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Shivani Chandola , Ruchi Badola , B. K. Mishra

Abstract

The eco-development programme was initiated in Rajaji National Park to elicit participation of local people in conservation. An analysis of factors influencing the participation of women and men in the eco-development programme in two villages - Ganeshpur and Gangabhogpur, adjoining Rajaji National Park was carried out. On the basis of the study it is suggested that examination of all the social, cultural and economic factors that affect men's and women's ability to effectively participate in the formal forums should be done before implementing such programs thus ensuring unbiased gender representation in common forums.

Keywords

Rajaji National Park, Protected Areas, Gender, Conservation Programmes, Eco-
Development Committees

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B. K. Mishra , Ruchi Badola , A. K. Bhardwaj

Abstract

Involuntary displacement of people from their productive assets and homesteads, caused due to industrial and infrastructure projects, and more recently for creation of Wildlife Protected Areas (Pas) has faced wide spread criticism. Once displaced, the affected families are pushed into an open-market situation as individuals competing for their survival in a hostile new environment. A majority of them prove to be losers in this new race of development. Thus, such efforts have been widely criticized for the adverse impact they have had on the local people who have been relocated as a consequence of such projects. In general there is now some consensus on the fact that there are inadequacies in the relocation process and package, and identification of better strategies to deal with it are being called for. However, there are also some recent initiatives of voluntary relocation in some PAs of the country which seem to have captured lessons from the past and thus, these initiatives provide an opportunity to examine relevant issues and the reasons for their success. There is a paucity of studies on systematic documentation of 'wise and bad' practices of village relocation program from the PAs. Therefore, this paper attempts to document the process and package of community relocation and rehabilitation program implemented recently in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand.

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Ruchi Badola , A. K. Bhardwaj , S. K. Mukherjee

Abstract

The Protected Area (PA) Network in India has helped to conserve a significant part of India's biodiversity. It has, however, engendered conflicts between the livelihood requirements and aspirations of the local communities living in and around these areas, and PA ma,nagers. The stress has been on reducing or eliminating altogether the human sources of biotic pressures, with the assumption that any such pressure was detrimental to wildlife interests. Although such an approach to conservation has been successful to a certain extent, it also alienated the local people from the PAs. Enlisting the cooperation and support of local people has thus, emerged as a major priority area of in situ biodiversity conservation. This is the concept of ecodevelopment as it is referred to in India or Integrated Conservation and Development in many other countries. Ecodevelopment, addressed the livelihood problems of people surrounding PAs, using as its basic thrust the diversion of as much pressure from PAs all possible. However with almost a decade of experience with ecodevelopment, there is now a focus on collaborative management or Joint Protected Area Management as it is referred to, which envisages the involvement of local communities and other stakeholders in PA management. This paper discusses the concept of ecodevelopment, its ev01ution and the problems associated with developing collaborative partnerships with different stakeholders. It examines some of the recent models of community participation in PA management across the country. Besides a strong policy and legal support, other factors like strong conservation-development linkages, trained and motivated manpower and a strong research base and regular monitoring playa role in its success. The paper goes on to conclude that in order to ensure the sustainability of such programs, the logical outcome of ajoint management approach and the rights and responsibilities of the local communities and other stakeholders should be clarified. The integration of the PAs into landscape or regional level planning by a comprehensive review of the national and state laws relating to natural resources is required.

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B. K. Mishra , Ruchi Badola , A. K. Bhardwaj

Abstract

Creation and subsequent expansion of Protected Area (PA) network has often deprived local people of their usufruct rights and displaced communities from their traditional lands. This 'isolationist' approach has resulted in severe conflicts between local people and PA authorities. Poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods for forest based communities, along with inability to mainstream biodiversity concerns in development planning around biodiversity-rich areas have been recognized as some of the ischolar_main cause of threats to biodiversity conservation, and this sowed the seed of an alternate precept and practice of conservation which eventually came to be known as 'ecodevelopment'. This approach lays emphasis on community participation, explicitly recognizes the special needs of disprivileged and poorest of poor populations within local communities, and attempts to take care of their needs in the programme design. The process of ecodevelopment as evolved in and around PAs of India, has been a step by step action for it and had to deal with the biophysical complexities and socio-political dimensions of biodiversity conservation. This paper attempts to highlight the lessons learnt, critical factors that have contributed to the success of these initiatives, and the range of complex issues that have emerged while implementing ecodevelopment projects in India. It also provides an opportunity of exploring the possibility of expanding this program beyond the boundaries of the PAs.

