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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B. K. Mishra , Rupashi Maniktala

Abstract

The role of community in the management of human-wildlife conflicts, although recognized, has neither been adequately evaluated nor clearly documented. Therefore net economic loss was evaluated due to crop depredation in a PA neighboring village of Uttarakhand, capital cost of a power fence to deter wildlife entering the crop fields and recurring cost of maintenance, and cost of crop protection. Net amount society is willing to pay for maintenance of power fence was estimated 19200 per year, whereas actual amount required was 11500. Authors compared the cost of power fence with monetary value of crop loss and estimated that the cost of fence can be recovered in just 1.26 years. The analysis revealed that the perceived benefits from power fence were much higher than the cost borne by farmers due to crop depredation suggesting the critical role of community not only taking responsibility of maintenance, but also bearing the initial cost of fence. This study also revealed a higher level of tolerance of local people towards crop raiding wildlife- a strong factor in favour of forging partnership with them in managing human-wildlife conflict.

Keywords

Human Wildlife Conflict, Crop Loss, Power Fence

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B. K. Mishra

Abstract

Similipal Biosphere Reserve of northern Orissa is one among the seven such reserves of India that form a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves The overall objective of the Biosphere Reserve programme was to deal with one of the most important questions of reconciling conservation of biodiversity, quest for economic and social development, and maintenance of associated cultural values. Simlipal has been regularly receiving financial assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF, GoI) under centrally sponsored scheme. Using a host of participatory evaluation methods, conservation and management success of Biosphere Reserve scheme at Simlipal was evaluated. Major outputs as per the project objectives are improved protection, ecological restoration of degraded forests, sustainable utilization of natural resource, better employment opportunities for the local communities, increased conservation awareness, and improved research-management interface and PA-People relationship. The qualitative outputs have generated the overall atmosphere for stakeholder's participation, women empowerment and implementation of sustainable development initiatives in the villages of Simlipal Biosphere Reserve.

Keywords

Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Conservation, Management, Biodiversity, Protection,
Ecological Restoration And Natural Resources

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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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