouring flora and 735 species of terrestrial, aquatic villages. It has established a Community and avian fauna (Nagaland State Biodiversity Conservation Area (CCA) spread over 8 Board, n.d.)6 . There are over a 1,000 species sq.km of forest land that is home to a of orchids in India, out of which Nagaland variety of wildlife and aquatic species. Most alone hosts about 360 species. The state importantly, the CCA serves as a roosting is also known as the ‘Falcon Capital of ground for the Amur Falcons (Falco the World’, since it serves as the primary amurensis), the migratory raptors with one stopover roosting site for Amur falcons. of the longest migration routes of all birds, This, along with its ecologically significant covering a distance of up to 22,000 km sites, such as a natural vegetation tunnel in annually4. Yaongyimchen village in Longleng district, make it an attractive destination for eco- Until 2012, Amur falcons were being tourism. trapped, killed and sold in local markets in Nagaland every year at an alarming rate. In the Yaongyimchen village, in particular, the falcons were threatened due to hunting activities, and loss of habitat due to forest degradation. As a result, the number of Amur falcons roosting in the area had dwindled considerably. At present their status has been classified as that of ‘least concern’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This led to Lemsachenlok launching various conservation initiatives in Yaongyimchen, such as establishing a CCA in the village forest area where regular patrolling is carried out to stop hunting activities, banning jhum5 cultivation in and around the roosting area and conducting awareness programmes amongst local communities. These initiatives have resulted in the return of Amur falcons in vast numbers to their roosting ground in recent years and a thriving wildlife population in the CCA.
2 Need for the Initiative Lemsachenlok: Innovative Initiatives and Impacts
In the month of October every year, a Lemsachenlok is an official body approved large number of Amur falcons arrive in by the Yaongyimchen Village Council. Yaongyimchen to roost, en-route to their Its membership is diverse and inclusive, final destinations viz Somalia, Kenya and ranging from members of the village South Africa. This routine arrival of the council, staff union, student body and birds is locally referred to as ‘Tüma Lo-I’ in women’s society, to representatives the Yaongyimchen village, which translates from all the eight Clans in Yaongyimchen into, ‘a bird that comes from far away land village. The conservation initiative in after crossing vast oceans.’ the Yaongyimchen village, taken up by Lemsachenlok, is based on reviving the Until 2012, these birds were being concept of social forestry, which used to be hunted for consumption and commercial a part of the Naga way of life. This includes purposes. An estimated 120,000-140,000 management and protection of the forest falcons were captured and slaughtered and its biodiversity and afforestation of during their passage through the State barren and deforested lands, all with the every year (Conservation India, n.d.). The purpose of environmental, social and rural number of bird sightings in the village also development. dwindled with each passing year. As per the local sources7 , approximately 35,000- 50,000 birds were sighted in the year 2005 in the village, as compared to the previous figures ranging between 200,000 - 500,000. Yaongyimchen Land Act India, as a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), was immediately Selected area of a forest or a piece of land required to formulate appropriate action that is found suitable for community and plans for the long-term conservation of the environment development by the local bird. Following this, the state government, governance institutions, will be handed Forest Department, local NGOs such as over to the community by the owner Lemsachenlok in Yaongyimchen village, (individuals, families, clans). and the local communities, extended their conservation efforts to protect the birds.
3 Lemsachenlok: Innovative Community Initiatives and Impacts Conservation Area (CCA)
In line with the objectives of the initiative, Along with this, a 60-feet long eco- a Yaongyimchen Community Conservation friendly bridge has been constructed over Area was established, covering 8 sq.km of Dikhu River, connecting the CCA to the the forested areas of Nyangchi, Awakung, roosting site, which has restricted entry. Owaü and Akchang, including the rivers Accommodation facilities have also been and streams of Düla, Düthet, Shiung, and made available both in the CCA as well as Okyong. It is a well-managed CCA, with in the village. goals, objectives and strict regulations issued by the village councils8. Some Lemsachenlok has also established a features of the CCA are listed below: Community Bank called ‘Chen Jen’ which raises capital funding for a community a.Logging, hunting and fishing, use of micro-finance programme. It provides guns, catapults or any other form of local financial support to the local institutions, traps, within the CCA jurisdiction has been such as the Self-Help Groups and Joint restricted. Liability Groups, who borrow from the fund at minimum interest to start or sustain b.Routine monitoring of the entire CCA various livelihood activities. is carried out, by groups of community members comprising of students, village council members and village guards, with extra surveillance during the roosting period of the falcons.
c.The community members participate towards safeguarding wildlife species outside of the CCA as well. Impact of the Initiatives
d.Restriction has been imposed on Jhum cultivation in and around the CCA, which is In order to evaluate the efficacy of the a roosting site for the falcons. initiative, the impact was assessed based on ecological and socio-economic factors. In the absence of alternative livelihood options, most of the economic activity Ecological Impacts in the villages is based upon utilization of natural resources. Therefore, in order a.From approximately 35,000-50,000 birds for this initiative to be sustainable, it was observed in 2005, a congregation of more important to provide alternative livelihood than 150,000 Amur falcons have been opportunities for the communities and recorded roosting in the area in 2018. thus Lemsachenlok has commenced eco- tourism in the CCA, with birdwatching as b.The 8 sq.km of forest land conserved the prime attraction. To facilitate this, a under CCA now harbours 30 barking deers, watch-tower has been constructed near the 85 species of birds, 15 species of frogs, roosting site in order to provide a perfect Indian leopards, stags and other wildlife view of Amur falcons for the tourists. species.
4 Challenges Ahead
Socio-economic Impacts Although local communities are putting in effort towards biodiversity conservation a.Alternative livelihood opportunities have in terms of prohibiting hunting activities, been enhanced through eco-tourism, and conserving the forest area and its wildlife, there is an opportunity to kick-start micro- the nearby villages that are engaged in businesses using the capital funds. hunting wild species remain a threat to the CCAs. In addition to this, the wild species b.Inspired by the efforts and outcomes cross the territorial jurisdiction and fall prey of Yaongyimchen village, 17 out of 40 to the hunters. Thus, an intervention by the villages in Longleng district have decided to government and relevant department is felt conserve forests and protect wildlife. to be urgently needed by the communities.
Alijo- Community Morung Education Raising Awareness Through this Centre, the elders of the village also impart traditional knowledge Lemsachenlok has established a centre related to biodiversity management of traditional education ‘ALIJO’ which and conservation along with skills in was inaugurated by the Government of traditional arts and crafts. College Nagaland. Lemsachenlok uses this platform students also tutor the children of the to generate awareness on activities of village on English, Math and other school CCA and advocacy for conservation of subjects. biodiversity.
In addition to the above, citizens of Yaongyimchen, along with the neighbouring villages of Alayong and Sanglu, have set up a committee for assessment, monitoring Awards and Recognition and scaling up of the area under CCA. This committee has started sensitizing Winner of the India Biodiversity Awards its community members towards (IBA) under category ‘Conservation of Species in Wild’ in 2018. conservation activities and the need for increased participation in such initiatives.
Contact Person Y.Nuklu Phom Tel: +91 8974184640 Email:mailtonukluphom@rediffmail. com
5 6 Conservation of Amur Falcons by Umru Biodiversity Management Committee, Meghalaya The Umru Biodiversity Management Committee takes special initiatives to protect the Amur falcons and conserve local bamboo plantations.
7 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
The high altitude hill station of Umru, in the Meghalaya is situated in the North-East Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya in North East biogeographic region in India, which India, is the roosting destination for one of represents an important part of the Indo- the world’s longest travelling raptors, the Burma biodiversity hotspot, and is one of Amur falcons. Umru is the resting point9 the four biodiversity hotspots present in for the migratory birds after which they fly India. The region is rich in biodiversity with away to their next destination in the state vegetation types ranging from tropical rain of Nagaland. forest in the foothills to alpine meadows and cold deserts. Umru is located in the Ri Bhoi The Amur Falcons, make the voyage from district of Meghalaya which is characterized breeding grounds in Russia and China to by the rugged and irregular land surface. southern Africa, via North-Eastern India and It includes a series of hill ranges which the Arabian Sea. They have been classified gradually slopes towards the north and under the category of ‘least concern’ in the finally joins the Brahmaputra Valley. It is IUCN red list and are threatened mostly surrounded by forests covering the hills from hunting and loss of habitat due to on three sides. Small paddy landholdings forest degradation. are interspersed with thick canopies of bamboo. Since 2008, thousands of Until 2015, Amur falcons were being Amur falcons have been resting on these trapped, killed and sold in local markets bamboo clumps before migrating further in Umru, every year at an alarming rate to Nagaland. because of which the number of Amur Falcons roosting in and around the area was reduced to half of its initial population. Following this, Umru BMC took various initiatives such as, community patrolling to stop hunting activities, destroying poaching camps, encouraging conservation of the bamboo plantations which provide temporary shelters to the Falcons and conducting awareness programmes amongst local communities. These initiatives have resulted in the return of Amur Falcons in vast numbers, to their migration resort in Umru, in recent years. Umru BMC, inspired by other villages with similar congregations of Amur attracting tourists, is now more determined to make their village a safe habitat for the Falcons and explore eco-tourism as a viable alternative livelihood option.
8 Need for the Initiative Conservation Initiatives
Every year in the month of October- With the formation of Umru Biodiversity November, a large number of Amur Falcons Management Committee (BMC), the arrive in Umru, en-route to Nagaland. The members and volunteers, after closely estimated number of birds arriving in Umru observing the situation and condition of around the year 2008 is estimated to be the Amur Falcon in the area, decided to approximately 300,000 - 400,000. carry out strict monitoring and awareness programmes. The initiatives include: However, these birds were under constant threat from hunting activities in the village a.Imposing restrictions on hunting and and from outside the region. A large use of guns, catapults or any other form number of these birds were hunted for of local traps including nets smeared with consumption and commercial purposes sticky substance within its jurisdiction and every year. They would either be shot imposing a heavy fine for the defaulters. with air guns, catapults or bow and arrow or trapped with nets smeared with sticky b.Demolishing several poaching camps chemical or sap of jackfruit. The gradually that were set up on Bamboo canopies. diminishing Bamboo cover worsened these bird’s chances to seek shelter. As c.Spreading awareness amongst a result, the number of birds for further community members to stop consuming journey was reduced to half of its original falcon meat. population by the year 2015. Following this, the government, forest department, d.Carrying out strict surveillance and local NGOs and, most importantly, the local monitoring of the entire Bamboo area with communities through their BMC, extended a special deputation of BMC/ community conservation efforts to protect the falcons. members, during the roosting period.
e.Discouraging unsustainable harvesting of Bamboo by the landowners, by providing training and spreading awareness.
f.Discouraging light and noise pollution especially in the evenings since it causes disturbance to the Falcons.
Regular patrolling by BMC Members
Even death threat from poachers does not waver the determination of the BMC members from carrying out their duties under the leadership of Shri Philip Pahsyntiew. They have received great help from the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department of Meghalaya who have assisted by providing additional patrolling teams to the BMC.
9 Conservation Initiatives Eco-tourism: An Alternate Scalability Source of Livelihood
In the absence of alternative livelihood There is a need to scale up evidence-based options, most of the economic activity best practices. An example of scalability is in the villages is based upon utilization Umru itself which has been inspired by the of natural resources. Therefore, in order efforts of villages in Nagaland, who have for this initiative to be sustainable, it is successfully preserved the falcon habitat important to provide alternative livelihood and adopted sustainable and economically opportunities to the communities, so that viable options of livelihood through eco- their dependence on the natural resources tourism and microfinance projects. for sustenance is reduced. One of the most effective methods of scaling up is by spreading awareness. The Amur falcon festival, which has been held in various parts of Northeast Indian states, Inspiration for Change is one such initiative for raising awareness and sensitivity for the conservation of the bird. Umru BMC is inspired by success stories of villages with similar congregations of Amur attracting tourists. They have prepared a detailed plan for facilitating Challenges Ahead eco-tourism by providing accommodations through homestays, clearing a nature trail One of the major challenges faced by the through the forested hills and building BMC is dealing with constant death threats watchtowers for sightings of the Falcon from poachers. Although this does not deter by tourists. Visitors from various parts of their will to protect the wildlife of the area. the country, are already visiting Umru, and Education is another major challenge in the the community hopes that the flow will village and the communities feel they are at a disadvantage when it comes to interacting increase, once the news of the attractions with tourists and connecting with the outer would spread across the globe. world. An intervention, towards capacity building for the community members in terms of dealing with tourists, managing infrastructure and finances can accelerate Impact of BMC’s Initiatives the development of the entire village.
The conservation efforts by the BMC of Umru have resulted in recovery of Awards and Recognition population of the Amur Falcons in the region with approximately 300,000 birds Special mention in the India Biodiversity recorded in the year 2018. There has been Awards under the category ‘Conservation almost no hunting or poaching activity of Species in Wild’ in 2018 in the area since 2016. The awareness programmes have resulted in a community that is more sensitised about conserving Contact Person: Sumer Lang the biodiversity. Tel: +91 8730941717 Email ID: [email protected]
10 Conservation ofof Whale Whale Sharks Sharks by by the the Junagadh Forest Division,Junagadh Gujarat Forest Division, Gujarat Forest Department alongalong with with the the community community conserves conserves the the vulnerable migratory Whale Whale SharkShark by by incentivizing incentivizing its its protection protection through implementationimplementation of of compensation compensation schemes schemes carrying carrying out out awareness campaignscampaigns.
11 Introduction
The state of Gujarat along India’s west coast The campaign united stakeholders from has a 1,600 km coastline. Saurashtra is a diverse backgrounds – fishing communities, peninsular region of Gujarat which covers school children, government, NGOs, about a third of the state. It’s waters are corporates, coast guard, scientists and spiritual leaders, to collectively take action known to serve as a breeding site for the for the conservation of the species. Through whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the world’s its compensation schemes and awareness largest living fish, that migrates from the programmes, the campaign has facilitated coast of other continents to give birth in release of over 650 whale sharks till March the warmth of the Arabian Sea along the 2019 and has transformed the status of coast of Saurashtra. the species from a widely harvested catch to ‘Vhali’, the dear one. Whale sharks are found in all tropical oceans of the world. Their white spotted coloration makes these gentle giants easy to distinguish. The maximum size of whale sharks could be as large as 20m. (WWF, n.d.) Unregulated and unsustainable fishing Biogeographical practices; collision with boats and extensive Significance coastal pollution, have been attributed as major threats to the survival of this species. Gujarat occupies the semi-arid and As a result, it is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under western coastal biogeographic region in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species India. It is bestowed with one of the most 10 with a decreasing trend in population . diverse kinds of wetlands in the country including- mangroves, coral reefs, beaches, Until 2004, unsustainable harvesting of mudflats, tidal flats, flood plain systems, the whale sharks for their meat and oil and freshwater lakes and reservoirs. It was rampant amongst the fishermen covers the longest sea coast of India and of Saurashtra coast. This prompted the is divided into three parts- Gulf of Kutchh, Gujarat Forest Department along with Gulf of Khambhat and Saurashtra coast. the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Encircled by the open sea, the Saurashtra Chemicals Limited (TCL)11 to launch a coast is situated between two Gulfs. The Whale Shark Campaign in the year 2004, in faunal diversity is rich with species such as Flamingoes, cranes and seagulls, Hilsa four villages of Saurashtra coastal areas i.e. ilisha, Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus), Veraval, Sutrapada, Dhamlej and Mangrol silver pompret (Pampus argenteus), whale in Gir Somnath district. The villages were shark (Rhincodon typus), tiger shark selected based on the records of whale (Galeocerdo cuvier), cuttlefish, spineless shark landing, incidental capture of whale cuttlefish (Sepiella inermis) etc. Vegetation sharks and active fishing ports on the such as Ipomea pescaprae, Sporobolus Saurashtra coast. trinules, Fimrystylis species, Crotolaria species, Euphorbia nivuleria is seen in the beach and dune areas.
12 Need for the Initiative Conservation Objective and Collective action
Whale sharks filter tiny plankton through The campaign was initiated to spread their gills. The distribution of whale sharks awareness, educate and change point to the presence of plankton and perceptions about the world’s largest fish serves as an indicator of overall ocean and among specific target groups in Gujarat, so ecosystem health (WWF Central America, as to conserve its population and regulate n.d.). They are generally of limited value to its unsustainable harvesting in the fisheries. All conservation planning and decisions traditional fisheries. However, an increase under the Whale Shark conservation in demand in the world market for whale campaign are taken in consultation shark meat and valuable oil extracted with Forest Department officials, from its liver and fins, in the 1990s, lead representatives from WTI, local institutions to a targeted increase in its harvest. and community leaders, after taking into Hunting of the whale shark became an account, the challenges faced by fishermen important fishing activity in Saurashtra communities and their role in conservation coast as it fetched substantial earning efforts. The plans are implemented by to the fishermen community. As per the the local fishermen while the State Forest State Forest Department of Gujarat, on department facilitates the effort through an average, 200 whale sharks were killed compensation schemes and assists in annually (Gujarat Biodiversity Board, 2012) conducting awareness programmes which include the participation of Students, local in the state till 2001. Wildlife Trust of India NGOs and spiritual leaders. estimates that over 500 whale sharks were hunted along the Gujarat coastline in the year 2000-2001(Shrestha, n.d.) alone. With over 24,000 fishing crafts operating in the area, another major threat faced by the Whale sharks in Gujarat waters is accidental capture in fishing nets. In light of the above, the ‘Whale Shark Campaign’ was launched by the Gujarat Forest Department along with WTI and Tata Chemicals Limited to conserve the species.
13 Conservation Objective Conservation and and Collective action Management Initiative
The key activities undertaken under the b.Several awareness campaigns have campaign are as follows: been launched in partnership with other organizations (Wildlife Trust of India, a.Gujarat Forest Department provides WTI, Prakruti Nature Club, Kodinar and financial compensation to fishermen who TATA Chemicals) including initiation of voluntarily cut their nets while rescuing the annual Whale Shark Day celebration on whale sharks that get entangled in them. August 30th among the various groups Nearly USD 127,532.9 had been paid to of fishing communities, organizing street fishermen for over 650 rescues since 2005. plays, rallies, marches, exhibitions etc and Through Rapid Action Project, WTI provided encouraging conservation of the species. over 1,500 cameras to local fishermen, enabling them to document the release c.Connection to cultural ethics of local of fish and get compensation by the forest people and fishing communities has been department. This has also helped with established by soliciting the support of identification of individual whale sharks. popular religious leader Morari Bapu, who equated the fish to incarnation of a Hindu deity and accorded it the status of a beloved daughter coming home to give birth.
Beloved Vhali d.Gujarat Forest Department and WTI have pioneered in whale shark research to help The fishermen identify the whale shark as understand its ecology, behaviour and ‘Vhali’ in local language, i.e. “The beloved migration. Under Whale Shark Conservation daughter at parent’s home. Project, satellite tagging method has been initiated to know the whale shark movement so that better conservation models can be developed in collaboration with other states and countries.
14 Impacts of the Initiatives
Within a year of its launch, the campaign Policy Impact successfully converted former whale shark hunters into its protectors. a.Gujarat Forest Department and its partners in conservation- WTI, Tata Ecological Impact Chemicals Ltd., etc. played an instrumental role in getting the whale shark placed on a.Zero-mortality due to accidental capture CITES Appendix II and lobbying with the of Whale Sharks, along the coast of Gujarat Government of India for its inclusion in the has been acheived. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
b.Over 650 Sharks have been rescued from the nets till March 2019. Awards and Recognitions c.This campaign has also benefitted Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), an endangered TCL awarded with Green Governance species that come to lay eggs on Saurashtra Award in 2005 coasts. Special Mention in India Biodiversity Award d.Awareness level on the conservation under the category ‘Co-Management’ in status of the whale shark has reached 69 2014 percent among adults in Veraval, from the 19 percent figure of 2004 (Kumari & John, International acclaim at the Whale Shark 2017), as per the recent surveys. Conservation Conference at Doha, Qatar in 2016 Socio-economic Impact
a.The economic benefit from conservation work is through compensation of damaged Contact Person: S.K. Berwal nets due to voluntarily releasing of the Tel. +919978405156 Whale Sharks. Over 650 Fishermen had Email: [email protected] been compensated for the same until March 2019.
b.The fishermen who contribute to conserving the Whale Shark by any means are also recognized on Whale Shark Day, which gives them social recognition and encouragement.
