Parambikulam: Forest dwellers in charge

Photo courtesy: Elangovan Angannan

Nataraj S, a forest dweller, is working as a guide for the past 8 years. Nataraj who has studied up to class five said, “Earlier we used to struggle for our daily living. But the community engagement programme has made us a self sustaining community. In the initial days, I was paid Rs 50 per tour vehicle, earning upto Rs 150 a day.  Now I get a monthly salary of Rs 10,000 and I enjoy talking about the flora and fauna to the tourists. What more do I need?” says Nataraj.

Abstract: The Kerala Forest Department, through its unique model of community engagement, has involved the forest dwellers in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve area to safeguard the forest, and provide a livelihood opportunity. The benefit—greater vigilance amounting to no poaching cases ever since the approach began in 2006.


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