Ecodevelopment

V.K.UniyalMCT – July 2013

1950-70 1970-90 1990-2010 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 resourcesPromoting rural growth and income generation

Eco-development A win-win formula

Empowerment of Tribals

• 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

Managing Pilgrimage • 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, andTo receive wider social acceptance for conservation

DMP vs. PMP Paradigm

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 WelfareEither way.

Thanks