15 16 Conservation of the Greater Adjutant by Ms.Purnima Devi Barman & the Women’s Hargilla Army, Assam A collective effort of a 70 member women group and local administration protects and rehabilitates the globally endangered Greater Adjutant.
17 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Purnima Devi Barman, or Baido, (“stork The state of Assam encompasses Indo- sister”), as she is commonly known, is a Malayan and Indo-Chinese characteristics, wildlife biologist with the NGO ‘Aarnayak’, creating a biodiverse region featuring a working towards the conservation of The variety of ecosystems, ranging from lush Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) since evergreen forests to marshy wetlands 2009, in Dadara, Pacharia and Singimari (ENVIS Centre: Assam, n.d.). It comprises villages in the northeastern state of Assam of the North-East biogeographic region of in India.The Greater Adjutant is a large, India. dark stork with a thick bill and pendulous neck pouch. Primarily a scavenger of The villages Dadara and Pacharia lie carrion, it is locally known as ‘Hargilla’ or in the Kamrup district, and Singimari bone-swallower, and is spotted either near village lies in Nagaon district of the state. slaughter houses and refuse sites or found Kamrup consists of wide plains and is foraging near partially-dried water bodies. in the immediate neighborhood of the Its global population stands at a mere 800- Brahmaputra river, where land is low and 1,200 mature individuals, and is reported prone to annual flooding. In these marshy to be declining, with its occurrence tracts, reeds and canes flourish luxuriantly, restricted to pockets of India and along with vast rice fields. The Deepor Beel Cambodia (BirdLife International, 2016). Wildlife Sanctuary, in Kamrup, is home to The Greater Adjutant has therefore been one of the few large colonies of Greater classified as, ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red Adjutant. List of Threatened Species. Purnima Devi observed the critical status of the stork The Nagaon district consists of fertile in the villages of Assam, where residents alluvial plains as well as thick forested hills. had tremendous dislike for the bird and It harbors the famous Kaziranga National it faced major threats from frequent Park and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, felling of nesting trees, loss of foraging along with Samaguri Bill, a wetland situated wetlands, nest falls and poaching. She thus in the Brahmaputra basin, which is initiated community-based conservation commonly known as Bird Pilgrimage, owing programmes to protect the species, to the vast variety of migratory birds visiting running an extensive awareness campaign during winter from all over the world. highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of the stork. She also became the driving force behind the 200-strong all- female ‘Hargilla Army’ , which has devoted a decade to protecting the endangered stork from extinction. Collectively, they have transformed the community’s stance toward the stork from aversion to pride, and the rare bird has found a safe haven in this nesting colony, where now one can find more than 50 percent of its global population.
18 Need for the Initiative Conservation Objectives and Initiatives
The Greater Adjutant is an important The purpose of the initiative taken up scavenging bird species that keeps the by Purnima Devi was to conserve the environment clean, as well as regulates population of storks and provide it with a the populations of vertebrates like frogs, safe habitat, by mobilizing a conservation fish and snails found in wetlands (Burman, campaign that would include collective Borthakur, Das, & Das, 2014). However, its action from various stakeholders in each numbers are observed to be decreasing nesting colony. To facilitate the above, she rapidly, due to poaching, nest falls, pollution used various measures to transform the over-exploitation of wetlands and felling people’s feelings towards the bird from of nest-trees. The protection of nesting antipathy to empathy: trees12 is a big conservation challenge, since the nesting colonies are located a.Education modules were prepared and outside the Protected Area Network in awareness programmes were conducted Assam. Additionally, the bird is threatened for specific target groups such as nest by contamination of open rubbish dumps, tree owners, women, school children13, where pollutants are disposed off, youth, village heads, local police and forest alongside carcasses and other foodstuff department staff, to motivate them towards and where storks have been known to protecting the bird. accidentally ingest plastic along with the food wrapped inside. In Assam, pesticide b.200 women were mobilized to form a self- use at open rubbish dumps where storks help group called the ‘Hargilla Sagrakshan flocked to feed led to several fatalities in Pariyaal’ (Hargilla Conservation Family), 2005 (BirdLife International, 2016). The which is now working for the conservation Zoological Society of London (ZSL) recently of this rare bird in their own villages. The included the Greater Adjutant as one of its women sell their handloom products and Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered spread conservation message through (EDGE) species and placed it in the top 100 exhibitions. species on the road to extinction. c.Every breeding season, as the birds lay their eggs, Purnima Devi organizes a stork ‘Panchamrit’ or ‘Gowd Bharai’ ceremony (baby shower), featuring the same rituals as those performed for expectant Assamese mothers. This has generated lots of attention and awareness among the communities.
d.Village youth monitor nests and report any nest falls to the local police and Forest Department, who rescue the nestling and transfer it to the Assam State Zoo, where it is cared for until it is fit to be released.
19 Impacts of the Initiatives
e.Tree owners are recognized for their The success of the effort can be gauged efforts in protecting trees, through from the fact that the bird that was earlier facilitation ceremonies. treated as bad omen and a nuisance is now respected by the communities. f.The initiative collaborated with Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to track Ecological Impact the birds and strengthen research for successful breeding. a.The intervention and collaborative action has resulted in conserving the Greater Adjutant in Assam and the numbers of Cultural & Traditional Significance of nests have increased from 28 in 2007 to Storks 200 in 2019.
The stork was linked to a Hindu Deity’s b.Not a single case of tree felling has been (Lord Vishnu) mount and a public convoy registered since 2010. depicting the same was linked with the annual Bhagawat Gita (Holy book of Hindu’s) Socio-economic Impact procession. During the bird’s breeding season, street plays and programmes were a.Over 10,000 people have been sensitized organized, similar to festivities held for to the importance of conservation of the pregnant Assamese women. Local women bird. now decorate the Gamosa (traditional towels) with stork motifs instead of flowers b.Alternative livelihood options are being and offer prayers in the Naamghar (Prayer explored; 28 handlooms have been Hall) for safety of hatchlings. distributed among 14 Self-Help Groups, and a fashion and textile design diploma has been introduced for local women featuring a Stork motif. 80 sewing machines have been distributed to women by the New Zealand High Commission in India
c.The motifs of the bird has been incorporated in traditional attires.
20 Road Ahead Partnerships and Scaling Up
The team has aspirations to scale up and The initiative has sought partnership put the entire effort on a sustainable with various government, research and footing through the following: academic institutions for successful implementation. Sakaradev Sishu Niketan, a.Establishing a Rescue and Rehabilitation the local school, has included conservation Centre for hatchlings, in its environment education module and contributes to organizing mass awareness b.Creating Community Conserved Area for campaigns. Assam State Zoo actively assists the nesting colonies in rescue and rehabilitation of chicks from nest fall. Kamrup Police Authority have c.Establishing a Hargilla Restaurant – a extended their support to the intervention, common area for dumping food waste and and their District Administration has meat to ensure that birds congregate in embraced the bird as their symbol. that area Dadara, Pachariya and Singimari are now IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas) d.Facilitating health insurance for the sites. Hargilla Army Support has been sought from the State e.Creating plantation along the wetlands Institute of Rural Development for skill development and capacity building of f.Enhancing alternative livelihood the local communities for alternative opportunities for the participating livelihoods. Local organizations such as communities, such as eco-tourism. Green Guard and Laokhowa Burachapori Conservation Society have assisted the scaling-up effort by supporting the Hargila Mitra Campaign in other colonies.
21 Awards and Recognitions
Dr Purnima Devi Barman is now the Director of the India chapter of the Women in Nature Network, a global women’s networking group. She received the future conservationist award in 2009 from the Conservation Leadership Program (CLP).
In 2011, the team was awarded a follow-up conservation award to continue the work. In 2016, Dr Purnima Devi Barman won the India Biodiversity Award for conservation of threatened species. She won the Prag Ananya Award conferred by the Chief Minister of Assam.
In 2017, she received the green conservation award from the London’s Royal Geographical Society for her efforts, and the same year received the Nari Shakti Purashkar, India’s highest civilian honour for women, presented by the President of India, recognizing her outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation in her country.
Contact Person: Purnima Burman Tel. +91 8876429654 Email: [email protected]
22 Collective Initiative for Conservation of the Great Hornbill, Arunachal Pradesh Enhanced livelihood opportunities and incentives for conservation turn the erstwhile hunters to protectors of the Great Hornbill around the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
23 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Arunachal Pradesh, in north-east India, The forests of North-East India are lies in the Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird recognized as a ‘Global Biodiversity Hotspot’ Area, with a rich and diverse avifauna, and an ‘Endemic Bird Area’, owing to the harbouring about 740 bird species sheer diversity of species in the transition (Chakraborty, Upadhyay, & Medhi, 2018). zone between the Indian and Malayan It is also home to the large frugivorous14 ecoregions. Pakke Tiger Reserve falls within bird, the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. found in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR), in It is an important part of the North-East the Pakke Kessang15 district of the state. Indian Tiger landscape, covering an area The most prominent feature of the bird is of 861.95 sq.km and it is surrounded by its bright yellow and black casque on top Reserve Forests (RF). It harbours tropical of its massive bill. Its impressive size and semi-evergreen forests on the lower plains colour have made it important in many and foothills, with patches of subtropical tribal cultures and rituals. It is the State broadleaf forests on the hilltops. Damp Bird of Arunachal Pradesh. areas near perennial streams have a profuse growth of bamboo and palms. It is Members of Nyishi, the dominant tribe in home to over 2000 species of plants, 300 Pakke, traditionally wear headgears called species of birds, 40 species of mammals, ‘Podums’(A. Rao, 2012), which are topped 30 species of amphibians and 36 species with the upper beak and casque of the of reptiles (Reserve, n.d.). Pakke is a haven Great Hornbill. The hunting of the bird for hornbills in North-East India, with four for ornamental use of its vital parts and of the nine species - the Great Hornbill, meat, coupled with loss of habitat due to the Wreathed Hornbill, the Oriental Pied forest degradation, led to a sharp decline Hornbill and the Rufous-necked Hornbill in its population in and around the Pakke inhabiting the area. Reserve. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has listed it as ‘vulnerable’, with a decreasing population trend.
To conserve the species, Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), a wildlife conservation and research NGO in Karnataka, initiated the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (HNAP) in 2011, involving both local and urban communities, wherein the local community contributes by protecting hornbill’s nests and habitat and the urban citizens contribute through financial support. This initiative was a three- way partnership between NCF, the Nyishi community and the Forest Department, which has led to a successful wildlife conservation story in Pakke Reserve.
24 Need for the initiative Genesis of the Initiative and its Objective
Hornbills are important seed dispersers In 2011, NCF initiated the Hornbill Nest of many tree species and contribute to Adoption Program in partnership with the the distribution and regeneration of such Ghora-Aabhe Society (A council of village flora (Sethi, 2008). A bulk of the bird’s global headmen in the Nyishi tribe) and the population is found in North-East India. Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department. The Nyishi tribe in the past hunted these The aim was to protect the hornbill and birds mostly during breeding season, for its habitat by creating awareness amongst meat and their upper beak and casque the tribe, building capacities and providing to decorate their traditional headgear. In alternative livelihood opportunities as an 2003, NCF started a long-term nest and incentive to boost conservation efforts. As roost monitoring program in PTR and of 2019, there are 11 Nyishi community Reserved Forest outside PTR. Nesting representatives from eight villages habitats in the surrounding Reserved Forest engaged in protecting hornbill nests and were found to be more degraded due to a roosts. They are paid a salary and are long history of human use, and the nesting provided with training and field equipment trees were usually abandoned by hornbills from the funds raised primarily through due to human disturbances. Inter-specific the contributions of urban residents and a competition between hornbill species for handful of other institutions, including the nest cavities was observed, indicating a State Forest Department. dearth of suitable nests for hornbills of all species. An interview-based survey across Arunachal Pradesh indicated that the species had been lost from 5 out of 16 sites Being a Hornbill Parent in recent decades (Bird Life International, 2019). Additionally, in adjoining Sonitpur The urban citizens become hornbill district in Assam, massive deforestation parents by adopting a hornbill nest. They had occurred over a period of two decades, make monetary contributions annually which led to loss of the lowland and foothill and receive regular reports every breeding forest usually inhabited by hornbills. season, with details on nesting status of hornbills and the nest trees, along with stories from nest protectors.
Breeding Season and Nesting Routine
Hornbills have a long breeding season, ranging from 90 to 130 days, during which females enter the existing cavities in large softwood trees and seal themselves inside to lay eggs, leaving only a slit through which the male can bring back food.
25 The Hornbill Nest Ecotourism and Adoption Programme Development
The Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme Training modules have been prepared by was inspired by Dr Pilai Poonswad’s. NCF, for the Nyishi youth to serve as nature initiative in Thailand. The concept of the guides to boost ecotourism. programme is to involve both local and urban communities in the research and The Pakke Paga Festival Committee has conservation efforts. The local community also extended their support in facilitating contributes by locating, monitoring and eco-tourism. Infrastructure for homestays protecting nests in and around the forests is being developed as a part of the and the urban community contributes by programme. supporting the programme financially. Community welfare activities such as Thus hornbill chicks in the area have three providing blackboards for local schools, sets of parents; the biological parents, local construction of public toilets in health guardians and adoptive parents. The nest centers, distribution of mosquito nets to protectors from the local Nyishi community, households affected by malaria etc are who once used to hunt the bird, now use also carried out as a part of the initiative. their traditional knowledge for locating Since the forests around PTR have been new nests and monitoring them through heavily degraded in the past, a restoration the breeding season until the baby birds programme has been initiated by fledge successfully. NCF has also trained establishing a nursery for ecologically and nest protectors in recording breeding economically important plant species. behaviour to enhance the research base. The nest trees are protected from forest fires and hunting and logging activities are reported to the local forest authorities.
26 Impact of the initiative
The initiatives have led to a number of c.There is a significant increase in ecological and socio-economic impacts. awareness regarding the conservation ethics of biodiversity. Ecological Impacts
a.The team has located several new nests Sustainability and every year with a 90 percent successful Partnerships nesting rate. Up to 2019, the nest protector team has monitored and protected The programme primarily relies on financial approximately 40 hornbill nests and helped assistance from individual urban citizens17, 131 hornbill chicks fledge successfully. who adopt hornbill nests. Apart from that, the programme has had assistance from b.The number of nest protectors has risen 12 zoos, including the Greater Vancouver from 3 in 2011 to 11 in 2018 from eight Zoo in Canada, the Whitley Fund for Nature, villages around the PTR. the Whitley-Segré Conservation Fund,
M.M Muthaiah Research Foundation, the c.A nursery was established in 2014 that Serenity Trust, Stop the Poaching Fund and has raised around 24,000 saplings of 62 the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department native tree species that are ecologically and (APFD). economically important. Around 12,000 trees have been planted in various sites since 2016 covering around 0.13 sq.km.
d.The hunting and logging activities in the reserve forest and its surrounding area have been curtailed to a large extent16. Awards and Recognition
Winner of India Biodiversity Award under the category ‘Conservation of Threatened Socio-economic impact Species’ in 2016.
a.Alternative livelihood opportunities Sanctuary-Asia–ABN Amro award to HNAP have been created through eco-tourism nest protectors’ team in 2014 and conservation works, along with skill development and training for carrying out the responsibilities.
b.A part of the fund received for the programme is allocated for village development. It has helped to meet certain Contact Person: Veena Rai immediate needs of the local people. Email: [email protected]
27 28 Conservation of Snow leopard by the Kibber Village Community and Nature Conservation Foundation, Himachal Pradesh Creation of village reserve and adoption of livestock insurance programme enable the community to co-exist with the Snow Leopard.
29 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Kibber is a small village situated at a height The Snow leopards are mostly found of about 4,200m in Lahaul and Spiti district in the mountains of Central and South of the Trans-Himalayan landscape of the Asia. In India, their geographical range State of Himachal Pradesh, in North India. encompasses a large part of the western The village is situated near the boundary Himalayas including the state of Himachal of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary which is Pradesh. home to the elusive high altitude big cat the snow leopard (Panthera uncial). The Kibber is administratively a part of the exquisite snow leopard, with its smoky- Spiti sub-division., in Himachal Pradesh in grey fur patterned with dark-grey rosettes, the West Himalayan landscape, which has usually inhabits major parts of the Western been designated as a ‘Wildlife Division’ by Himalayas in India. the state government. The cold conditions permit scattered tufts of grasses and However, fewer than 700 snow leopards shrubs. However, the area is known for remain in the high mountains of India. plants of medicinal value such as henbane The species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the (Hyoscyamus niger), depgul (Lancea tibetica) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species18, and narrow-leaved saw-wort (Saussurea with a decreasing trend in its population. bracteata), and wild flower species such The main threats comprise of; reduction as Thomson’s Thistle (Causinia thomsonii) in the prey base, habitat degradation, and and seseli (Seseli trilobum) etc. The valley illegal trade in its furs and bones. Two also harbours a variety of fauna such as decades ago the loss of grazing area near snow leopards, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Kibber had resulted in a decrease in the brown bear, Musk deer and Himalayan blue population of wild ungulates such as the sheep. There are two important protected blue sheep and ibex, the natural prey of areas in the region that are home to the the snow leopard. This led to depredation snow leopard and its prey, including the by snow leopards on the community’s Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife livestock, thus aggravating the human- Sanctuary. wildlife conflict resulting in retaliatory killing of the leopards by village communities.
Thereafter, the Nature Conservation Foundation in partnership with the Kibber village community, pioneered the conservation of the endangered species, by establishing village reserves for revitalizing the natural prey base of the snow leopard and initiating a community- managed livestock insurance programme that compensated its members when a carnivore killed their livestock. The state forest department has also played a significant role by assisting the MoEF to develop ‘Project Snow Leopard’19
30 Need for the initiative Genesis and Conservation Objective
The decline in grazing area for wild Only 6 percent of the world’s potential ungulates, the natural prey of the snow snow leopard habitat is classified as leopards, had led to a significant decline in protected area. Snow leopards require their population. This led to a substantial large areas, with individual home ranges increase in incidents of snow leopards typically varying from 100 to 1,000 sq.km preying on domestic livestock. An estimated (McCarthy & Mallon, 2016). It is often not annual loss of 12 percent of livestock feasible to create protected areas that are holdings was recorded, as per the surveys large enough to support even few adult carried out in 1996, due to predation by snow leopards. Village reserves provide snow leopards and wolves. a potential alternative. The Kibber village community thus began its conservation The majority of the community who live efforts in 1998, with an objective to adapt near the snow leopard habitat depend and promote coexistence with the snow entirely on their herds of livestock for leopards and other wildlife in the area. sustenance. The loss of livestock thus lead They aimed to increase the wild prey to an increase in retaliatory killing of the base by establishing village reserves leopards through poisoning the carcasses where they curtailed livestock grazing, of their prey. while establishing a community-managed livestock insurance programme. The Indian Himalayas is home to about 10 percent of the global population of snow leopards, in less than 5 percent of its global range. It is a ‘flagship’ species that serves as an indicator of the health of an ecosystem. Wide diversity, high abundance and regular presence of such predator species are sure signs of good availability of a broad range of prey species and other biodiversity within Asia’s high mountain ecosystems. Therefore, by protecting the snow leopard, the entire high altitude ecosystem can be preserved (Maheshwari & Sharma, 2010).