Keywords

Biodiversity, Conservation, Stakeholders, Protected Area, Ecodevelopment. Participation

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B.K. Mishra ¹, Ruchi Badola ¹, A.K. Bhardwaj ¹

Affiliations
1 Wildlife Institute of India, Chandravani, Dehradun-248001 (India)

Abstract

Village micro planning for achieving the dual objectives of wildlife conservation and livelihood security is a multi stakeholder led complex and dynamic process that empowers the community analysing their own situation and work on it to create a better future. Aggregated at the landscape level, the micro plans represent the sum total of all such activities that would enhance conservation status of the entire landscape and ensure developmental aspirations of all stakeholders which is the essence of landscape management. However, in recent past, micro plans prepared and implemented around many protected areas of India have faced severe criticisms that they were ineffective in their attempts to serve the communities as well as protected areas. Neither there is any systematic documentation of the micro planning process, nor a how-to-do-it guideline for preparing village micro plans. This paper therefore is an attempt to address this gap besides drawing together a number of issues about which the planning team needs to be sensitized so that they can handle various challenges that may arise during micro planning work.

Keywords

Landscape Management, Sustainable Development, Livelihood Security, Stakeholder Participation

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Upma Manral ¹, Shruti Sengupta ¹, Syed Ainul Hussain ¹, Sakshi Rana ¹, Ruchi Badola ¹

Affiliations
1 Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), IN

Abstract

In a developing economy like India where majority of human population depends heavily on natural resources, the forestdwellers have co-existed with the wildlife for long. However, the growing human dependency on natural resources and degradation of wildlife habitats, have resulted in a conflicting situation between humans and wildlife, and authorities involved in wildlife management. With significant conservation and economic consequences, human wildlife conflict (HWC) undermines well-being of both the parties and threatens the conservation goals. It impacts the people's food security and livelihood and psychosocial wellbeing. We reviewed articles that deal with monetary loss incurred by involved communities and discuss the effectiveness and the short comings of measures taken to address the issue and prevent the loss, in the Indian scenario. There is a lack of studies dealing with monetary cost associated with HWC and no realistic estimates are available for involved species. Majority of the studies are from protected areas with un-protected forests represented poorly. It is imperative that action plans, which target offsetting economic loss of locals and enhance public participation, are put in-place to meet the integrated conservation and development goals in a landscape where human and wildlife can coexist.

Keywords

Carnivores, Human Wildlife Conflict, Opportunity Cost, Primates, Ungulates.

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Michelle Irengbam ¹, Pariva Dobriyal ¹, Syed Ainul Hussain ¹, Ruchi Badola ¹

Affiliations
1 Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box # 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun 248 001, IN

Abstract

The Terai Arc Landscape in the foothills of the Himalaya is a critical tiger conservation unit straddling India and Nepal. The Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) located in the eastern part of this landscape, is an important corridor for the movement of large mammalian species. This landscape is under tremendous pressure due to increased human population and demands for forest resources. The present study (1) assesses the dependence of the local communities on forest resources, (2) identifies concerns and interests of major stakeholders, and (3) assesses the major issues challenging conservation in the NWS. Household surveys and focus group discussions were carried out in 13 fringe villages around the NWS, and key stakeholders were identified and consulted. Risk assessment was done to identify the major issues in the area and their underlying causes. The local communities are dependent on forest for fuel wood (25-40 kg/ household/day) and fodder (20-25 kg/household/day). Low-income groups, displaced groups and the gujjar community emerged as the most dependent stakeholders. Diverse interests arose from the communities having different livelihood patterns. Habitat loss and degradation due to excessive extraction of forest resources, riverbed mining and lack of support of local communities emerged as the major threats hampering conservation in the area. Involvement of local communities in forest conservation along with provision of alternative livelihood is needed. It is critical to develop a consultative framework with the local communities and other stakeholders to explore alternative strategies that meet conservation and development goals.

Keywords

Anthropogenic Pressure, Community-Based Conservation, Dependent Stakeholders, Forest Corridor, Habitat Degradation.

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Nishikant Gupta ¹, Asha Rajvanshi ², Ruchi Badola ²

Affiliations
1 International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Post Box # 3226, Kathmandu, NP
2 Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248 001, IN

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict is a conservation challenge facing scientists and policy-makers worldwide with an increasing demand for holistic resolution strategies. Conflict with wild animals has the potential to negatively affect the livelihood and well-being of communities and revengeful killing of the animals to safeguard personal interests. This is a worrying development, especially for threatened wild species if deemed as 'conflict species, as it can greatly hinder their protection and conservation especially in developing countries.

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