Animal News (Except Bigcats)

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Farmers to reap for not sowing in Umred-Karhandla sanctuary



In a first experiment of its kind in the country, a 'community conservancy' project is in the works in Umred-Karhandla wildlife sanctuary to develop a strong working relationship with the community allowing wildlife to flourish.

The idea is being conceptualized and taken forward by Sanctuary Asia editor and wildlife expert Bittu Sahgal with the support from Deutsche Bank at Gothangaon area in Kuhi range of the sanctuary.

Sahgal confirmed the project is being worked out. Nagpur district honorary wildlife warden Roheet Karoo is coordinating the project.

Community conservancy will be launched in Umred-Karhandla taking a cue from Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya, where it was established two years ago when a group of hotel lodge and camp owners formed the organization with a goal of uniting all the Masai landowners and tourism partners operating within the confines of the Koyaiki Lemek conservation area.

On the same lines, community conservancy is planned on 110 acres of agriculture land belonging to 39 families who were rehabilitated over a year ago. The land, allotted to them as pattas in 1977, lies in the backwaters of Gosikhurd dam in Kuhi range. The land cannot be sold as per rules.

"Either the farm land is lying idle or those cultivating it face huge problem of crop depredation from wild animals and hence farming is not viable. Plan is to pay compensation to these farmers for not growing crop. A fixed amount will be paid to them as per the land holding," said Pench officials.

They said farmers will be encouraged not to cultivate their land for handsome returns. The farm land will be converted into grasslands, which will invite herbivores followed by tigers. The concept is at take offstage and several rounds of meetings have already been held with the locals.

There are plans to develop a resort by inviting open bids from private parties. A tripartite agreement will be signed between the developer, land owner and Deutsche Bank. The bank will pay money under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity.

"It will not be a commercial project. Community conservancy nowadays is as important as tourism and conservation. There will also be profit-sharing between locals," officials said.


What it means?

* Professional management of the conservancy allowing wildlife to flourish, preserving the environment, and strengthening the ecosystem for generations to come.

* Seeking to develop a strong working relationship with the community leading towards the establishment of a model 'Community Conservancy' disseminating increased prosperity to individual landowner. Secure fund-raising for community initiatives and provide secure lease incomes for landowners.

* Promoting responsible land use through strict management planning covering tourism development, grazing and settlement.

* It will unite all areas of the ecosystem in one integrated management model.

 

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