31 Governance Structure Conservation and Management Initiatives
Kibber is one of the larger villages in Spiti, The key activities undertaken by the village with 70 households. It traditionally holds are as follows- the rights to access large community- held pastures along the Kibber plateau. a.In 1998, Kibber set up village reserves The residents of Kibber have run the on parts of their grazing land, where programme collectively since its inception they voluntarily curtailed livestock in 2002. The Village Council, in consultation grazing and other forms of resource with the community members, manages extraction to facilitate an increase in the collection of premiums, verification of prey population of blue sheep and ibex. depredation cases registered by locals The size of pastures freed by Kibber and payment of compensation for verified residents has risen to 20 sq.km as of 2019. cases. The village has received support from the Nature Conservation Foundation b.Kibber pioneered a fully community (NCF) and the India Programme of Snow managed livestock insurance programme Leopard Trust (SLT), who work closely with that compensated its people when a communities on interventions to conserve predator killed their livestock. The area for snow leopards and other high-altitude village reserves were demarcated based wildlife. on elders’ knowledge of high value for biodiversity
c.The community has set up cameras around the village reserve to monitor the movements and population of snow leopards.
d.Local guards have been deployed at the agricultural fields to prevent crop damage from wild ungulates, thus preventing hunting of such species.
e.Women of Kibber are using their traditional knitting skills to run a handicrafts- based enterprise that has linked women to the cause.
32 Impact of the Initiative
The initiatives by the community of Kibber Socio-Economic Impact village led to positive ecological and socio- economic outcomes. a.Winters are a good time to view snow leopards in areas around the village. Locals Ecological Impact are putting this knowledge to use through niche wildlife-based winter tourism. Kibber a.Since inception of this inititive, the is fast becoming the world capital for community-run livestock insurance spotting snow leopards. programme has compensated for 500 cases of livestock depredation with a b.The community is financially secure, as compensation payment of over USD incidents of livestock hunting have almost 70,851.6 been made to the community ceased due to the availability of wild prey, members. and the insurance covers any such losses that may occur in future. b.There have been no instances of retaliatory killing of snow leopards by locals c.Women are able to earn additional in the past two decades. income from the handicraft enterprise while also taking part in the conservation c.The population of blue sheep (wild prey dialogue. of snow leopards), in pastures surrounding Kibber has risen from an estimated 100 in 1998 to 400 in 2018. Ibex, a species of wild goat, are now being spotted along the periphery of Kibber which may be attributed to the improvement of habitat Proof of Change and establishment of the reserve area. In 2017, an ageing snow leopard hunted livestock in Kibber. However, the d.Camera traps set up in locations within communities did not harm the leopard and the reserve show much higher use of it passed away of natural causes. this prey hotspot by snow leopards as compared to the surrounding landscape.
33 Scaling-up of the Initiative
Since the launch of Project Snow Leopard in 2009, the Spiti Wildlife Division of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has Awards and Recognition taken up a similar approach of community- based conservation, which has allowed Special Mention in the India Biodiversity these efforts to be scaled up across the Awards under the category, ‘Conservation Upper Spiti Landscape; one of the first of Species in Wild’, in 2018 landscape-level conservation efforts taken under the project and spread across an area of 4, 000 sq.km, covering 28 villages that fall within this snow leopard landscape. This insurance programme model has also been adopted by two communities in Mongolia who have started a community- Contact Person: Ajay Bijoor run livestock insurance programme on Tel: +91 94825 19667 similar lines. Email: [email protected]
34 Conservation of Avifauna by the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust, Odisha Enhanced livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism, facilitates the transformation of a poachers paradise into ecotourism hotspot leading to conservation of significant bio-resources and improved ecosystem services.
35 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Mangalajodi, a village on the northern Chilika Lake is the second largest brackish banks of Chilika Lake in the East Indian lagoon in the world and a designated state of Odisha, is a wetland with floating Ramsar Site which includes the Puri, nesting sites that hosts a wide variety of Khurda and Ganjam districts of the state exotic and migratory birds during winters. of Odisha. The state majorly occupies the Owing to this assemblage of avifauna, the Deccan peninsular biogeographic region wetland has bloomed into a prominent interspersed with the Gangetic plain and ecotourism destination with the help of the coastal regions. Mangalajodi village the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust (MET), a in Khurda district, is situated on the community owned and managed venture northwestern shores of the Chilika lagoon. supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland The marshes are shallow freshwater (RBS) Foundation India and Indian Grameen wetlands connected by channels, cutting Services (IGS). through the reed beds, with brackish water of the lagoon. These marshes provide a Until the year 2000, local communities rich nutrient environment for the floral and hunted these birds in vast numbers for faunal diversity to thrive. Flora is aquatic consumption and commercial purposes. and sub-aquatic with predominantly tall Over a period of time, the communities of grasses and algae, providing an ideal Mangalajodi gained the reputation of being habitat for faunal diversity which includes referred to as ‘bird poachers’. many types of fish, prawns, crabs and amphibians. Fishery sustains livelihoods With its institutionalization in 2010, MET for the local community. Mangalajodi is resolved to put an end to hunting and popularly known as birds’ paradise, since poaching activities and conserve local it attracts birds from all across the globe biodiversity by regular patrolling, creating such as grebes, cormorants, shags, herons, awareness and enhancing alternative egrets, bitterns, storks, ibises, geese and livelihood opportunities. MET conservation ducks, raptors, pheasants etc, making it initiatives are spread over an area of one of the best bird watching spots in about 10 sq.km. Collective conservation entire Chilika. efforts with focus on enhancing income generation opputunities by MET, the Forest Department and the Chilika Development Authority, has resulted in the transformation of poachers of wildlife, into protectors of the ecosystem.
36 Need for the Initiative Genesis and Management Objective
Until 2000, the people of Mangalajodi were Things began to change in 2010 when hunting, eating and selling the meat of the RBS extended support to IGS to put water birds. They also resorted to poaching conservation initiatives in Mangalajodi by poisoning, that would kill birds of many on a sustainable footing. IGS mobilized species in large numbers. In the mid- pro-conservation community volunteers 1990s, Wild Orissa, a conservationist NGO and formed the MET to conserve wetland led by Mr. Nand Kishore Bhujbal, formed biodiversity by inhibiting poaching activities, the Mahavir Pakshi Surakhya Samiti (Bird preserving the ecosystem and sustaining Protection Committee), constituting of livelihoods by providing income-generating members who vowed to stop poaching and opportunities via ecotourism. sensitise communities.
However, this initiative could not create a large scale impact as the area offered Governance Structure limited livelihood opportunities such as subsistence agriculture and fishing, MET has eight trustees who are community which proved to be insufficient to fulfil representatives along with a president, a daily requirements, whereas bird meat chairperson and a treasurer. There are 51 fetched a relatively higher price in the general members comprising of boatmen, market. In addition, there were no external guides and auto drivers. These members enforcement agencies supporting the manage tourism and conservation activities. campaign. Hence, the bird census in the Decisions on financial and other matters year 2000 showed a mere 5,000 birds are taken at monthly board meetings, as compared to an earlier recorded attended by trustees and general members, population of 300,000 during the peak where regulations are discussed. Decisions migratory season. are passed as resolutions and signed by the president and chairperson. Financial planning, audit and account presentations are recorded by the treasurer. All records Efforts by Mahavir Pakshi Surakhya of monthly internal audits are shared with Samiti the members. MET members meet by the quarter. Trustees and members are elected Between 1996 and 2000, the Samiti caught during annual general meetings. 147 poachers. In 2002, it recieved the State Government’s Pakshi Bandhu Award and in 2007, the Biju Patnaik Award for Wildlife Conservation.
37 Conservation Impact of the Initiative Initiatives
The key activities undertaken by MET have The conservation efforts have yielded been listed below: visible ecological and socio-economic results: a.Widespread awareness programmes were conducted on the harmful effects Ecological impact of poaching and its impact on future well- being of the community. a.Poaching activities are almost negligible. Population of birds in the region rose b.Regular patrolling of the wetlands was from a meagre 5,000 in the year 2000 to carried out by a dedicated team using 294,415 in the year 2017 as per census. natural waterways and traditional boats, The presence of ‘trigger’ species20 such as, who work in consonance with the forest Baer’s pochard, spoon-billed sandpiper, department and Chilika Development lesser adjutant etc, prompted BirdLife Authority, informing them about the International to categorize Mangalajodi as sightings of poachers and trapped birds in an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). fishing nets. b.The increase in avifauna has had a ripple c.Infrastructure for ecotourism has effect. Increased deposits of guano in the been established comprising of cottages, water has led to a rise in aquatic diversity dormitories and tents, equipped with with fish species such as, ilisha, flathead facilities to serve local cuisine to tourists, grey mullet, Asian sea bass, anchovy, rice thus providing a sustainable alternative fish and puffer fish. The endangered fishing livelihood to the community and steering cat has been also sighted in the area. the community away from poaching activities after the paddy harvest period (November to February). d.Capacity building is carried out regularly for all Trust members to inculcate skills for tourism, hospitality and native bird- spotting. e.Marketing campaigns have been carried out specifically targeting birders and conservationists by developing a trust website, collaborating with travel agencies such as the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, and participating in travel conventions.
38 Future Plans
Socio- economic Impacts MET is conscious that it is still dependent on RBS Foundation and IGS for various financial a.Jobs have been created for community and management needs. Trust members members to work as boatmen, guides, are training local people to take more hospitality staff, shopkeepers etc. responsibilities. Additionally, local Self-Help Groups are to be roped in for manufacture b.Inflow of tourists went up from 350 in and sale of souvenirs. The objective is to 2010-11 to 1,535 in 2016-17. The influx of make Mangalajodi self-sustainable. Also, tourist has lead to an initiation of facilities stakeholders want to bring Mangalajodi such as souvenir shop, cyber cafe, solar under the Wildlife Protection Act as it will lamp stations, taxi services etc. It has lead provide legal backing to the community’s to an overall rise in standards of living and protection efforts. increased access to health and education services for the community.
c.MET’s total revenue rose from USD 992.2 Awards and Recognition in 2010-11 to USD 23,001.5 in 2016-17. RBS Foundation grants have been declining, Recipient of India Responsible Tourism proving that the initiative is moving towards Awards under ‘Best Wildlife Stay’ category financial stability. in 2019.
By far the most significant well-being impact Winner of 14th UNWTO Awards for is the people’s pride in their protection innovation in Enterprise in 2018. work. Though poaching yielded significantly higher income, it is now considered an Special Mention in the India Biodiversity undignified activity. Mangalajodi has under the category ‘Community transformed itself from a poaching paradise Stewardship’ in 2014 to an ecotourism destination Winner of RBS Earth Hero Awards in 2012.
Contact Person: N.Sunil Kumar Tel. +91 9833021006 Email: [email protected]
39 Future Plans
40 Conservation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles by Pir Jahania Jungle Surakshya Committee, Odisha
This Women’s Forest Protecting Group facilitates regeneration of mangrove vegetation and the forest cover while providing safe nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley sea turtles.
41 Introduction
Community Conservation Initiatives (CCIs) Faced with multiple challenges, women’s have emerged as measures of self-initiated groups from seven villages22 around the efforts by local communities towards the mouth of Devi River launched forest and conservation of vital ecosystems, critical coastal biodiversity conservation initiatives. wildlife habitats and threatened species The women of Gundalba pioneered local while securing livelihoods. The Pir Jahania CCIs by establishing the Pir Jahania Jungle Jungle Suraksha Committee in Gundlaba Suraksha Women’s Committee in the year village, located along the mouth of Devi 2000 and spearheading conservation River in the east Indian state of Odisha, activities through regulating tree felling is one such CCI spearheaded by local and hunting activities, protecting nesting women that has successfully conserved grounds and fishing sites, raising approximately 15 sq.km of Casuarina and awareness for the conservation of the 5 sq.km of mangrove forests in and around coastal ecosystem, and creating alternative the mouth of Devi River. This area serves livelihood opportunities. as one of the three mass nesting sites21 for the Olive Ridley sea turtles (Mishra, 2010), one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtle species, inhabiting the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. About 3 feet in length, they get their name from their olive- green, heart-shaped carapace.
Olive Ridleys are threatened mainly by unregulated egg harvest at nesting sites, trawl fisheries and degradation of habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has classified the species as ‘vulnerable’, highlighting the declining trend in its population. Olive Ridley is further a Schedule I species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The CCIs in Gundlaba and surrounding villages were triggered by the super cyclone of 1999 that almost destroyed the entire coastal and mangrove area and resulted in a mass casualty, loss of livestock, crops and soil fertility.
42 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
Situated on the eastern coast of India, According to the IUCN Assessment Orissa consists of 37 percent forest Report, there has been a 30 percent to 50 coverage, ranging from mangroves in the percent reduction in the global Olive Ridley Bay of Bengal to dry and moist tropical population. These turtles are best known deciduous forests in the Eastern Ghats. for their unique mass nesting, locally Orissa comprises of two national parks referred to as ‘Arribada’, where thousands and 18 sanctuaries (Bansal & Green, 2010). of females come together on the same Biogeographically, the state falls under beach to lay eggs. Until the early 1990s, three zones: the Deccan Peninsula, Lower these turtles were harvested for eggs Gangetic Plain and East Coastal Plains. Devi during the nesting season. Caught as by- River, which flows across Odisha, is one of catch in fishing gears, they sustained vessel the principal distributaries of Mahanadhi, strike injuries and perished due to ocean the major river in east-central India. Around pollution (NOAA Fisheries, n.d.). 15,000 traditional fisherfolk from 36 villages directly depend on the Devi River mouth for The fillip for commencing CCIs was Cyclone their livelihoods (Mishra, 2010). It provides Paradip that hit Odisha on 29 October habitat for varied marine biodiversity 1999, leading to mass casualties, uprooted including Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, trees, destroyed infrastructure and the loss finless porpoises, smooth-coated otters of livestock and crops. The agricultural land and many residential and migratory bird was left unfit for cultivation due to increased species. The surrounding forest is home salinity. The most devastating impact for to many wild animals such as chital deer, the villages at the Devi River mouth was hyenas, and jackals. The area has a tight the near decimation of the mangrove and mangrove forest cover that provides a coastal Casuarina coverage. Sensing the barrier to coastal erosion and tidal surges need for an urgent intervention to conserve while serving as nurseries for a variety the ecosystem including the safeguarding of fish and prawns. The coasts serve as of the nesting sites for Olive Ridleys, the Pir nesting grounds for the Olive Ridleys. Jahania Women’s Committee was instituted by local women in the year 2000.
43 Decentralized Governance Conservation and Management Initiatives
The Pir Jahania Women’s Committee is The key activities undertaken by the Pir a foundation comprising 60 members, Jahania Suraksha Committee are specified with one female representative from each below: household in the village. The committee works closely with representatives of the a.Thengapalli (rotational patrolling) neighbouring seven villages . The Forest is implemented by the committee to and Wildlife Department along with wildlife monitor and protect coastal Casuarina and research institutions such as the Wildlife mangrove forest areas. Institute of India (WII), the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the World Wide Fund b.Forest management guidelines have for Nature (WWF) provide technical and been formulated comprising of rules and advisory support as and when required. regulations for management and use of The main objective of the committee resources, such as regulation of extraction is to restore and conserve the forest of non-timber forest products through and coastal ecosystem while providing the implementation of a rotation system alternate livelihood opportunities to local for the monthly collection of fuelwood in communities and creating awareness consonance with the neighboring villages. regarding the significance of ecosystem conservation. c.Conservation activities have been undertaken for protecting Olive Ridley and The committee holds monthly meetings its nesting grounds: where it formulates guidelines and passes resolutions required for conservation and i.Patrolling of the nesting grounds for management of forests. The meetings protection of eggs and hatchlings from are presided over by the president and external threats; secretary of the women’s committee and are attended by local forest officers. ii.Recording the number of eggs and Resolutions are passed only when the hatchlings released back into the sea; decision is accepted by two-thirds of the committee members, following which iii.Establishing a hatchery in partnership the result is shared with the rest of the with the Forest Department to collect community in a Palli Sabha (village meeting). eggs, rear hatchlings and release the turtles back to the sea;
iv.Planning and implementing strict fishing norms during the mating and nesting season including a ban on the use of unsustainable fishing gears.
44 d.An interpretation and learning center Socio-economic Impact has been established, to support tourism activities during the breeding season of the a.There is a growth in agricultural produce turtles. including cash-crops, ensuring basic income for farmers. e.Youth are engaged in maintaining an eco- b.There is ample availability of fuelwood friendly ambience for tourists and suitable and fodder from the forests. habitat for local wildlife. c.An increase in the population and variety f.Waste management protocols have been of fish has resulted in a fivefold increase in implemented for the collection of garbage the catch23 and income. and recycling of organic waste into manure to be used in agricultural fields. d.There is a rise of average annual household income to USD 892.7, which used to be almost negligible after the natural disaster.
Impact of CCIs e.A decrease in emigration rate has been observed following the increase in livelihood opportunities via ecotourism, To evaluate the efficacy of the initiative, the agriculture and fisheries. impact of these actions undertaken by the Pir Jahania Jungle Surakhya Committee was Despite the significant influence of these assessed based on socio-economic and initiatives on the ecosystem, the frequent ecological areas of influence. onslaught of natural disasters24 has affected the livelihoods severely. A robust Ecological Impact disaster management plan must be formulated to combat these challenges. a.63 percent increase of the mangrove vegetation was recorded by 2004.
b.Casuarina forest has regenerated to its former status owing to the conservation efforts.
c.There is significant increase in terrestrial and marine fauna, e.g. chital deer, hyenas, jackals, migratory birds, humpback dolphins and finless porpoises.
d.Improvement of the fertility of agricultural fields has resulted in high yields of crops and vegetables along with cash crops such as groundnut.
45 Expectations and Recognition
The communities actively involved in conserving and managing their surrounding natural resources are the main stakeholders of the Pir Jahania Jungle Suraksha Committee. Therefore, the communities need to work collectively with state departments to avoid conflicts.
The communities expect that coastal zone management plans prepared by the state government to be inclusive of their views. They can then be passed by the village councils at the local level. Local governance institutions may be given the authority to implement, monitor and evaluate their coastal management plans along with authority to take punitive action against activities that are deemed illegal under central and state legal framework.
The communities feel that the legal recognition of CCIs shall be further beneficial to the maintenance of their conservation and livelihood activities.
Awards and Recognition
Winner of the India Biodiversity under the category ‘Community Stewardship’ in 2012
Contact Person Bichitrananda Biswal Tel. +91 9437308608 Email: [email protected]
46 Conservation of Sea turtle by TREE Foundation, on Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha A joint effort by TREE Foundation and local communities to conserve and protect the vulnerable, Olive Ridely turtles using traditional knowledge.
47 Introduction
The Trust for Environment Education, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Conservation and Community has classified this species as, ‘vulnerable’ Development, also known as the TREE with a declining trend in its population. It is Foundation, is a Registered Charitable also a Scheduled I species under the Indian Trust, situated in Chennai, the capital city Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was founded on 15 October 2002, with The Sea turtle conservation initiatives by a vision to develop an environmentally TREE, stretch along the east coast of India conscious community. Its main areas i.e from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh of work include generating awareness and Odisha, covering a total of 600km of by providing environment education; nesting coastline and engaging community conducting awareness programmes on members from coastal villages as members endangered species and carrying out sea of Sea Turtle Protection Force (STPF). turtle conservation activities. The foundation has till date successfully released over 2,400,000 hatchlings The primary species conserved by TREE safely into the sea. TREE Foundation also is the ‘Olive Ridley’ sea turtle. Growing established the first Sea Turtle Rescue to about 3 feet in length, it gets its name and Rehabilitation Centre in Tamil Nadu. from its olive green colored heart-shaped Since its establishment, the Centre has carapace. However, this species is largely successfully rescued and rehabilitated threatened by unregulated egg and meat several Olive Ridley turtles, Green turtles harvest at nesting sites, by-catch in trawl25 and Hawksbill turtles. fisheries and degradation of habitats.
