V.K.UniyalMCT – July 2013

Henceforth Protection of forests for goods and services, source of revenue to the State Wildlife protection strengthens within the basic tenets of forestry Inclusive management of forests for conservation and livelihood security Landscape management for ecological security, Consultative management processes, Foresters as custodians and environmental diplomats Shifting Trajectories

Emphasis on decentralized governance Strengthening forest staff and self governments Targeting the poorest and socially marginalized Better management of natural resources Promoting rural growth and income generation Eco-development A win-win formula

Individual land/ pepper crop mortgaged Income/livelihood reduced Heavy dependency on Park resources Impacts Issues Approach Freeing tribals from debt burden 10-fold increase in tribal income from pepper 60% reduction in firewood collection for sale Community revolving fund established Joint patrolling by tribals & park staff Tribals organized into EDCs Financial support to pay back debts Assistance to raise crops in current season EDCs empowered to collect & market pepper

5 million pilgrims over two months 1000 vendors (60% outsiders) Unregulated exploitation of fuelwood, small timber Excessive solid waste Impacts Local EDCs to provide pilgrim needs Pilgrim facilities confined Confederation of the EDCs for financing & monitoring Participatory rules/ regulations-environmental & social audit Issues Approach Impacts confined to restricted area No small timber exploitation (2 lakh poles p.a. saved) 70% reduction in fuelwood collection - alternative LPG Assured income to local communities National award to confederation for conservation

Critical Tiger Habitat Critical Wildlife Habitat The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2006 National Forest Policy of 1988 Orientation shift Institutionalizing Inclusive Approach

Integrate biodiversity rich areas in the wider landscapes Engendering benefits to people, and To receive wider social acceptance for conservation

Dominant Management Paradigm Top heavy, centralized Bureaucratic, hierarchical Confidential, individualistic Above social auditing Official, arbitrary Participatory Management Paradigm Devolutionary, decentralized People-centered, democratic Open, transparent Collective, socially accountable Social, participatory

Conservation and Development Target Human Welfare Either way. Thanks