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