challenges of combining biodiversity conservation and human … · 2016. 12. 8. · challenges of...
TRANSCRIPT
Challenges of Combining Biodiversity Conservation and Human Welfare Goals
A Case from Corbett National Park, India
Manali Baruah* & Shankar Dutt**
*Department of Geography, University of South of South Carolina - Columbia **Shramyog, Dehradun, India
FLARE – 3rd December, 2016
Protected Areas and SignificanceAichi Biodiversity Targets ; 2030 Global GoalsSocial impact of Protected Areas poorly understoodProtected Areas and inherent tensions
Context
Location - Jim Corbett National Park
Data and Methods PRA exercises, FGD and interviews in 5 villages located in the Buffer Zone Sankara, Jamriya, Balyuli, Nagtale & Bandharan since January 2015
PRA exercises Transect walks
Findings
Institutional choice of intervening agencies and duration of engagement influence both legitimacy and capacity of local rural institutions
Panchayats – accountability issues, lacks decision making capacity, need administrative support
Economic liberalization, rural to urban migration – changing practices and rules on ground
1. Rural institutions in flux
Land appropriation by wealthy private investors Encroachment by the State government
Article in a leading National Fortnightly, Down to Earth
2. Inequitable access to benefits
Source - Down to Earth
Unsustainable tourism & inequitable sharing of benefits Restrictions on local resource justified by degradation narratives Human wildlife conflict Loss of income generating opportunities Farm abandonment/sold to middleman – migration to urban areas
Ecological services hampered and crucial corridors blocked
Van Gujjar settlements around Corbett NP; (Hussain et al. 2016)Dera - temporary houses of Van Gujjars
Source – Better India.com
2. Inequitable access to benefits contd.
Source – WWF, India
Conclusion
Strengthening democratic local institutions Multi-stakeholder dialogues, social and financial auditing to
minimize conflict and promote trust for conservation and ecotourism activitiesEvidence based policy making - ecological and social impact
studies to inform action and improve governance.
Next StepsMapping local institutions and social processes Stakeholder survey using smart phones – migration, human wildlife conflicts,
resource use LULC Change - Forest Cover Change Analysis, Urbanization
Annual Tree cover loss(2000-2012): The loss is buffer areas are significantly higher. Notice the peak between 2008-2010
Decadal Tree cover change(2000-2012): Higher loss and higher gains in the buffer zone. Conversion of agricultural lands to orchards and resorts with ornamental trees
Thank You !
Residents of Sankara, Jamriya, Balyuli, Nagtale & Bandharan
Rufford Foundation
USC-Columbia – Graduate School
Shramyog Team