48 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
The coastline of Tamil Nadu, Andhra The Olive Ridley may be the most abundant Pradesh and Odisha is stretched across sea turtle on the planet, but according to 2,357 km in the eastern coast of India, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, along the Bay of Bengal. The coast is there has been a 30 to 50 percent reduction endowed with varied coastal habitats in its global population size. Till the early such as mangroves, coral reefs, seaweeds, 90s, these turtles were harvested for their seagrass beds, salt marshes, mudflats, sand eggs, skin and shells; killed as incidental dunes etc. The Statae also has a number capture in fishing gears such as long lines of rivers, estuaries and lagoons (ENVIS and trawls; sustained vessel strike injuries Centre: Tamil Nadu, n.d.). The marine fauna such as loss of flippers and suffered due to includes exotic migratory birds such as ocean pollution (NOAA Fisheries, n.d.). flamingos, waterfowl and pelicans along with several species of fish, shrimp, crab, Therefore, there is a need for an urgent finfish, oysters, commercially important intervention to mitigate the effects of crustaceans, Olive Ridley turtles, otters etc anthropogenic activities on the Turtles and (India Environment Portal, 2017). Realizing the marine ecosystem. the importance of the coastal ecosystems, Coastal Regulation Zone notification was issued in 1991 and the coastal areas have been classified into four categories viz. CRZ I, II, III and IV (Ramesh R., 2008). Importance of Sea Turtles for Healthy Oceans
Sea turtles have played vital roles in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years. They maintain productive coral reef and sea grass ecosystems and transport essential nutrients from oceans to beaches and coastal dunes.
49 Need for the Initiative Inspiration and Mission of TREE Key Partnerships Foundation
TREE Foundation is inspired and guided The success of TREE Foundation initiatives by the world-famous environmentalist, Dr has been possible through establishing Jane Goodall DBE26. It works on a primary partnerships with various stakeholders. mission of protecting the fragile marine eco-system and marine turtle population a.The state forest department has helped by developing education programs, which in licensing, monitoring and enforcement emphasize interdependence between of conservation regulations. coastal communities and marine resources. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to b.In Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the biodiversity conservation that is inclusive of STPF is referred to as ‘Turtle Watchers’. local communities and their development They are paid a stipend by the state forest needs. department during the turtle breeding season from January to June, each year. In Tamil Nadu, the STPF is referred to as ‘Turtle Guards’. Involvement of fishermen and dedicated team of STPF members has been beneficial towards protecting nesting turtles, eggs and hatchlings.
c.The Fisheries Department, the Marine Police of the three states and the Indian Coast Guard also assist in conducting community awareness programmes and enforcement of laws.
d.The National Biodiversity Authority has provided financial assistance to facilitate various marine biodiversity awareness programmes.
e.A good rapport with media has helped in reaching out to a vast number of the general public to spread awareness regarding the importance of conserving sea turtles.
50 Conservation and Management Initiatives
The key activities undertaken by the TREE e.Capacity building of varied stakeholders Foundation have been listed below: was carried out:
a.316 marginalised young fishermen have i.Training and formation of Sea Turtle been employed in the STPF, who use Protection Force from 222 fishing traditional knowledge to identify nests and villages. patrol the beaches to safeguard nesting turtles and their eggs from predators and ii.Training to 4,565 artisanal fishermen poachers. in sea turtle conservation.
b.The first Sea Turtle Rescue and iii.State-level training workshops of Rehabilitation Centre has been established, more than 3,750 officers which has rescued 57 Turtles entangled in ghost nets or injured by fishing gears, iv.Training of more than 3,700 teachers attended to their injuries and released and 255,000 students through various them back into the sea. awareness activities was conducted in more than 348 schools and colleges. c.Awareness programmes for more than 375,000 fishing community members have v.More than 2,150 tribals were been conduted, regarding fishing norms persuaded to stop poaching activities during nesting season and the destructive consequences of using unsustainable fishing tools.
d.Marine litter awareness and Coastal Clean-up programmes were conducted by collecting and disposing of the garbage along the coastline. This was a joint initiative with the Indian Coast Guard. Mission Sea Turtle Float
The Mission Sea Turtle Float was designed to create awarness on the role, life cycle and threats to Sea turtles. It reached out to 41 schools in Chennai, covering 35,975 students and general public; 16 fishing communities along the coast of Tamil Nadu; and 112 fishing communities along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
51 Impact of the Initiative Awards and Recognition
The impact of these initiatives was assessed Special Mention in India Biodiversity based on ecological and socio-economic Awards under the category, ‘Conservation areas of influence. of Species in Wild’ in 2018
Ecological Impact Recipient of Eastern Bhoomika Award 2018 a.More than 2,400,000 Olive Ridley Winner of Disney Worldwide Conservation hatchlings have been released into the sea. Award, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013 b.Successful satellite tagging of two Olive Winner of Sea World and Bush Garden Ridleys and one Green turtle has been Conservation Award, 2010 achieved. Winner of The Whitley Associate Award for c.It is the first NGO to conduct Turtle 2009-2010 Excluder Device (TED)27 trials in association with Central Institute of Fisheries Winner of the Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Technology (CIFT), and additional ten Species, 2010 independent trials with trawl fisheries at the fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu. Winner of the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund, every year from 2010-2019 d.The initiative has influenced 2,180 trawl boat owner associations for voluntary Recipient of Award for Conservationists of implementation of TED. the year, 2010. e.Rescue/rehabilitation of 45 adult and juvenile Olive Ridley, 7 juvenile Green turtles, 5 Hawksbill turtles and 2 Spinner dolphins has been carried out. f.More than 85 percent of the fishing Contact Person community has been educated on the Supraja Dharini ecological importance of sea turtles. Tel: +91 94440 52242 Email:treefoundation2002@yahoo. Socio-Economic Impact com There is an increase in livelihood opportunities and improvement in the socio-economic conditions due to enhanced employment oppurtunities created for 316 marginalised young fishermen as a part of STFP and eco-tourism.
52 B. Conservation and Management of Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management of Wildlife Habitat Conservation of Avifauna by Coromandel International Limited, Andhra Pradesh
An Indian corporation conserves Coromandel Wetland region, now a home to 97 species of birds including 24 long distance migratory species.
53 Introduction
Coromandel International Limited is one As a result, this area has transformed into of the largest manufacturers of complex a natural bird habitat for resident as well fertilizers in Andhra Pradesh, a state as migratory birds from across the globe. bordering southeastern coast of India. One As on date 4,000 birds have been recorded of its manufacturing units is situated in the within Coromandel premises including a few city of Kakinada in the East Godavari district, that have been listed as ‘near threatened’ which is abutted by the Kakinada Bay as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened (Morris, 2005) and marshy wetland on the Species, such as the painted stork, darter, southeast. In it’s bid to conserve this fragile spot-billed pelicans that are only found in ecosystem, Coromandel International Coromandal premises in entire district and Limited, has transformed this region into a migratory bird species such as black-tailed significant breeding site for a variety of rare godwit and curlew sandpiper. and endangered species of avifauna in the district. The site is now popularly referred to as Coromandel ‘Birds Paradise’.
Till 2010, the wetland and its biodiversity were under a severe threat due to recurring natural disasters, pollution, sand mining, poaching and extensive aquaculture. In 2011, Coromandel International Limited in collaboration with East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Foundation, initiated wetland conservation activities such as creation of bunds, rescue and rehabilitation of birds, monitoring and reporting poaching activities, conducting awareness programmes and most importantly establishing a 1.2 sq.km of green belt across the wetland which serves as breeding and nesting area for the birds.
54 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
The Coastline of Andhra Pradesh is located The coastal area and associated open sea on the southeastern coast of the Indian ecosystems of Kakinada, are not only a Peninsula, and forms a part of Coromandel hub of rich biodiversity but also generate Coast, with waters of Bay of Bengal. It has other ecological and economic benefits the second longest coastline in India, with such as shoreline protection, ecosystem- a length of 974 km. A prominent feature of based livelihoods and carbon sink services. this coastline is its cluster of mangroves in However, the mangroves and mudflat the estuarine areas of the Godavari River dominated area of the Kakinada region, and Krishna River. has been categorised as one of the high- risk zones mostly due to its vulnerability to It consists of 9 districts including East cyclones and their induced storm surges, Godavari district. The Kakinada city of the floods and coastal erosion (Kantamaneni district is bordered by Kakinada Bay and a et al., 2019). Urbanization, extensive marshy wetland on the southeast. The area fishing activities, industrial infrastructure is home to the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary development, sand mining, pollution which constitutes the second largest etc have further contributed to the stretch of mangroves along the east coast degradation of the wetland ecosystem of India (Barbut, 2011). It supports a wide in the East Godavari district. Moreover, range of fauna that includes amphibian, poaching of resident birds in the area reptile, bird, and mammal species. Animals has been a common phenomenon which such as otters, fishing cats, jackals and sea increases significantly during the migratory turtles are found in the creeks. Amongst season. The bird poachers constitute of birds species, snipes, ducks, sea gulls and people living close to the wetlands, and flamingos are common. The area is an poaching is one of their primary sources Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of income (Mannepuri, 2018). Aquaculture with a recorded population of 119 bird has emerged as another prominent species, of which 50 are migratory from threat to this fragile ecosystem leading Eastern Europe and Central and North Asia to degradation of water and soil quality (Barbut, 2011). (Beena & Chaturvedi, 1994).
Some critically endangered species, listed under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, such as the white-backed vulture and the long-billed vulture along with near- threatened species such as the painted stork and Oriental white ibis and vulnerable species such as the spot-billed pelican are sighted here. Significant populations of waders and mangrove birds are also found in the area.
55 Need for the Initiative Genesis of the conservation initiative
Coromandel International Limited began d.Round the clock security has been its conservation activities in 2011, in established to monitor poaching activities. collaboration with the EGREE Foundation28 Fencing around the area has ensured the for technical support, towards conservation availability of food and security for the and management of the mangrove birds. wetlands and mainstreaming coastal & marine biodiversity conservation into e.Local fishermen are sensitized to the production sector. The conservation conservation of the area. Sign boards efforts gathered momentum following, the demarcating non-fishing zones and silent Philin and Hudhud cyclones in 2013 and zone in bird nesting areas have been 2014, respectively which affected the bird erected. population and the habitat severely. f.Various awareness programmes are carried out highlighting the importance and need for conservation of birds to the public and corporate sector through street plays, video shows at public places, publications Conservation and and exposure visits. Management Initiatives g.Training and capacity building for the Conservation efforts have transformed staff is carried out at regular intervals in Coromandel into a natural and man- collaboration with EGREE, for identification made bird’s habitat through maintenance of bird species and management of bird of wetlands, developing greenbelts and population. They also assist in conducting ensuring protection to the area. The key bird surveys including the annual bird activities undertaken are as follows- census to monitor the population.
a.Rescue and rehabilitation was provided to more than 700 birds post the Hudhud cyclone along with medical care until the birds were strong enough to fly again.
b.A green belt was constructed over an area of 1.2 sq.km which serves as nesting Exposure Visits for the Academe and breeding grounds for the birds and helps in abating air pollution. Exposure visits have been conducted in collaboration with UNDP-GEF-EGREE c.Near natural habitat for the birds was project for the students of local schools created using bunding method and and collages to these bird areas in order shelters were built in water logged areas to ignite interest and enhance awareness for the protection of wetland ecosystem regarding significance of their conservation. which facilitated the availability of fish and insects for birds.
56 Impact of the Initiative
The ecological and social impacts of Socio-economic Impact the initiative are a proof of a healthy environment around the Coromandel a.The gathering of a wide variety of rare industrial plant. avifauna has given an impetus to tourism. National and international visitors are Ecological Impact attracted by the birds and their habitat to take films and photographs. The a.The area has become one of the largest photographs of the Coromandel bird natural breeding sites for Grey Heron, habitat have been awarded with a Red Painted Storks and Darter and the second ribbon in photography. largest breeding site for Asian Open bill- Storks in the East Godavari District. This also b.The facility has created a pristine supports for a large number of Purple and atmosphere around the industry and the Common Moorhens. This is the only site staff of Coromandel appreciates and enjoys that supports Heronry Birds for breeding the newly founded bird habitat within the in two spells within one year, as both fresh premises of their work place, which as per and brackish water habitats are present their own words, is a blessing. in this area. Coromandel is the only site in Kakinada including Coringa Sanctuary housing the Spot-billed Pelican. It is one of the best roosting sites for wild water birds in Kakinada. Nearly 97 bird species have Awards and Recognition been identified and recorded so far out of which, 13 are breeding species and 24 are Special Mention in the India Biodiversity long- distance migratory birds. Award under the category, ‘Conservation of Species in Wild’ in 2018. b.The set up has added extended habitat for the birds of Coringa wildlife sanctuary
c.There have been no instances of poaching of birds by locals in the past two decades.
d.Since the water bodies sequester more carbon than the terrestrial environment Contact Person: Y. Satya Sivanadh these are protected and conserved by the Tel: +91 9618556783 management. Email: [email protected]
57 58 Conservation of Mangroves and its Biodiversity by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, Maharashtra An Industry’s endeavor to restore and preserve the mangrove ecosystem on the banks of Thane Creek in Mumbai.
59 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
The Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd (G&B), Maharashtra comprises of two biomes, is one of the largest private industrial the Indian Peninsula Tropical Moist Forest corporations in India. It is based in Mumbai, in the Western Ghat region and the Indo- the capital of Indian state Maharashtra. Malayan Tropical Dry Zone (GD and AA, It has been conserving a vast stretch of 2018). Mumbai, comprising mostly of the mangroves in its north eastern suburb, Western Ghat region, lies at the mouth of Vikhroli, along the West bank of the Thane Ulhas River on the western coastal region creek29 since the 1940s. These mangroves of Konkan. It sits on Salsette Island which it spread over more than 12 sq.km, provide a partially shares with the Thane district and vast array of essential ecosystem services is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west by sequestering carbon to mitigate climate where it hosts an array of mangroves on its change effects, maintaining water quality, coastline. providing livelihood through fisheries, trapping silt to maintain the integrity of Mangrove ecosystem provides habitat for Mumbai’s shoreline and providing a habitat roosting and reproduction to terrestrial to rare and endangered species. and marine biodiversity. Around 15 out of the 35 species of true mangroves Mumbai has lost almost 40 percent of found in India have been identified along all its mangroves in the past decade the coasts of Mumbai. Besides mangrove (Sarkar, 2017), largely due to construction plants, associate species like Meswak activities, encroachment and pollution. can be found in the back zone of the Nevertheless, owing to conservation ecosystem. Mangroves arrest tidal force and management efforts of the Godrej and create safe microhabitats. Several family such as; plantation of mangrove species of Fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters species, maintenance of forest and trails, and molluscs reproduce in its sediments. regular monitoring to prevent poaching Amphibians, reptiles and birds are also and tree felling, creating awareness and part of the mangrove food web. Adaptive facilitating research activities to enhance mammals like the jackal, mongoose, wild the mangrove forests; there still exist 16 boars, otters and leopards can be spotted true and associate mangrove species in in the undisturbed mangrove ecosystem. the forests in Vikhroli inhabited by diverse Godrej has documented several varieties wildlife. of avifauna in its mangroves which are classified as vulnerable as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, such as Eurasian eagle, Steppe eagle, Tawny eagle etc. Recently, Godrej team has also documented more than 75 spider species and insect species.
60 Need for the initiative The Genesis of Conservation Initiative and Governance
Besides harboring the local biodiversity, In the 1940s, Godrej acquired several the mangroves of Mumbai are the principal hundred acres of land in Vikhroli, for setting source of livelihood for the Koli tribe, up an Industrial Garden Township for their who are still dependent on the aquatic production processes. This land comprised resources of mangroves for sustenance. of vast luxuriant mangroves. Considering Apart from this, the extensive root network the rich biodiversity of mangrove forests, of the mangroves protects the shoreline Godrej took several initiatives for its of suburbs such as Ghatkopar, Vikhroli protection right from the start. The Soonabai and Kanjurmarg from erosion. They Pirojsha Godrej Foundation was set up in play a vital role in nutrient recycling and 1985, to formalize its efforts towards the treating Mumbai’s waste water by breaking conservation of mangrove ecosystems. complex pollutants into nutrients with The project was later integrated into their their biological systems. They moderate Environment Management Systems (EMS) extreme events like flash floods and storms to establish participatory and sustainable by acting as a natural sponge. However, management system of the mangroves coasts of Mumbai suffered considerable through research, conservation initiatives loss of the mangroves in last decade mainly and awareness programmes, to maximize due to reclamation and fragmentation for its ecosystem services and share its settlements, and discharge of domestic benefits with various stakeholders. sewage and industrial effluents along the coastlines. Lack of knowledge of the The ‘Wetland Management Services’ (WMS) local mangrove species, soil physiology was constituted for this purpose, which and microenvironment along with lack is supported by other departments such of manpower have been cited as primary as Environmental Engineering Services, reasons responsible for the failure of Horticulture Management Services and restoration projects. Construction Engineering Services. ‘On site’ conservation activities implemented by the WMS team are planned under Environment Management System of ISO 14001: 2004 certification with targets that are linked to the Performance Development Management (PDM) system. The progress of each task is reviewed every week in departmental meetings and every quarter under PDM system where observations are documented in the project progress tracking software.
61 The Genesis of Conservation Innovative Initiatives Impact of the Initiative Initiative and Governance
Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd (G&B), through Godrej’s mangroves serve as the green its environment conservation initiatives, lung of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. has tried to maintain the delicate balance The conservation initiatives have further between industrial activities and nature enhanced ecological and socio-economic conservation. The initiatives are described aspects of the ecosystem. below. Ecological Impact a.Re-plantation of true mangrove and associate species across 0.32 sq.km a.The Mangrove ecosystem now shelters has been carried out, facilitating in-situ diverse wildlife comprising of 206 bird conservation of 15 mangrove species. species, 82 butterfly species, 31 reptile species, 4 mammal species, 22 fish species, b.Mangrove nursery and several theme 14 crab species, 7 prawn species, 79 spider gardens such as butterfly, medicinal and species and more than 75 insect species. palm gardens have been established that Re-plantation activities have offered conserve a vast gene pool with over 100 better roosting and nesting habitat for the diverse species in each garden. avifauna.
c.Mangrove saplings were distributed to b.A recent research assessment has other organizations for plantation. revealed that mangroves have sequestered approximately 960,000 Metric Tons of d.Regular maintenance of nature trails carbon equivalent of carbon dioxide in its along with patrolling is carried out to biomass and sediments as in August 2019. prevent encroachments and tree felling. Additionally, a 60,000 equivalent Tons of carbon dioxide is sequestered every year. e.Several outdoor and indoor awareness initiatives have been initiated such as Asia’s first Mangrove’s App frequent nature walks, handing out of posters and pamphlets, film screenings, To enhance Godrej’s mangrove power point presentations, hosting quizzes conservation outreach ‘beyond the fence’, and debates in the Mangrove Information a mobile app was launched to identify Centre and release of publications such as true mangrove and mangrove associate ‘Godrej: Symbiosis of Industry and Nature’, species of Maharashtra. The App has ‘Mangroves’ for increasing awareness. visual and taxonomic information of 67 true and mangrove associate species. It f.Research by providing guidance of the is available in 9 Indian coastal languages mangrove ecosystem31, logistic support along with Hindi and English. Till date, and networking with experts and academic it has helped over 3500 users from institutes is facilitated. 65 countries for identification of such species. In addition, there is a section on mangrove ecosystem with information on mangrove distribution, ecosystem characteristics, adaptations, biodiversity, threats, conservation and role of stakeholders.
62 Socio-economic Impact Awards and Recognition a.Improved detritus food-chain and habitat for aquatic life have enhanced livelihood Recipient of Good Governance Award by opportunities of local fisherfolk. the Bombay Natural History Society, 2006. b.Every year around 7000-10000 citizens Special Mention in the India Biodiversity learn about diversity and the importance Award under the category, ‘Conservation of of mangroves through nature walks and Species in Wild in 2018. other awareness programs. In the last four years, 35,000 citizens have visited Earth Care 2018 Award by the JSW Group Godrej mangroves or department’s poster and Times of India. Felicitated by Mangrove exhibitions and presentations. Society of India, 2018.
c.Godrej mangrove visit has been included as core curricular activity by several academic institutions. Godrej’s mangrove conservation has yielded demonstrable outcomes over three decades. Since the last Contact Person: decade, Godrej has facilitated 28 research Laxmikant Deshpande projects in partnership with academic and Tel. +91 9167344890 research institutes to generate a better Email : [email protected] understanding of mangrove ecosystem.
d.The mangroves act as pollution sink and as a buffer to the nearby urban communities against flood and stench from neighboring waste facilities.
63 64 Conservation of Bugun Liocichla by the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve Management Committee, Arunachal Pradesh Community establishes a Village Community Reserve to provide a safe habitat for the critically endangered bird, the Bugun Liocichla.
