A Community-Driven Approach to Protecting Nature
To create a mutually beneficial relationship between local populations and conservation initiatives, Eco Development Committees (EDCs) have been established. Serving as liaisons between the Forest Department and the villages surrounding the Corbett Tiger Reserve, these committees play a pivotal role.
Village Protection Force: The First Line of Defense
Each of the 44 EDCs in Corbett oversees a Village Protection Force, each Force itself consisting of 10-12 members. These forces patrol villages and surrounding agricultural lands, especially during the harvest season, to mitigate the risks posed by wildlife raids.
Swift Response Mechanism
When conflicts arise, such as herbivore raids on crops or the sudden appearance of predators, the Village Protection Force swiftly alerts the Forest Department. Immediate action is taken to safeguard both human and animal lives.
Alternative Income-Generating Activities
Over 300 women have been trained in crafts like Kumaoni Aipan painting, incense stick making, and souvenir creation. These training sessions result in generating regular income streams for local women SHGs.
Employment Opportunities
The EDCs have also facilitated jobs for locals as nature-guides and drivers, thus linking their economic well-being to the health of the forest.
Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
These groups contribute to the economy, while promoting wildlife conservation, by creating souvenirs. Amongst the local population, this has led to a renewed commitment towards the preservation of wildlife and has fostered a culture of coexistence and preservation.
By adopting an integrated conservation approach, we proactively involve individuals and communities in sustainable environmental management. This has led to the establishment of a collaborative environment where both wildlife and humans reap mutual benefits. Through these endeavors, we cultivate and solidify a culture of cooperation, tolerance, and preservation, positioning Corbett Tiger Reserve as a noteworthy model for community-led conservation efforts.
To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, inventive strategies like "Bee Hive fencing" have been implemented alongside community outreach initiatives such as "Living with Tigers" to promote harmonious coexistence. By focusing on community empowerment and sustainable development, our conservation efforts aim towards a harmonious balance between human needs and the imperatives of nature.