65 Introduction
Singchung Bugun Village Community However, the Bugun Liocichla is threatened Reserve Management Committee by habitat degradation due to timber (SBVCRMC) is a non-governmental extraction and forest clearance to carry out organization in West Kameng District in the development activities. Therefore, in order North-Eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh to preserve the local biodiversity which is in India, which works towards conservation also an abode to the rare bird, the Bugun and management of the local biodiversity. community established a village community Neighboring the Eaglenest Wildlife reserve. It constitutes of a 17sq.km core Sanctuary, the core area of Singchung zone that is part of a larger conservation Bugun Village Community Reserve is area spread across 40 sq.km. Since its spread across 17sq.km and is home to a conception, the reserve’s management critically endangered bird, listed under the committee has banned hunting and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the forbidden the collection of firewood and Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum). Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from inside the reserve. This olive-grey bird with a black cap and golden fringes on its wings was discovered by an astrophysicist, Ramana Athreya in 2006, in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The total population of the species inhabiting the temperate forests of New Bird in the Hills Singchung village is of 20 mature individuals approximately. It is the only new bird species Formally described and reported in 2006, to have been discovered in India after the bird brought fame to the small tribe of 1947 and has been named in the honour Buguns. India even launched a 25-rupee of the wildlife and forest conservation postage stamp, featuring the Bugun efforts initiated by the Bugun community Liocichla in 2012. of Singchung village. It’s occurance has not been reported anywhere else in the world.
66 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the world’s The total population of Bugun Liocichla ‘biodiversity hotspots’, in the Eastern is estimated between 50-249 mature Himalayas. It is marked with luxuriant individuals, with a decreasing trend in the tropical, tropical semi-evergreen, sub- population as per the IUCN assessment tropical, pine, temperate and alpine report (BirdLife International, 2018). forests along with rich faunal biodiversity Approximately, 15-20 birds out of the total comprising of 216 species of mammals, 218 population are found in the Singchug village species of aquatic fauna and 770 species community forests. It is threatened by of birds. It has an active involvement loss of habitat from timber extraction and from the traditional communities in logging, forest clearance for agriculture and conserving and managing the surrounding plantations, infrastructure development natural resources. The Eaglenest Wildlife for road construction and natural resource Sanctuary is one of the protected areas extraction. The destruction of the habitat in the West Kameng district of the state, is amplified due to the impact of frequent with about 700 species of avifauna. It also landslides. The community forest is not has a rich repository of flora and fauna in only home to the Bugun Liocichla, but its fringes that is mostly managed by the also to a vast variety of significant flora local communities, including management and fauna. Given the dependence of the of the Singchung Bugun village community community on the natural resources and reserve abutting the sanctuary. The their ecological significance, the plan for vegetation in this region comprises of a instituting village community reserve was wide range of forests, ranging from tropical conceived by the Bugun community. evergreen forests in the lower elevations to conifers and rhododendrons at the highest elevations. Most parts of the area have an extensive bamboo cover.
67 Genesis and Governance of the Community Reserve
Singchung Bugun Village Community b.Regular monitoring of the reserve by Reserve (SBVCR), adjoining the Eaglenest the patrolling staff Wildlife Sanctuary was established under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 197232. Bugun youth from Singchung village This status was acknowledged by the have been employed as monitoring and government of Arunachal Pradesh in patrolling staff of the SBVCR. They have February 2017. The SBVCRMC has been been trained in anti-poaching and patrolling working towards conserving, maintaining activities by members of Special Task Force and managing of biological resources of the Tamil Nadu police specializing in and forest landscape since 2012, prior forest operations. to its institutionalization in 2017 by the State government. The committee c.Awareness programmes in comprises of nine Bugun members on its partnership with the State Forest governing council, including two women. Department and various academic A few representatives from academic and and non-governmental organizations research institutions serve as advising members, while the Divisional Forest Officer SBVCR partnered with government and (DFO) is an ex-officio member. The DFO is academic institutions to hold wildlife involved in the functioning of the reserve and conservation awareness camps and as well as assisting the management workshops for school students and teachers committee in executing the tasks. during National Wildlife Week (October) from 2013-2017, inside the community reserve. SBVCRMC has also partnered with various institutions to hold regular conservation awareness workshops, both Innovative Initiatives in Singchung and surrounding villages. and Impacts d.Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation Various initiatives towards natural resources conservation have been taken The staff of the SBVCR have been trained in by the Committee since its conception: and continues to rescue snakes and other wildlife from villages, and release them into a.The inception of community-based the wild, thus preventing human-wildlife wildlife tourism program conflicts.
This initiative is managed entirely by members of the Singchung Village Council and caters to both national and international birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The annual number of tourists and infrastructure development is limited for effective management of the area. The hallmark of this program is high income from tourism with low ecological impact.
68 Effective conservation of the Impacts of the initiatives Village Reserve using Traditional Knowledge The Bugun community of Singchung village The efforts for biodiversity conservation has traditionally managed these lands for has led to a number of ecological and centuries. It has inculcated comprehensive socio-economic impacts. land management practices, detailed knowledge of the terrain and landscape, Ecological Impact and is intimately familiar with the flora and fauna of the region. This traditional a.Habitat for critically endangered Bugun knowledge has been invaluable to Liocichla is being conserved with 17sq.km conservation efforts. Knowledge of land of core forest land along with 40 sq.km use patterns and the prime habitats of of buffer area classified under Village endangered species in the landscape Community Reserve. have steered the demarcation of the boundaries of the SBVCR. This not only b.A ban on unsustainable and unauthorized contributed to conserving the Bugun hunting and extraction of NTFPs has been Liocichla but also to preserve forests in imposed. watershed areas, thereby ensuring the supply of clean water and preventing Socio-economic Impact landslides. Traditional knowledge of access routes, terrain, and tracking skills a.There is availability of alternative has ensured effective implementation of livelihood opportunities through eco- anti-poaching, and patrolling operations. tourism and patrolling staff requirements. Essentially, the detailed knowledge of the spatial and seasonal distribution of wildlife b.Increase in community awareness and biodiversity has boosted wildlife- regarding the conservation of biodiversity based tourism, with many local individuals and its benefits has been observed. serving as expert wildlife guides. Traditional knowledge of minimally invasive techniques of construction and maintenance have helped to create a eco-friendly and low impact infrastructure.
69 Sustainability and Partnerships
To ensure long term sustainability of the reserve and its activities, the committee Awards and Recognition hopes to create a system in which more community members take center stage Winner of India Biodiversity Awards under in the reserve’s management, to reduce the category, ‘Conservation of Species in dependence on the Forest Department. Wild’, in 2018. The Reserve Management Committee in consultation with the forest department is in the process of developing a management plan for the community reserve. The Contact Person: Millo Tasser committee has expanded its tourism Tel: +91 8415980465 activities beyond bird watching. Some of Email: [email protected] the nature-based activities include treks [email protected] through the villages and bird watching in community reserve.
Collaborations and partnerships with different institutions are essential in improving the impact of community initiatives. Therefore, the SBVCRMC has partnered with various institutions such as the Shergaon forest division of the Arunachal Pradesh forest department, the Bugun Welfare Society, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune, National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, and World Wildlife Fund (India). These institutions have assisted the committee in carrying out various tasks such as awareness programmes, establishing eco-tourism, capacity building in conservation and management of biodiversity.
70 Conservation of Gandhamardan Forests by the Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee, Odisha Community institution conserves and sustainably manages 45 sq.km of reserve forest and protects it against exploitation by encroachers.
71 Introduction
Gandhamardan Surakshya Action In lieu of the above, the GSAC mobilized local Committee (GSAC) is a people’s federation communities in over 200 villages, towards in Balangir district of the East Indian conservation and management of natural state of Odisha. It was conceived in resources through creating awareness 1982, for protection of rich forests of and commencing conservation activities. Gandharmardan hills from aluminum This led to a reduction in wood theft, producing companies intending to set up unsustainable harvesting and trading of bauxite extraction facilities in the area. After NTFPs and wildlife hunting. The committee successfully putting a halt to the industrial has also influenced the communities intervention, the GSAC later expanded its into reviving traditional farming practices objective to conservation and management and collectively manage the forest fires. of the Gandhamardan hills ecosystem. Additionally, GSAC has identified and demarcated eco-sensible zones and The Gandhamardan hills are a rich hub of organized a series of ‘Paribesh Yajnas’, an biodiversity. They boast of several perennial oath taken by communities for protection streams that irrigate the agricultural and conservation of eco sensible zones. fields of the local communities, who are The committee has interlinked traditional dependent on the forest for food, fodder, festivals and customs to the conservation medicines and fuel wood. However, the of forests and thus, has established a ecosystem was threatened due to hunting harmonious relationship between people and poaching activities, unsustainable and forests. Its efforts have resulted in extraction of NTFPs, illegal trade of forest conservation of 45 sq.km of forest area. produce, cultivation of genetically modified seeds in parts of forest area, use of chemical fertilizers and poorly managed forest fires.
72 Biogeographical Need for the Significance Initiative
Situated in the Eastern Coast of India, The Gandhamardan hills have abundant Odisha has 37 percent forest coverage, reservoir of bauxite. Several aluminum ranging from mangroves in the Bay of industries have expressed interest in Bengal to dry and moist tropical deciduous establishing infrastructure in the area for forests in the Eastern Ghats (Bansal & mining in the past. Apart from the latter, the Green, 2010). Biogeographically, the state natural resources of the hills faced several falls in three zones: Deccan Peninsula, other challenges, which were leading to Lower Gangetic Plain and the East Coast. the degradation of the forest area such Gandhamardan Hill is part of the Eastern as rampant wildlife hunting and poaching Ghats along the east coast and Western activities and illegal trade of timber and Central Table Land. It is dominated by hill NTFPs. Moreover, introduction of genetically ranges along with some plains and valleys modified seeds such as cotton and use of lying between them. It is covered with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, in the tropical moist deciduous forests which are upland of forest area, contributed to the considered sacred by the local people. The degradation and contamination of the land Botanical Survey of India has reported an and water resources. The deterioration of occurance of 220 plant species of medicinal forest area resulted in scarce resources value along with 2,700 angiosperms (Down for communities of over 200 villages, To Earth, 2001). The hills are inhabited comprising mostly of tribal population, by a variety of fauna such as wild bear, who are heavily dependent on the forest spotted tiger, jungle fowls, capped langur, resources for their sustenance. This barking and spotted deer etc, along with accentuated the need for an initiative for species listed under the IUCN Red List conservation and protection of the forest of Threatened Species such as pangolin, ecology in Gandhamardan hills. fan-throated lizard, Günther’s writhing snake, Jerdon’s bullfrog, Eluru dot frog, ant frog, Asian common toad, Orissa frog etc. Additionally, the hills harbor 42 perennial water streams that sustain thousands of acres of land down the hill.
73 Governance Structure & Conservation Initiatives Management Objectives
The main objective of the GSAC is the The very first achievement of GSAC was protection, conservation and management deterring the industrial attempt to start of the natural resources on the hills while mining on the hills. From a resistance enhancing community participation in movement against the exploitation of its management by raising awareness natural resources in the 1980s, GSAC regarding conservation of natural has evolved into a community institution resources and exploring livelihood aiming to conserve and manage 45 sq.km opportunities arising from sustainable of forest area. utilization of such resources for socio- economic development. a.GSAC with the help from the community members has demarcated 239 eco- Gandhamardan Surakshya Action sensitive zones for conservation33. These Committee is the apex body of 133 Village are storehouses of medicinal plants, rare Level Gandhamardan Surakshya Action and endangered wildlife species, natural Committees. At the village level, the GSAC springs, sacred groves and community General Body has a male member and a orchards. The communities have also female member from every household included degraded areas in these zones, and the Management Committee has for afforestation activities. seven members (4 male and 3 female representatives). Management committee b.Eco-system registers have been prepared members keep changing on a rotation by select villages, with 148 Rare, Endangered basis every two years. Village level meetings and Threatened (RET) species. Of these, are organized every month and block- 37 are at a critical stage of vulnerability. level meetings take place quarterly in the These registers have been approved by the presence of the apex body. All decisions Gram Sabha and submitted to the Forest are taken in a participatory manner. Department.
c.GSAC has facilitated plantation of over 3,500 saplings of RET species in 32 zones. These areas are protected with bamboo fencing. Regular awareness programmes are held with members of the Panchayat, traditional healers and traders to conserve RET species. A Biodiversity Protection Committee has been formed in each village to prevent illicit tree felling and unauthorized extraction of NTFPs.
74 Impact of the Initiatives
d.Wildlife poaching is still a major concern in To evaluate the efficacy of the initiative, the the region. A Wildlife Protection Committee impact has been assessed on ecological has been formed in every village to patrol and socio-economic areas of influence. the forests and keep poaching activities in check, especially in the eco-sensible zones. Ecological Impacts
e.To enhance livelihood opportunities, a.There has been a cessation of all mining GSAC, in consultation with other institutions activities in the region. (Forest Department, TRIFED, NABARD and IDE India), facilitated sustainable harvesting b.Traditional farming systems have been of forest produce, value addition and sale revived and the productivity of land has of such products through establishing improved along with the quality of water suitable market linkages. With cooperation bodies. from local governance institutions, GSAC has now been able to fix a higher price for c.Flora and fauna within the eco-sensitive NTFPs allowing their sale only to licensed zones, including RET species, which have traders. increased considerably in occurrence.
f.GSAC has revived the traditional farming d.There is a significant reduction in system, thus putting a stop to the cultivation poaching and tree felling. Many poachers of genetically modified species and use of and members of the timber mafia have been chemical products. caught and handed over to authorities.
e.There are fewer incidents of forest fires owing to a collective approach for its prevention and management.
Socio-economic impacts
a.There is a significant increase in income of 42 Self Help Groups (SHGs), covering 400 families including 85 traditional healers from sustainable extraction and value addition to forest produce.
b.The communities are getting higher economic returns from the sale of raw NTFPs.
75 c.The increase in agricultural production has led to better economic returns and food security. d.A socio- economic support system has been set up by SHGs and GSAC, providing financial assistance to 114 families34 .
Institutional Linkages and Partnerships
Community initiatives are being linked with various government schemes and suitable linkages for capacity building and market platforms are being established such as linkages with departments of horticulture, agriculture and Medicinal Plant Board for providing technical support; convergence with MNREGA for forest conservation works and engaging media for advocacy of development issues.
Awards and Recognition
Special Mention in the India Biodiversity Award under the category, ‘Community Stewardship’ in 2014.
Contact Person: Amar Kumar Gouda Tel. +919437233593 Email: [email protected]
76 Conservation of Forests by Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) in Old Jalukie Village, Nagaland Village Council together with the Joint Forest Management Committee establishes a Community Biodiversity Reserve, over 3.7 sq.km of forest area by imposing ban on Jhum cultivation, hunting and logging and creates employment through forest restoration activities.
77 Introduction
Old Jalukie is situated on the hills of Peren Formed in Old Jalukie in 2002, the Joint District in the state of Nagaland in the Forest Management Committee (JFMC)39 northeastern part of India. Surrounded furthered conservation initiatives through with verdant subtropical rainforests, the afforestation activities and the rescue village falls within the watershed area of five of animals from illegal trade. In 2012, rivers35 that flow through the region and 3.7 sq.km of the forest land was formally make the soil extremely fertile. Old Jalukie declared as a Community Conserved Area is inhabited by the Zeliang Naga36. Owing to (CCA) by Old Jalukie’s village council and the the area’s remote location, limited market State Forest Department. access and limited livelihood opportunities, communities rely on forests and agriculture for sustenance.
Jhum cultivation37 is the traditional livelihood practice in Old Jalukie. This practice gradually became unsustainable as increasing demand for cultivable lands led to the burning of young forest patches and reduced recovery periods for old cultivated Biogeographical lands (Borah, Bhattacharjee, & Ishwar, Significance 2018). Over time, this contributed to the degradation of surrounding forests, further inducing the deterioration of watershed Nagaland falls under the Indo-Burma areas. There were also increasing incidents biodiversity hotspot and is a part of the of illegal trade and hunting of wildlife North-Eastern biogeographical region of species such as the slow loris (Nycticebus India. Peren District, the green district of bengalensis), classified as ‘vulnerable’ in the Nagaland, has the highest percentage of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species38, for flora and fauna of all districts in the state domestication and meat, along with other (Ndang, 2014). Old Jalukie, a village in animals such as monkeys and squirrels. Peren district, comprises of a subtropical rainforest ecosystem abundant in floral Therefore, to conserve forest resources and faunal diversity. The vegetation and wildlife, the Jalukie Pumling Nko, a is shaped by dominant broadleaved traditional apex body of Old Jalukie, and evergreen subtropical biomes with trees, the village council agreed to declare a orchids, epiphytes and ferns. Endemic tree portion of the forest as the conservation species encompass Albizia, Lagerstroemia, area in 1986 while imposing a total ban Sterculia as well as Phoebe goalparensis, on jhum cultivation, hunting and trapping along with medicinal plants such as Paris wild animals, and logging non-timber forest polyphylla, Himalayan ginseng (Panax products (NTFPs) within its territory. pseudoginseng), common yew (Taxus baccata) and climbing bamboo. The wildlife population mostly comprises of stags, barking deer, red serows, bears, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, hoopoes, monkeys and wildcats.
78 Need for the Initiative Genesis and Conservation Objective
The increase in demand for land for jhum Conservation efforts commenced in 1986 led to fresh patches of forests being cut and as a result of a joint resolution between the burnt and regeneration periods of fallow Jalukie Pumling Nko and the village council, lands severely reduced. Forest fires became declaring a selected forest patch as CCA. frequent and difficult to contain, especially On 15 June 2012, Old Jalukie’s village council when jhum coincided with the dry season. and the State Forest Department signed a The decimation of forests caused water memorandum of understanding, declaring stores to dwindle and soil fertility to decline 3.7sq.km of forest land as CCA. JFMC was (Mati, Mutie, Gadain, Home, & Mtalo, 2008) also formed in 2002 under the Guidelines (Raini, 2009). The watershed sustains vast for National Adaptation Plans of the Ministry water requirements for irrigation and of Environment, Forest and Climate Change caters to the daily community needs. for furthering conservation activities. The main objective of JFMC was to save the Besides, the area is the only natural forest water catchment area and improve the in that vicinity where wild animals and birds wildlife habitat through conservation and seek shelter. Illegal wildlife trade in slow regeneration of the forests, protect wildlife loris, geckos, squirrels, birds, and monkeys and reduce the community’s dependence also increased sustantially. Eventually, the on forests by providing alternative income- extensive logging operations during the generation opportunities. late 1970s and 1980s resulting in a scarcity of local flora and fauna, triggered the conservation initiatives in the village forest.
79 Inclusive Governance Conservation and Management Initiatives
In Nagaland, villages or clans within Key activities undertaken by JFMC and the villages manage their land. CCA falls village council are mentioned below: under the territorial jurisdiction of the village council who decide on matters a.An area of 3.7 sq.km has been declared of jurisdiction, penalties, audits, wages, as CCA with strict regulations imposing the election of village representatives a total ban on jhum cultivation, hunting, for JFMC’s executive body, and the trapping of animals for trade, logging and demarcation of conservation areas. JFMC extraction of NTFPs by outsiders and from is responsible for CCA management within the communities. Regular patrolling through preparation of micro-plans, and monitoring of the CCA is carried out by choosing species for plantations, engaging youth. suggesting physical and financial targets and conducting awareness programmes. b.JFMC with assistance from the Forest JFMC is headed by a president who is Department has rescued animals such elected by the community, a member as slow loris, geckos, squirrels, birds secretary who serves as a technical expert and monkeys, from illegal wildlife trade representing the forest department, a and reintroduced them into the forest. treasurer, representatives from the village Recently, JFMC provided medical assistance council, youth and women. The resources to injured animals such as deer and red generated by the institution include serows. royalty from NTFP sales and fines which is distributed as wages amongst community c.Alternate livelihood activities have been workers. Varying degrees of penalties are initiated including livestock rearing and imposed on offenders as per customary raising kitchen gardens, in order to reduce practices, and the revenue from offences dependence on forest resources. and NTFP sales is deposited with the treasurer as a common fund. Village d.Afforestation of fallow lands was carried council members and Gaonburas (village out using locally available and commercially chiefs) actively monitor the development viable species which can also be used and conservation works. in construction, i.e. selection of saplings from species such as Aquilaria agallocha, Terminalia myriocarpa and Parkia speciosa.
The Youth of Old Jalukie Jalukie Students’ Union, comprising 560 students, independently manages 1.06 sq.km of forest known as the Jalukie Students’ Union Reserve Forest. Revenue earned by selling bamboo poles is utilised for welfare activities such as holding career guidance programmes and awarding merit scholarships.
80 e.Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Socio-economic Impact connections were provided to 43 households to reduce firewood demand, a.There is a significant increase in with JFMC bearing half of the refilling cost. household incomes through the sale of NTFPs and forest products and products, f.Community engagement was encouraged such as honey, fruits, vegetables, in restoration activities as a means to mushrooms, bamboo shoots and seeds. employ locals. b.The initiative has created an additional g.Awareness campaigns were conducted source of income for local youth who on conservation initiatives in villages are engaged in regular patrolling in the through meetings, training programs and CCA.Sales of forest soil by the council for generating media reports. the development of nurseries is another beneficial alternative means of livelihood.
c.There are significant cuts in time and effort on collecting firewood through the Impact of the Initiative supply of LPG to all households.
Policy Impact The combined efforts of the local community and JFMC has had a positive a.Neighbouring villages are increasingly impact on the ecosystems of Old Jalukie: setting aside areas for conservation.
Ecological Impact b.State government has developed mechanisms to transfer funds to villages a.There is a considerable improvement and institutions more frequently. of abiotic properties of the area such as soil and water quality leading to water c.A ban on hunting has been imposed by availability of water for consumption and the District Planning and Development irrigation. Board.
b.A discernible rise has been observed in fauna population of species such as Awards and Recognitions barbets, common pheasants, barking deer, squirrels, pangolins, monkeys and geckos. Winner of India Biodiversity Award under the category, ‘Co-managemnt’ in 2014 c.Observable improvements can be seen in canopy and tree density, floral diversity Winner of Governor’s Award in 2014 with an increased population of species such as Caryota urens, Juglans regia, Michelia champaca, and Schima wallichii, A few cane Contact Person: species can now be found in the area too, Rampaukai Mpom after a long absence. Tel.+91 7005885339, +91 9089779728 Email: [email protected] of Governor’s Award in 2014 81 82 Conservation of Marine Biodiversity through Artificial Reefs and Sustainable Fisheries by Participatory Learning Action & Training (PLANT), Tamil Nadu A non- profit, charitable organization works diligently to enhance the marine fishery resources as well to conserve the coastal biodiversity by creating Indigenous and Community Conserved Area (ICCA’s) and deploying artificial coral reefs.
83 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
Tamil Nadu is situated at the southeastern Tamil Nadu is the only state in India extremity of the Indian Peninsula and is traversed by both the Western and the one of the oldest maritime states. The Eastern Ghat mountain ranges which coastline of Tamil Nadu constitutes about meet at the Nilgiri Hills. Biogeographically 15 percent of the total coastal length of a part of the Deccan peninsula, Tamil Nadu India. The coastal environment plays a vital has a coastline of about 1,076 km and is role in India’s economy by virtue of the flanked by the Indian Ocean in the south productive habitats and rich biodiversity. and the Bay of Bengal in the east. The state However, unsustainable and unregulated is endowed with a variety of coastal and fishing along with extensive agricultural marine ecosystems including mangroves, and industrial activities along the coasts coral reefs, seagrass beds, dunes, beaches, of Tamil Nadu has exerted significant mudflats, salt marshes, wetlands, estuaries pressure on coastal ecosystems. Increasing and marine waters. The state includes the urbanization in the area coupled with Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve which is multiple incidents of natural disasters has India’s first marine biosphere reserve. further exacerbated the degradation of the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, resulting in The coastal ecosystem of Cuddalore District a severe decline in fish productivity, aquatic provides food, water, livelihood, coastal biodiversity and livelihoods of the local protection and carbon sequestration fisherfolk. Participatory Learning Action (ENVIS Centre: Tamil Nadu, 2017). It has a Network and Training (PLANT), an NGO coastal line of 68 km and is one of the most working for the socio-economic betterment robust fishing areas in the state (District of the local communities along the Tamil Website, n.d.). The aquatic fauna consists Nadu coast, initiated reconstruction of the of commercially important crustaceans, coastal ecosystem in 2004, by combing fin-fish, otters, shrimps, resident and modern scientific methods with the migratory birds and threatened species traditional technique called ‘Mullam’40 , such as the Olive Ridley turtles, milk shark across 1,000 sq.km near the coastal area of and sea cucumber. C-Pudupet, a village in Cuddalore District, so as to increase the complexity of the ecological niche and provide adequate habitat for various aquatic organisms. This initiative, supported by the Village Monitoring Committee (VMC) has facilitated sustainable fishing practices by banning the use of destructive fishing gears and regulating fishing activities, which has induced a significant increase in the aquatic biodiversity and population over the years. This has resulted in improved fish production and socio-economic conditions of local fisherfolk.
84 Need for the Initiative Genesis of the Initiative, Objective and Governance
Around 1990s, it was observed that the Sensing the adverse conditions of the fish population in the coasts of Tamil Nadu ecology of the region, PLANT initiated the had declined considerably. Environmental reconstruction of the coastal ecosystem factors such as erratic rains, the closing of by building artificial reefs across 1,000 river mouths and natural disasters, coupled sq.km near the C-Pudupet coastline with industrial and development activities and putting a halt to unsustainable resulting in discharge of industrial effluents fishing practices. The objective was to into water bodies, had caused adverse increase the biological population and impact to the coastal environment. The diversity of inshore waters, improve the biggest challenge to the coastal ecosystem population of threatened species that were was the harvest of aquatic fauna in an dependent on the stock of small fish, and unsustainable and unregulated manner. enhance livelihood opportunities for local The use of unselective fishing gears such as communities. VMC was constituted for trawlers41 by the fishing industries, harmed regulating and protecting the artificial reef coral reefs and locally threatened species area and spreading awareness regarding such as milk sharks, seerfish, sea turtles, sustainable fishing practices. Conflicts sea cucumbers, white fish, false trevallies amongst fisherfolk were resolved by VMC and seahorses which would get caught in and local government officials. VMC and the net as bycatch. Following Tsunami42 in the communities enforced their social 2004, voluntary organizations distributed control system to ensure that all fisherfolk Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats and in the village abide by customary laws and nets to the fisherfolk, in order to provide practices to conserve the fishery resources them with livelihood, who harvested in the artificial reef zone. juvenile fish in large numbers. This led to a further reduction in aquatic fauna with no opportunity or space for breeding and regeneration.
85 Genesis of the Initiative, Conservation and Impact of the Inititives Objective and Governance Management Initiatives
Implementing the conservation initiative The combined efforts of the local started with the identification of a core area community, along with PLANT have had a of 1 sq.km deemed as an Indigenous and positive impact on the coastal ecosystem Community Conserved Area (ICCA) in which of C-Pudupet: 200 artificial reef structures were created to expand the surface area for the settlers Ecological Impact and foulers to colonise. An adjoining 5 sq.km area was designated as a secondary a.There is a significant increase in the protected area and an additional area of population size and diversity of fish 10 sq.km was marked as a buffer zone that species in the artificial reef, including serves as a coastal ecosystem reserve. representatives of seven phyla such as polychaetous annelids, crustaceans, mollusks, coelenterates and bryozoans,
Artificial Reefs and PLANT Initiative and 38 species, e.g. carangids, rays, butterflyfish, squirrelfish, groupers, red PLANT introduced complex concrete snappers, catfish, small coloured coral structures to the bottom substratum of fish such as blue damsel, wrasses and the sea floor, offering an excellent habitat dumbheads, with an average shoal size of for the settlers and fouling organisms to approximately 200 individuals per reef. colonise. Abundant food and secured shelter in the artificial reef provide b.The samples collected from artificial excellent nursery and breeding grounds reefs in Pudupet and other reef zones evoking a sustained growth in the indicated a standing stock biomass of population size and diversity of aquatic sessile epibenthos of 2,586 to 3,998 g/m2 species. on horizontal surfaces and 4,821 to 7,992 g/m2 on vertical surfaces. An average sessile biomass was estimated to be 1,983 VMC has implemented a sustainable fishing g/m2 on the exposed outside of concrete system according to which the use of reef structures and 3,813 g/m2 on the unsustainable craft, fishing gears and FRP protected interior of the reef structure boats using gill nets have been prohibited. along the Bay of Bengal. The number of fisherfolk allowed on the shores per day is decided by VMC c.Planting of 200 artificial reefs contributes by maintaining a roaster and adhering to reduction of annual carbon dioxide to a rotation system. The artificial reefs emissions by 732kg to 2,000 kg per annum. also serve as a fence to the marginalized fisherfolk by protecting their fishing ground d.There is a considerable reduction of within five nautical miles off the 43shore . fossil fuel consumption by fishing vessels, VMC has helped in preserving traditional with a daily reduction of carbon dioxide per ‘Padu’ system, which mandates for an equal boat of approximately 13.25 kg. distribution of fishing ground in all the neighboring villages, facilitating fair access and benefit-sharing of the resources, collective social responsibility in joint fishery management and conflict resolution.
86 Sustainability and Partnerships
Socio-Economic Impact The initiative by PLANT and the community was supported by the Ministry of a.An estimated USD 190,000 worth of Environment and Forest and Climate biodiversity product and ecosystem Change, the Central Marine Fisheries services are being provided per annum by Research Institute, the Central Institute the ecosystem. of Brackishwater Aquaculture, the Marine Product Export Development Authority, the b.The fishermen in an Artificial Reef zone Central Institute of Fishery Technology, the catch around 3,000 kg to 5,000 kg of fish Tamil Nadu State Fisheries and the Ministry in a month. This supports more than of Shipping. 600 families in C-Pudupet village with an average income of USD 177.1 per month. It The Government of India, together with was estimated that average annual income the Ministry of Environment and Forest by conducting fish catch in reef zone is USD and Climate Change and UNDP, helped 35,425.8 to USD 42,510.9 this project to become a national fisheries development policy. The Government of c.The close proximity of the fishing ground India is presently allocating a special budget in the artificial reef has lead to economic to replicate this coastal biodiversity and fish savings through reduced fossil fuel enhancement model in other coastal states consumption and fishing time. in India. The Fisheries Department of Tamil Nadu has allocated nearly USD1,417,032.7 to implement artificial reef projects all along the Tamil Nadu coast.
Awards and Recognition
Special Mention in the India Biodiversity Awards under the category, ‘Sustainable Use of Biological Resources’, in 2016
Participation of Women Once freshly caught fish arrives on Contact: the shore, women take a leading role R.T. John Suresh in auctioning and selling the fish on Tel: +91-44-9840740929, markets. Women have planted trees +91-44-9445837173 in their localities and developed home Email: [email protected], herbal gardens, using organic manures [email protected] for cultivation.
87 Sustainability and Partnerships
88 Conservation of Forests by Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network (TBCLN), Nagaland Sustainable Management of biological resources by establishing a Community Conservation Area resulting in enhanced biodiversity and livelihood opportunities.
89 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
The Sema communities of Sükhai, Kivikhu Located in the North-Eastern biogeographic and Ghukhuyi villages in Zunheboto district, region of India with almost 80 percent in the North-Eastern state of Nagaland, forest cover (Sethi et al., 2017), Nagaland have formed a Tizu Valley Biodiversity falls under the Eastern Himalayan Conservation & Livelihood Network biogeographic zone and is a part of Indo- (TBCLN) by creating and interlinking each of Burma (Myanmar) Biodiversity Hotspot of their Community-Conserved Areas (CCAs) the world. The flora of Nagaland shows great around the Tizü river. The conservation area affinities with flora of Indo-Malaya and Indo- is spread across 9.39 sq.km44 of the forest China. The CCA network of TBCLN, in the landscape. The purpose of this network is Zunheboto district, is situated in the heart to collectively conserve biodiversity through of Nagaland, consisting of subtropical wet collaboration amongst neighboring hill forests, primarily overlapping with the tribes, revive traditional conservation Assam sub-tropical pine forest. It is near the practices and create alternative livelihood biodiversity-rich Satoi landscape47 which is opportunities to incentivize conservation maintained by the village community and activities. is inhabited by more than 222 species of bird such as, the Naga Wren-babbler The Sema community depends mostly on (Spelaeornis chocolatinus), spot-breasted jhum45 cultivation, hunting and fishing for parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis) and their subsistence. They once relied almost grey-headed parrotbills (Paradoxornis exclusively on traps, and bow and arrow gularis), and butterflies species such as the for hunting, but later on, the desire for endemic Naga emperor (Chitoria naga) and improved standards of living paved way Rufous silverline (Spindasis evansii). Tizu for overexploitation of natural resources river is one of the three important rivers in with reduced jhum cycles46 , destructive the district originating in Tuensang district fishing practices and rampant hunting of and flowing down to join Chindwin, a river wildlife; resulting in depletion of local flora in Burma. The CCA harbors a variety of and fauna. Elders of the tribe noticed that fauna such as sambar (Cervus unicolor), several species were disappearing from barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak), jungle the landscape. Following this, the village cat (Felis chaus), etc. along with the critically councils in association with The Energy and endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis Resources Institute (TERI) facilitated the pentadactyla). A number of aquatic species formation of TBCLN in the year 2017 and found in the Tizü River that flows along the imposed a complete ban on unsustainable boundary of CCA are endangered and are and destructive hunting, and fishing included in the IUCN Red List of threatened practices. Additionally, the local biodiversity species. These include katli (Neolissochilus and associated traditional knowledge were hexagonolepis), Devario acuticephala, documented into People’s Biodiversity Devario naganensis, common snow Registers (PBR) and selected community trout (Schizothorax richardsonii), Schistura members were trained as guides for nagaensis, Schistura prashadi and putitor identifying local fauna, to help them secure mahseer (Tor putitora). alternative livelihoods by promoting eco- tourism.
90 Need for the Initiative Genesis and Governance of the CCA
Sema community depends on natural The village councils realized that they had resources for their subsistence. Over a to take some serious decisions to restrict period of time, the increase in demand for hunting and fishing to an extent. It is then wild meat in the market coupled with the that the communities in association with aspiration for better economic conditions The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) led to overexploitation of these resources. and the Nagaland Forest Department came together to devise strategies to conserve Traditional hunting equipment was not only the rich biodiversity of Nagaland substituted with modern equipment. but also the associated traditional Bows and arrows and traditional traps knowledge48. This led to the formation of were replaced by guns and modern traps Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and for hunting animals including rare and Livelihood Network (TBCLN) – a combined endangered species such as the Critically initiative undertaken by three villages Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis where each village has set aside a parcel pentadactyla), while fish baskets and nets of land and deemed them as Community were replaced by batteries, chemicals and Conserved Areas (CCA). Rules have been bombs. It was only in the year 2015 that set for the CCA and anyone breaking the the communities realized that excessive rules is fined heavily by the Village Council. hunting, overfishing and reduced cycles The 37.51 sq.km of their lands outside the of Jhum cultivation are putting their local CCA is also protected from hunting and use biodiversity under threat since hardly any of destructive fishing methods such as use animals or birds could be seen in their of electric batteries etc. forests. The River Tizü is considered to be the lifeline for these villages, as it provides them with fish, an important part of their diet. Later, however, the village elders reported that the river was left with no fish bigger than the size of a palm (Lele, 2018) and the catch could not suffice even for sustenance purposes.
91 Genesis and Governance Conservation and Management of the CCA Initiatives
d.Select members of the community, The key activities undertaken by the comprising mostly of the local youth, have communities for conservation of their been trained for identification of local flora natural resources are as follows: and fauna and have been provided with field equipment and field guides. They have a.A CCA network covering an area of 9.39 formed a network and are now actively sq.km has been created by the three recording the biodiversity of the area and villages. The Village Councils of each of updating the PBRs themselves. these villages have collectively taken decisions to ban hunting and destructive e.TERI is facilitating the community to fishing practices, and those disobeying the develop ecotourism as an alternate source orders are heavily penalized. of livelihood where the trained youth can serve as field guides. The Titli Trust49 has b.The community members regularly provided training to the youth to hone their patrol forests and prevent both outsiders skills. Surveys have been initiated to attract and people from their own villages from niche tourists, recording 222 species of destructive hunting and fishing activities. birds, more than 200 species of butterflies A WhatsApp group has been created to and 200 species of moths. The youth of share information of defaulters for the the village are also being trained on film quick action and to share information on making through the North-East Green Hub biodiversity. programme.
c.Peoples Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) f.Infrastructure has been improved for have been prepared under the Biological facilitating homestays for tourists. A roster Diversity Act 2002, documenting local is maintained assigning households to host biodiversity and associated traditional tourists and earn additional income. knowledge. g.Each village hosts a Chengu (Great Barbet) festival annually, where the community and the local administration join hands to celebrate conservation
92 Impact of the Initiative Scaling up of the Initiative
It is too soon to gauge long term impacts There is ample scope for scaling up and of the project. However, initiatives by the replicating these activities across Nagaland. Sema community along with TERI have led Assessment by TERI and the Nagaland to some noticiable ecological and socio- Forest Department in 2015 indicates that economic outcomes. nearly one-third of the villages in the state have initiated CCAs. Thus, linking CCAs Ecological Impact across the landscape and expanding such a network will not only provide a safe abode a.The local people are already reporting to the wildlife and improve connectivity for improvement in wild fauna sightings such wildlife movement but will also give a boost as an unidentified squirrel seen in the to the ecotourism and skill development in villages; higher bird diversity has been the region. observed by the community along with the frequent sighting of barking deer.
b.An improvement in the population of Awards and Recognition aquatic fauna has been observed. Special Mention in the India Biodiversity c.Jhum cultivation has been banned in the Awards under the category, ‘Sustainable CCA thus preserving the natural resources. Use of Biological Resouraces’, in 2018.
Socio-Economic Impacts
a.Revenues from ecotourism and Contact Person homestays have the potential to contribute Pia Sethi to better economic conditions of the Tel.+91 9811222321 communities. Email: [email protected]
93 Scaling up of the Initiative
94 Collective Initiative for Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
Mainstreaming coastal and marine biodiversity conservation into production sectors in Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra.
95 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
The Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Maharashtra majorly comprises of the Ecosystem (SCME) lies towards the Deccan Peninsular, Western Ghats and southern end of Maharashtra’s coastline, Coastal biogeographic regions in India. a state in the western peninsular region of It has a long coastline of about 720 km, India. The Sindhudurg coastline extends interspersed by several rivers, creeks and over 121 km and has an Exclusive Economic backwaters along with about 300 sq.km Zone (EEZ) of almost 16,000 sq.km. This of mangroves, with as many as twenty maritime zone is one of the richest in terms different species. Sindhudurg is part of of productivity and species potential when Konkan region, a narrow coastal plain in compared to other locations in India. It is western Maharashtra which lies between a major fish landing center and a rapidly the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. emerging tourism destination. Its 121 kms long coastline consists of specialized marine ecosystems like coral The marine fish production in Sindhudurg reef, sea grass beds, mangroves, algal district recorded severe fluctuations in communities, mud flats, lagoons as well the past few years. The primary drivers as moist deciduous forest. Each of these of the latter include unsustainable fishing marine ecosystems supports a wealth of practices, expansion of tourism sector and marine resources. There are several species habitat degradation due to pollution from of marine flora and fauna, which includes fishing vessels and other maritime traffic. corals, sea anemones, fish and oysters in the area. Various species of sharks50, In lieu of the above, the UNDP-GEF project rays, porpoises, seahorses, Indian Ocean on “Mainstreaming Coastal and Marine humpback dolphins and sea turtles51 have Biodiversity Conservation into Production also been sighted along the coast. Baseline Sectors in Sindhudurg”, was conceived studies also revealed the occurrence of sea in the year 2012, in partnership with the snakes, otters, Blue Whale, Bengal monitor Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate lizards and several coastal birds listed under Change (MoEFCC) and the Government of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Maharashtra. Several initiatives have been such as grey-headed bulbul, Malabar grey carried out under the project, towards hornbill, crimson-backed sunbird, vigor’s making the fisheries more sustainable, sunbird etc, along Sindhudurg coast (G. B. coupled with providing impetus to tourism Rao, Babu, Goldin, & Anoop, 2019). and agriculture sectors in Sindhudurg, not just by actively focusing on conservation, but also by effectively strengthening the link between biodiversity conservation and income generation.
96 Need for the Initiative Genesis of the Conservation Initiative
The district comprises of five towns and The Forest Department of Maharashtra 743 villages, comprising of a number of ventured into the realm of conservation Wadis (hamlets). The economy of the of coastal and marine biodiversity in 2012 district is mainly dependent on agriculture, by creating a dedicated unit called the horticulture and marine fisheries. “Mangrove Cell”. As the country’s first such The traditional fishing techniques are state-wide unit, its creation has led to the predominantly in the form of Rampani unprecedented extension of the activities (shore seine), Gill net, Cast net and hook and of Maharashtra Forest Department to the gull method. The catch majorly comprises coastal areas. The launching of the UNDP- of Sardines, Soles, Ribbon fish, Mackerel, GEF Project on “Mainstreaming of Coastal Otoliths, Penaeid prawns, Lactarius, Seer and Marine Biodiversity in Sindhudurg Fish and Cephalopods. However, the District” in the later alf of 2012 gave trawler fishing technique52 has increased Mangrove Cell the opportunity to initiate considerably at many fish landing sites. a number of innovative programmes for Traditional fishermen complain of severe conservation of Sindhudurg coastal and competition from mechanized fishing and marine biodiversity and socio-economic report a decline in fish variety and volume of development of communities in the district catch. The reason for this decline has been (UNDP, n.d.). The livelihood activities under attributed to overfishing, catching juvenile the project were implemented majorly by fish using mechanized fishing gears, habitat Self Help Groups (SHG) along with support loss and pollution (TERI, 2013). Additionally, from local institutions such as the Gram fishing in creeks is active even during Panchayats and the Zilla Parishad. monsoon season (James, 1992), which is generally avoided as per the traditional fishery practices. These factors have lead to a steady decline in marine catch from 27,283 MT in 2013-14 to 17,699 MT during 2015-16, with trawl net accounting for 57.76 percent of the catch, followed by Gill net and purse seiners53 (39.66 percent) and Rampani (2.24 percent).
97 Genesis of the Conservation Innovative Initiatives Initiative
The project, through its environment conservation initiatives has tried to Designing Fishing Gears for Sustainable maintain the delicate balance between Fishing the production activities and biodiversity conservation. Another significant intervention was the introduction of by-catch reduction a.To augment the coral growth and to devices in trawlers with the help of Central provide a healthy breeding site for marine Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi Convinced by the results of scores species, artificial reefs were deployed in of on-board trials, owners of all the 317 selected areas along the coast in addition trawlers in Sindhudurg decided to adopt to transplanting corals. the ‘square mesh nets at cod ends’. This simple innovation substantially reduces the b.Through the sea turtle conservation juvenile catch in a trawler net, while saving programme, a number of hitherto unknown on the fuel cost. turtle nesting sites were identified, nests protected and hatchlings released safely into the sea. f.Livelihood activities such as crab culture, mussel & oyster culture, apiculture and c.Baseline studies were also conducted System of Rice Intensification (SRI)55 have to assess the diversity and population of been initiated. Demonstrations and training corals, coastal birds, sea snakes, otters, and on mussel and oyster farming involved Bengal monitor lizards along Sindhudurg women SHGs56 . coast. g.Burnt Island near Vengurla rock has d.For strict monitoring of the movement been declared as an Important Bird of fishing vessels and to deal with, illegal, and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and effective unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, measures have been suggested to the as well as protection of Schedule–I species district administration to conserve the under the Wildlife Protection Act, (WPA) same. 1972, joint patrolling of the Sindhudurg waters by officials from Forest, Fisheries h.Several mangrove species have been and Police department was undertaken for planted in the area to increase the two successive years. mangrove cover.
e.PADI (The Professional Association of As part of the project interventions, support 54 Diving Instructors ) certified training in has been provided to establish BMCs in 50 scuba diving and snorkeling has been villages in Sindhudurg. The management of imparted to local youth to serve as diving all marine and coastal biodiversity activities and snorkeling guides to support tourism in the region will eventually be entrusted to and remove abandoned fishing nets from the BMCs. the sea surface.
98 Impact of the Initiative
Socio-economic Impact The conservation initiatives have enhanced ecological and socio-economic a.During the project period, around 14 aspects of the ecosystem. SHGs were involved in crab farming and earned approximately USD 18,421.4 in a Ecological Impact span of four years.
a.Marine fisheries resource use has been b.A pilot in oyster farming was initiated 57 rendered sustainable across 2,657sq km by an SHG called ‘Prasidhhi’ , an SHG in the Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine generating income of about USD 3,684.3 in Ecosystem. Moreover, a 15-25 percent a span of three years. increase in fish stocks is expected due to deployed artificial reefs. c.Additional income is being generated from integrated multi-trophic aquaculture 58 b.All trawlers operating in Sindhudurg (IMTA) . have adopted square mesh nets. Escape of fish from square mesh cod end was d.Improved detritus food-chain and habitat of the order of 2kg/haul. There is a 65 for aquatic life have enhanced livelihood percent reduction in number of illegal opportunities for local fisher folk. fishing vessels in operation. e.SRI technique has increased agricultural c.More than 100,000 sq. m. of ghost nets productivity resulting in improved yield and 59. have been retrieved from the Sindhudurg better economic returns coast till date. f.Youth have gained additional skill of d.Bycatch such as turtles, crabs, etc are scuba diving to augment tourism activities now being retrieved from ghost nets and and earn livelihood. released by the fishermen. A Foundation formed by the scuba diving trainees, have
taken up the cleaning of beaches and Awards and Recognition ghost net retrieval along the coast. Special Mention in the India Biodiversity e.There is a noticeable increase in Award under the category, ‘Sustainable Mangrove cover. Use of Biological Resources’, 2018.
f.Reporting mechanism for monitoring turtle nests has been strengthened and communities have become more vigilant towards its conservation. Contact Person Manas Manjrekar Tel.+91 9833471043 Email: [email protected]
99 100 C. Rehabilitation and Relocation of communities from Core Wildlife Habitat and Conservation of Tiger Reserves
Conservation of Core Wildlife Habitat in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The Reserve Management Authority, conserves and manages the biodiversity by protecting it against poaching and logging, relocating forest villages from Critical Tiger Habitat and enhancing livelihood opportunities.
101 Introduction
The Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR), situated Therefore, to conserve the biological in the central Indian state of Madhya resources and at the same time secure Pradesh, is amongst the first nine tiger the welfare of the village communities, reserves launched under ‘The Project Tiger’ the state authorities relocated the villages in India in 1973. Comprising segments of from the Critical Tiger Habitat to the buffer Mandla and Balaghat districts of the state, zone, in order to reclaim additional habitat the reserve is spread across an area of for wildlife. They also constituted 164 Eco- 2,074 sq. km. It has a thick vegetative cover Development Committees (EDCs)61 , under of Sal tree (Shorea robusta) and woodland the Joint Forest Management resolution, interspersed with grassy expanses. The which was passed by the Government reserve harbours significant flora and of Madhya Pradesh with the objective fauna and has one of the highest tiger to facilitate community participation in (Panthera tigris) densities amongst India’s conserving biodiversity and carry out reserves. It has also distinguished itself in development activities. Initiatives carried saving the swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) out towards the conservation of the from extinction and supporting one of ecosystem of the reserve include providing the largest populations of the deer in the protection against poaching and felling of world. Both species have been declared as trees, improving of the forest landscape ‘endangered’ and ‘vulnerable’ respectively, and water regime, managing forest fires, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. translocating significant wildlife species to The tiger reserve consists of a core area other protected areas and introducing wild comprising Critical Tiger Habitat, spread ungulate species to the reserve. across 917.43 sq. km60 ; a buffer zone of 1,134 sq. km., and Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, a satellite micro-core covering about 110 sq. km. Initially there were several villages within the core zone, which was putting pressure on the ecology of the region.
102 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
Madhya Pradesh is situated on the genetic There were an estimated 40,000 tigers in highway connecting two biodiversity India at the beginning of the 20th Century, hotspots in India: the Western Ghats and the but this had dropped down to a mere North-East. It comprises of parts of Semi- 1,872 in 1972. Although the British India Arid and Deccan Peninsular biogeographic Government declared this region in the regions in India. With 10 National Parks state as the Banjar Valley Sanctuary in (ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected 1933, and the Indian Government created Areas, 2019) and 25 Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kanha National Park in 1955, the area the state houses rich biological diversity under protection was a mere 252 sq.km, (ENVIS Centre of Madhya Pradesh’s State which was not sufficient for protecting of Environment, n.d.-a). The Kanha Tiger tigers from being hunted (Indus Excursion, Reserve is nestled broadly on the northern n.d.). There were several villages inhabiting slopes of the Maikal hills of the Satpura the core zone of the reserve with their range. There are 13 vegetal cover types, domesticated livestock. The grassland and giving rise to a wide range of ecotones forest cover were also diminishing due to of wildlife habitats. Kanha serves as an unregulated grazing and felling of trees. ecological nucleus for the source tiger In addition, the swamp deer had almost population of this eco-region and is home become extinct in the protected area, to many species of fauna such as panther, and its population dwindled to a mere 66 chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, barking mature adults in 1970. deer, swamp deer, wild boar, as well as a variety of upland birds (ENVIS Centre of Madhya Pradesh’s State of Environment, n.d.-c).
103 Need for the Initiative Genesis and Conservation Governance Structure Objective
In 1973, the Central Government launched The EDCs were formed under the Joint ‘Project Tiger’. Encompassing nine tiger Forest Management Resolution of reserves including Kanha, it was a pioneering the Government of Madhya Pradesh initiative for conserving the endangered comprising of representatives of the village animal while restoring its natural habitat. communities, with the majority belonging With the subsequent addition of Hallon to Scheduled Tribes. Annual meetings Valley to the protected area of Kanha, of the General Body are held, with the geographic coverage of the Reserve representation of all EDCs and KTR officials, increased substantially. This was followed under the chairmanship of the Field by constitution of the buffer zone in 1995. Director. At the meetings, development Thereafter, the villages in the core tiger proposals are freely discussed and habitat were relocated to the buffer zone decisions are taken in a participatory and with twin objectives – to protect wildlife manner, leading to suggestions becoming and other biodiversity, and initiate eco- incorporated into the micro plan of each development activities in the villages – 164 village. Implementation, monitoring and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) were assessment of such activities are jointly constituted by the state authorities in the undertaken by members of the EDCs and villages within the buffer zone. the KTR officials. Grievances of villagers are routed via respective EDCs and addressed by Deputy Directors of the Reserve. The stated works and activities of wildlife conservation in the Kanha Tiger Reserve are governed by the imperatives envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988.
104 Conservation and Management Initiatives
The key activities undertaken by the EDCs d.Relocation of communities has been under the aegis of KTR officials are as carried out with capacity building for follows- alternative livelihoods via biodiversity conservation works and eco-tourism. a.182 patrolling camps have been set Community members are also entitled to up for monitoring of core and buffer soft-loans for starting small businesses areas, assisted by ex-army men and Tiger associated with agricultural and traditional Protection Force (TPF), for keeping a check art products. on illegal hunting activities, extraction of forest resources, illicit grazing and forest e.Translocation of rare species such as fires. The EDCs are well equipped with tigers, Indian Gaur, swamp deer etc. into wireless sets, firearms and flying squad. neighbouring protected areas has been carried out in order to increase their b.Activities for habitat improvement populations in other habitats. have been carried out through; weed management, restocking of grassland, f.Regular mortality surveys are conducted building water holes, improvement of along with surveillance of epidemics for reclaimed village sites into lush grasslands monitoring the wellbeing of the wildlife. and building relief enclosures to maintain a good prey base.
c.A field laboratory has been established for analysis of specimen, along with a veterinary facility, with staff trained to capture and treat wild animals in distress.
The Firsts, of Kanha Tiger Reserve
First in India to declare a buffer zone and establish an independent buffer zone division in 1995.
First national park in India to develop an Interpretation Centre.
First in the world to raise orphaned tiger cubs in captivity for reintroduction in to the wild.
First PA in India to establish sharing percentage of gate receipts from wildlife tourism for welfare of local communities.
105 Impact of the Initiative
In order to evaluate the efficacy of the e.The Government shares 20 percent of initiative, the impact of actions undertaken total revenue from tourism activities, with by the EDCs in KTR were assessed- substantial corpus for each EDC.
Ecological Impact f.The park-people cooperation has resulted in creating awareness about biodiversity a.The natural Sal and grassland vegetative conservation cover has been restored. g.Gobar gas and LPG connections have b.The tiger population has increased from been provided along with drinking water 71 in 2010 to 96 tigers in 2014 in Kanha, facilities. with an increase from 257 in 2010 to 308 in 2014 in the state as a whole (MoEFCC, As a government-run national Forest 2018). Reserve, Kanha serves as a model for forest management in India, and is an excellent c.The blackbuck population has risen from example of biodiversity conservation. 66 in 1970s to 550 as of 2014 d.There is an improved connectivity Awards and Recognition between habitats with the creation of marshes and wallows Winner of the Indian Board for Wildlife, Chairman’s Challenge Trophy for the Best e.There is a noticiable increase in the Managed National Park/ Sanctuary, 1977- population and diversity of ungulate 78 species in the reserve. Recipient of National Tourism Award, 1999- Socio-Economic Impact 2000, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Award, 2011 a.An average of 500 daily wagers are employed each year by Park Management National Tiger Conservation Authority through various conservation works. Award for Excellence b.Communities are entitled to soft-loans Habitat Management’,2010-11 for starting micro- businesses Winner of the India Biodiversity Award under the category, ‘Protected Area’, in c.Wildlife tourism has generated 2014 employment for youth. Hoteliers and resort owners are encouraged to hire staff Reciepeint of Trip Advisor Certificate of from these villages. Excellence, 2015 d.Funds built up by tourism in the National Park, the ‘Kanha Vikas Nidhi’, has Contact Person: Krishna Murthy contributed to development of villages. Tel. +919424792001 Email: [email protected]
106 Conservation of Core Wildlife Habitat in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Declared as the first biosphere reserve of Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura Reserve successfully protects the core zone by relocating 10 villages and providing them with infrastructure facilities and hand holding support to enhance livelihood opportunities.
107 Introduction Biogeographical Significance
The Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) is located Madhya Pradesh connects two Indian in Hoshangabad District of the central biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Formed in and the Northeast. It comprises of parts the year 2000 for the conservation of the of Semi-Arid and Deccan Peninsular tiger population, STR today encompasses biogeographic regions in India. Madhya 2,133.30 sq.km (Govt. of MP, n.d.)62 of Pradesh is home to 10 national parks dense woody forests of evergreen Sal, teak (ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas, and bamboo. Together with the wildlife 2019) and 25 wildlife sanctuary reserves sanctuaries Pachmarhi and Bori, STR forms (ENVIS Centre of Madhya Pradesh’s State the core area of the Pachmarhi Biosphere of Environment, n.d.-b) including six tiger Reserve, which was created in 1999 within reserves which were formed under the the framework of UNESCO’s Man and the ‘Project Tiger’ initiative to assist with tiger Biosphere Programme, one of the world’s conservation63 . major ecosystem types and landscapes. The Protected Area (PA) was once home to STR is situated in the Satpura Hill ranges tribal populations who heavily depended in Madhya Pradesh. It’s striking terrain on forest resources to graze their livestock exhibits rugged hills and mountains, and for their sustenance. However, the narrow water-filled gorges, deep ravines, formation of PA led to conflicts between dense sal, mixed forests, lakes, coves local people and wildlife authorities. and bays. The PA is rich in biodiversity Attacks on people and livestock by comprising of tigers, leopards, sambar predators followed by the retaliatory killing deer, chital deer, nilgai, chinkara antelopes, of predator species and hunting of wildlife gaurs, wild boars, sloth bears, flying further exasperated the conflicts. squirrels and Indian giant squirrels, and crocodiles. There also exists a huge variety To prevent further human-wildlife conflicts, of avifauna such as hornbills and peacocks. STR facilitated relocation and re-settlement The flora encompasses Tendu (Diospyros of 38 villages with over 3,243 families from melanoxylon), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) the core area, creating a secure habitat for and Bael (Aegle marmelos) trees along with wildlife and flora. The relocation released a variety of grasses and medicinal plants about 84 sq.km of forest land, providing an (TOFTigers, n.d.). uninterrupted habitat for wildlife. The PA now exhibits lush grassland, that serves as a suitable habitat to enhance populations of prey species. This initiative has also resulted in better living conditions for communities through improved access to electricity, drinking water, schools, markets and health facilities.
108 Need for the Initiative Initiation and Process of Voluntary Relocation
Tiger has been listed as, ‘endangered’ under The relocation was carried out in three the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, stages: with a severe decrease in its population trend. There were an estimated 40,000 a.Pre-relocation activities focusing on Indian tigers at the beginning of the 20th baseline assessments of infrastructure century, a number which dropped to a required for relocation and enhancing mere 1,872 in 1972. These concerns led to alternate livelihood options; PA formations in major tiger habitats in the 1970s. However, the PAs triggered conflicts b.The consultation process with the between locals and PA officials, due to villages regarding voluntary relocation and impact of the community and its activities settlement packages; and on local biodiversity. Some of the major concerns were as follows: c.Relocation and post-relocation activities encompassing the construction of a.Spread of diseases from domestic infrastructure for new village areas, livestock to wild animals due to the sharing institutional development, capacity building of waterholes and grasslands for grazing for the adoption of new livelihood practices and conducting audits to gauge the impact b.Increasing incidents of attack on people and progress of the settlements. and grazing cattle by carnivores followed by the retaliatory killing of predators. To facilitate the relocation process, the forest authorities, together with the c.Hunting wildlife for sustenance. villages’ Gram Sabha64 , passed a relocation resolution. Subsequently, the relocation d.Agro-pastoralist activities often leading was compensated, with money or land or to forest fires (Musavi, 2011). both. Forest departments facilitated the development of a settlement plan including Sections 29 and 35 (6) of the Wildlife the allotment of agricultural patches and Protection Act, 1972 state that no person residential areas through a lottery system shall destroy, exploit, damage, remove or in the general meeting headed by the divert any wildlife, its habitat and forest village council. produce from a national park and wildlife sanctuary without the authorization of For each relocated village a committee the State Forest officials. Therefore, due comprising of five elected representatives, to the increasing incidents of human- was established, to coordinate the wildlife conflict and the adverse impact of settlement process. Furthermore, Eco- human activities on the habitat, the tribal Development Committees (EDCs)65 were communities had to be relocated in order constituted by the State Government to to reduce biotic pressure and prevent conserve and manage biological resources human-wildlife conflict, while providing a in the buffer area under guidance from STR socio-economically beneficial alternative officials and monitor development activities for communities. in the villages.
109 Initiation and Process of Conservation and Voluntary Relocation Management Initiatives
The key activities undertaken by EDCs have e.Management of the convergence of been specified below: benefits from various schemes to the communities was ensured by the Gram a.Successful relocation of approximately Panchayat. 38 villages was carried out from the core area of the reserve, comprising of over f.130 patrolling camps have been 3,243 families. established to monitor core areas and buffer zones to analyze factors for the b.Training was provided to communities, decreasing trend of the tiger population. with a vast majority belonging to backward sections such as Gonds, Kurku, Mawasi, g.Activities for habitat improvement Thathia and Yadavs, to learn how to have been carried out through weed execute alternate livelihoods through management, restocking of grassland, agriculture, reserve conservation activities building of water holes and transformation and ecotourism. of reclaimed village sites into lush grasslands, to maintain a sustainable prey c.Infrastructure was developed to facilitate base. agricultural activities such as selecting stop dam and pond sites, building bunds, h.Regular baseline assessments are digging culverts, installing tube wells for conducted to gauge the status of irrigation, and providing farm seeds and developmental challenges in villages and training on bio-fertilizers production. the ecology of the reserve.
d.Village development in terms of the construction of school buildings and primary health care centers, installation of electrification systems and solar power generators, building roads, and providing Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders and biogas units, was carried out.
110 Impact of the Initiative
The impacts of initiatives undertaken are: Awards and Recognitions Ecological Impact Winner of Award for ‘Excellence for a.Forest area of 60 sq.km has been Village Relocation and Resettlement, restored under the natural Sal tree and ’National Tiger Conservation Authority grassland vegetative cover. (NTCA), in 2016
b.There is an increase in sightings of tigers, Special Mention at India Biodiversity leopards, bears, chital, sambar and wild Award under the category, Protected boars. Areas’, in 2014
Socio-economic Impact Recipeint of the Tiger for Tourism Award for ‘Best Tourism friendly a.Communities have access to health care, Destination’, in 2014 schools and markets to purchase amenities and sell their agricultural produce. Recipient of the NTCA Award for ‘Excellence for Village Relocation and b.Wildlife tourism has generated Resettlement’ in 2010 employment for youth as guides, drivers and fire watchers. Their knowledge of topography, resting sites, forest pathways is being used for conservation purposes.
c.‘Park Vikas Nidhi’, a fund built-up by tourism in the National Park, has contributed to development of villages. Contact Person: S.K Singh Tel. +91 9424792100 d.30 percent of total revenue from tourism Email: [email protected] activities is shared by government of India, with local communities contributing to a substantial corpus for each EDC.
111 112 Conservation of Wildlife Habitat by the Confederation of Eco-Development Committees, Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) West The institution successfully conserves the flora and fauna of the forest, by achieving a harmonious balance between ensuring a viable population of tigers while providing alternate employment and fuel sources for communities in fringe areas.
113 Introduction
The Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) lies in the The Confederation of Eco-Development Western Ghats, in the southwestern end of Committees, PTR West, covers an area of 218 the Indian subcontinent. It was declared as sq.km within the PTR. It targets, to improve a tiger reserve in 1978 and its core area was protected area management and involve declared a national park in 1982 (Devullu, local people in such management activities, Raj, Bhanumathi, Kumar, & Bandhopadhyay, thus linking biodiversity conservation n.d.). There are village settlements along with socio-economic development. Since the periphery of the protected area inception, it has been engaged in facilitating comprising mostly of tribal communities. biodiversity conservation through Due to increasing anthropogenic pressures distribution of alternate fuel connections around and within the Protected Area and to reduce dependence on fuel wood, the escalating conflicts between wildlife supply of alternate construction material and local communities, India proposed to curb felling of trees, providing incentives the upscaling of the existing Integrated to minimise plastic waste during the Conservation and Development Projects annual Sabarimala Pilgrimage and tourism, (ICDPs) for management of PTR and link managing conflicts between man and biodiversity conservation with socio- wildlife and enhancing alternate livelihood economic development. Thus, the India opportunities for the local communities Eco-Development Project (IEDP) was through eco-tourism and conservation implemented by Global Environment works. Facility (GEF) and World Bank in 1996 and the eco-development committees in the PTR were formed within the same project under the umbrella of Eco-development Committees (EDC), PTR East and West66 (Gurukkal, 2003).
114 Biogeographical Significance Need for the Initiative
The Western Ghats is one of the biodiversity Protected Areas are usually surrounded hotspots in India. They are home to four67 by local communities at its periphery who tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf depend on its resources for livelihood and forest ecoregions. It consists of a large subsistence. Before the intervention, the proportion of India’s flora and fauna. tigers and other wildlife in the PTR remained threatened due to anthropogenic activities The Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) is a such as illegal hunting and poaching, large- significant constituent of the Southern scale habitat destruction due to over- part of Western Ghats. It is located on the extraction and smuggling of NTFPs such as mountain range of peninsular India, under Garcinia gummi-gutta, Emblica officinalis the Periyar Landscape spread across more etc and felling of trees for fuel and than 4,000 sq.km of high elevation grassland construction works68. The hunting of prey and evergreen forests to low elevation species forced predators to venture into evergreen and mixed moist deciduous human settlements, which further fueled forests, harboring approximately 519 the conflict between man and wildlife. species of flora and 60 species of terrestrial Furthermore, the lack of human resources and marine fauna including tigers, Asian and cooperation from the communities, elephants, Periyar trouts, Periyar barbs made it difficult for the wildlife and forest etc. The Confederation of EDC Periyar department to monitor instances of forest West covers two forest ranges named fires and extend efficient services to Pampa and Azhutha. This patch harbors a tourists and pilgrims. few endangered and endemic fauna such as the lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, elephants, sambar deer, giant squirrel, great hornbill, etc.
115 Need for the Initiative Genesis and Conservation Conservation and Management Objective Initiatives
India had previously implemented ICDPs69 The key activities undertaken by the in the 1980’s and the PAs and adjoining Confederation of EDC’s are as follows- villages had benefited from such initiatives. In the mid-1990s, India extended the ICDPs a.Liquefied Petroleum Gas connections to those living within and around PAs were distributed through Pampa Jyothi, through the IEDP facilitated by GEF and as an alternative fuel option and iron the World Bank (1996-2004). Under the and bamboo poles were supplied for aegis of the latter, the eco-development construction activities in order to curb committees in the PTR were formed with felling of trees, mainly in the pilgrimage an objective to ensure viable population route70 . of tigers, co-predators and prey animals along with supporting livelihood and other b.Local community members were development activities in the buffer and provided with training to assist the forest fringe areas of PTR. department in patrolling and monitoring activities, keeping a check on forest fires and technology-aided monitoring of tiger movements. Now, a trained Tiger Monitoring Team (TMT), constituting of tribal youths, regularly collects evidence Governance Structure of tiger, co-predators and prey through patrolling and camera traps deployed in fixed locations. The Confederation is supervised by the General Body comprising of 40 c.Alternate livelihood opportunity were representative members of EDCs and provided through employment as guides headed by the Chairperson. The general to tourists and millions of pilgrims. body holds meetings with the Executive Committee (EC) to pass resolutions and d.Communities were linked to government decisions in line with the state laws. The hospitals and schools. EC consists of 9 elected members with representation from the general body. e.‘Sabarijalam’, drinking water was It is responsible for carrying out day to introduced at a reduced price, with cash day responsibilities. The Forest Range back system upon return of the bottle at Officer is the ex-officio secretary ofthe the end of journey. EC. The activities of the Confederation are monitored by the Forest Department For best utilization of the skill-sets of the and performance is assessed by Periyar ex-poachers and illegal extractors of forest Foundation which was created in 2004 to products, the PTR pioneered the formation generate resources for and sustain the eco- of different EDCs based on the previous development initiatives for conservation activities of the ‘ex-offenders’. For instance, of tiger and biodiversity. Having such a there are EDCs of ex-cinnamon (Vayana) foundation became a requirement for all bark collectors (EVBC-EDC), ex-poachers tiger reserves in the country under the (Vidiyal EDC), ex-black resin collectors and amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Firewood and Thatching Grass Collectors EDC.
116 Impact of the Initiative
To evaluate the efficacy of the initiative, the Socio-Economic Impact impact of these actions undertaken by the Confederation of EDC’s PTR was assessed a.Employment has been generated based on ecological, socio-economic and through engagement in Pampa Jyothi LPG policy areas of influence. agency, ‘Sabareejalam’ water bottle unit and tourism Ecological Impact b.There is a significant rise in the standard a.The density of tigers increased from of living and household income that is 3.88/100 sq.km in 2008 to 5.41/100 sq. km reflected in increase in savings accounts, in 2011. investments and purchasing power.
b.Changes are visible in the elephant c.Access to basic amenities such as drinking population as well where the proportion water and NTFPs along with medical and of tuskers in the population has increased education facilities has improved. from 16.95 percent in 2005 to 27.4 percent in 2010. d.Awareness regarding biodiversity conservation has increased amongst the c.25 km trek path and the 218 sq.km. forest communities. is now well maintained and protected. Policy Impact d.Consumption of firewood was reduced by nearly 18,615 tons, by the year 2013. The ‘Periyar model of conservation’, has influenced an amendment71 to the Wildlife e.Unsustainable harvest of forest produce (Protection) Act,1972 in 2006 encouraging has been minimized and the efforts have the establishment of similar foundations in led to regeneration of cinnamon tree all tiger reserves in the country. Moreover, density. There is also a significant reduction with the improved status of the reserve, in incidences of sandalwood smuggling and the PTRs network of institutions has collection of black resin from the trees. expanded to include the Gram Panchayats, Kerala Toursim Development Corporation, f.Littering of plastic water bottle in the tour operators, hoteliers and even Tamil route to pilgramage has stopped. Nadu Electricity Board and Public works department.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve has been recognized as a ‘learning centre’ under the Biodiversity Conservation of Rural Livelihood (BCRLI) Project.
117
Awards and Recognitions
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognized ‘Periyar Model’ as an exemplary forest management practice in the world in 2004.
Recipient of Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award for conserving the trees along the traditional routes during the Sabarimala Pilgrim season in 2010
Winner oft the India Biodiversity Award under the category, Potected Areas, in 2012
Contact Person S.Sandeep Tel. +91 8547382391 Email:[email protected]
118 Bibliography
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123 Notes
1A World Bank-led and GEF-funded global 10In 2001, the whale shark was listed in partnership Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and in 2003, it was included 2CITES is an international agreement under Appendix II of the Convention on between governments that aims to ensure International Trade in Endangered Species that international trade in specimens of of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It was listed wild animals and plants does not threaten on Appendix II of the Bonn Convention for their survival. the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 1999 3Section 38(V), (4)(i) and (5), of Chapter IVB of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and 11 Tata Chemicals Limited is an Indian Amendment Act, 2006 global company with interests in chemicals, crop nutrition and consumer products 4 The Amur Falcons, make the voyage from headquartered in Mumbai, India breeding grounds in Russia and China to southern Africa, via North Eastern India 12 The tall trees of Neolamarckia cadamba and the Arabian Sea. or Kadam are the natural and preferred habitat of the birds in this area. Almost 5 Jhum is a primitive agricultural practice 32 wetlands in this area earlier used to that involves clearing of forest land for have these trees on their boundaries that cultivation and later shifting to another are now dry patches. They are now found patch of land, so that the original area can mostly in backyards of local people who regenerate before it is used for the same resort to cut these either for low grade purpose again timber or to ward off filth creating birds.
6 67 common wild animals, 519 bird species 13 A game called ‘web of life’ was and 149 fish species formulated to make children understand the importance of each species in their 7 Y.Nuklu Phom, Team Leader, surroundings. Lemsachenlok Society, Nagaland 14 Fruit eating 8Administrative activities related to management of forests in Northeast India 15 Erstwhile East Kameng District is predominantly carried out by local communities and traditional governance 16 Curtailing logging activities has been institutions with much of the forests a major ongoing challenge in the area, listed as “unclassified”. The state forest especially since 2017. Illegal logging departments administer the “reserved” and activities are degrading forests. “protected” forests. 17 Over 250 urban citizens have been 9 Umru is a relatively recent pit stop for the involved from 2012 till 2019 Amur falcons. (Shanmugam IAS Academy, n.d.) 18 The species is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international trade.
124 19 On 20 January 2009, GoI announced 28A Government of India – UNDP –GEF – a new and ambitious conservation Government of Andhra Pradesh initiative programme called Project Snow Leopard. to conserve biodiversity in EGREE region This development represented a major up- scaling of research and community-based 29 An inlet in the shoreline of the Arabian conservation efforts in the higher Himalaya Sea area. 30 A system deployed by the organisation 20 The BirdLife Secretariat develops and to periodically evaluate employees’ maintains list of ‘trigger’ species and performance associated population thresholds to be used for each IBA category. 31 Mangroves have Deonar dumping ground on its South border and Kanjur Marg 21 Three mass nesting (arribada) sites in Municipal landfill on its Northern border. Orissa are the Gahirmatha sanctuary, Fires and garbage stench from both dump Rushikulya, and Devi River mouth. yards have been reported on a number of times in recent years. 22 The seven Villages are, Daluakani, Anakana, Gundalba, Aisinia, Siddikeswar, 32 Section 36C (1) of the Wildlife Act 1972, Sohana and Sribantapur enables any state government to declare a Community reserve where a community 23 The catch for fish has increased from 1kg or individual has volunteered to conserve per day to around 5kgs wildlife and its habitat.
24 Cyclones post 2015 that hit the area: Fani, 33 Community has certain regulations for Phethai, Hudhud and Titli the management of these areas such as no grazing, protection from forest fires, 25 Trawls are enormous, cone-shaped protection of most threatened species nets that are towed by one or two boats. with bamboo fencing and continuous As the net is towed, it herds and captures monitoring. Participatory tools have been thousands of fish and other creatures. used to demarcate the such areas.
26 Dame Commander of the Most Excellent 34 Poor families were identified by GSAC Order of the British Empire. The Country who were landless, homeless or women led Head of Roots and Shoots International Volunteer Network, of the Dr. Jane Goodall 35 The area is the water catchment area Institute. of five major rivers viz; Mungleu, Techao, Mbureu, Keleireu and Nkwareu which are 27 Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are used for irrigation in the valley below the recognized internationally as a convenient conservation area. and effective measure for protecting sea turtles from trawling-related mortality. 36 It is recognized as Scheduled Tribe in the State
125 37 Jhum cultivation is performed by slashing 44 Sukhai conservation area covers 3.65 and burning patches of forests followed by sq.km (about 25% of the entire forest area), cultivation, after which the land is left fallow Kivikhu 3.70 sq.km (about 33% of forest for its recovery area) and Ghukhuyi (2.04 sq.km)
38 They are hunted and traded for food, 45 Jhum is a primitive agricultural practice traditional “medicine”, sport, and as pets that involves clearing of forest land for cultivation and later shifting to another 39 A Joint Forest Management Committee is a patch of land, so that the original area can democratic, decentralized and transparent regenerate before it is used for the same local institution of forest and forest fringe purpose again dwelling communities, that is part of the Gram Sabha fully or partially and set up as 46 Jhum becomes unsustainable when per the provisions of applicable JFM rules/ increasing demand for cultivable lands guidelines of the state. (JICA-MOEF, n.d.) leads to the burning of young forest patches and reduced recovery periods for old cultivated lands 40 Traditional means of creating rafts and reefs involved deploying branches of 47 It lies between Satoi and Ghosu but is trees or tyres in the water body and this closer to Satoi, an Important Bird and practice was referred to as ‘Mullam’ in local Biodiversity Areas (IBA) and very rich in language. This practice evolved as artificial biodiversity. reef or Fish Aggregation Device (FAD) 48 Financial assistance continued through 41 Trawling is a method of fishing that a GEF-Satoyama grant via Conservation- involves pulling a fishing net through the International-Japan water behind one or more boats. The net that is used for trawling is called a trawl. 49 A not-for-profit nature conservation The boats that are used for trawling are organisation based in Dehradun, India called trawlers or draggers. 50 This includes the Whale shark, which 42 The Great Sumatra earthquake of 26 is a globally important species and also December 2004 caused the Indian Ocean listed under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife tsunami had a significant effect on the (Protection) Act, 1972 southern peninsular region of India and severely affected the coastal regions of 51 Sea turtle species such as Olive Ridley state of Tamil Nadu (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green (Chelonia mydas) and Leatherback (Dermochelys 43 Trawler net get entangle with reef coriacea) turtles structures, it is a huge loss for the trawl owners. Therefore, the reef zone act as a fence control
126 52 Mechanised bottom trawling involves 61 An EDC is similar to Joint Forest dragging nets across the seafloor which Management Committees in India, meant destroys critical coral reefs and sea grass for villages in Protected Areas and their bed habitats. It is unselective mode of buffer zones. Their setup, working, role, fishing resulting in large number of by- responsibilities, powers, funds etc. are as catch which includes endangered species per the state level orders. Their area of as well. operation is restricted to protected Areas, and forest and non-forest areas near 53 A fishing seine that is drawn into the protected areas. shape of a bag to enclose the catch. 62 The Core Critical Tiger habitat (1339.26 54 Professional Association of Driving km2) encompasses Bori (437.79 km2) & Instructors Pachmarhi (417.58 km2) Sanctuaries and Satpura National Park (483.88 km2) and 55 SRI is an improved system of rice farming Buffer area (794.04 km2) surrounding it using minimum seeds, water and fertilisers includes reserve forest, protected forest to achieve increased productivity and and revenue areas. Source: http://www. reduced greenhouse gas emissions. satpuratigerreserve.mp.gov.in/bufer_zone. php 56 120 women from self-help groups have been trained under this project 63 The Government of India took an initiative for conserving national tiger population by 57 Among the first SHGs to be involved in launching ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973. It is an oyster farming in the state ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and 58 A mix of aquaculture species, which Climate Change providing assistance to the thrive at different trophic levels in an tiger States for tiger conservation. aquatic system, comprising of planktivores, detritivores, filter feeders such as bivalves 64 A body of all persons in the electoral rolls living on particulate suspended organic for the gram panchayat (village council) matter and finally the organisms which live on dissolved nutrients such as sea weeds. 65 Eco-Development Committees, (EDCs) During the Project period, three units passed by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh earned about USD 2125.5 each in a span under the Joint Forest Management of two years resolution for managing biological resources with support from the STR 59 SRI yield: USD 566.8 to USD 637.7 per officials and providing fillip to community acre for 2.5 tonnes of paddy harvest per health and education and micro businesses. acre. Traditional method: USD 382.6 per acre for 1.5 tonnes of paddy harvest per acre
60 This is within the national park of 940 sq. km
127 66 EDCs in PTR are broadly of four categories: a) Village EDCs, b) Professional EDCs, c) User group EDCs, and d) SAPP EDCs. The people in hamlets along the Fringe Area of PTR constitute the Village EDCs. The employees of the Forest Department constitute the members of Professional Group EDCs. Those people who subsist on the biomass of PTR are members of the User Group EDCs. Bringing together the merchants who do business during the Sabarimala season form the Swamy Ayyappa Punkavana Punarudharana (SAPP) EDCs and are also known as the user group based professional EDCs.
67 The North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, North Western Ghats montane rain forests, South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, and South Western Ghats montane rain forests.
68 Construction of makeshift commercial establishments during the annual Sabarimala Pilgrimage season which lasts up to the second week of January from first week of November
69 ICDPs have been applied in many different forms all over the world such as; ‘People- Centered Conservation and Development’, ‘Eco-development’, ‘grassroots conservation’, ‘community-based natural resource management (CBNRM)’ and ‘community wildlife management (CWM)’
70 Traditional trek route to Sabarimala Temple
71 Amendment to Section 38(V) of the WPA 1972
*UN operational rate of exchange for conversion of INR to USD, effective date: st1 October 2019
128 UNDP partners with people at all level of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. The objective of UNDP’s biodiversity work is maintaining and enhancing the beneficial services provided by natural ecosystems in order to secure livelihoods, food, water and security, reduce vulnerability to climate change, sequester carbon, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions.
The portfolio of biodiversity and ecosystem projects managed by UNDP is the largest in the UN system. UNDP currently works in 146 countries, managing 512 projects on ecosystems and biodiversity with US$ 1.5 billion in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other sources, and co-financing of US$ 3.5 billion. The Ecosystem and Biodiversity Programme has been successful in helping to establish over 2,000 protected areas and 85 countries, covering 272 million hectares; undertaking interventions in production sectors and development planning in 38 countries, covering 244 million hectares; and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation to or mitigation of climate change in 71 countries. UNDP’s programme has generated a globally recognized body of knowledge on best practices in ecosystems and biodiversity management.
For over a decade, UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to build the capacities of stakeholders to manage natural resources and promote sustainable livelihoods. This has included strengthening institutional capacities at different levels and supporting efforts to enable communities to manage natural resources in an integrated, participatory and sustainable manner. UNDP has also supported capacity development initiatives to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the guiding network framework for biodiversity conservation in the country.
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