Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is reflected in the establishment of numerous sanctuaries and national parks. These protected areas, vital for preserving flora and fauna, often overlap with traditional habitats of tribal populations. While intended to safeguard ecosystems, these initiatives frequently generate conflicts and displacement, impacting the socio-economic fabric of these communities. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, attempted to address some of these issues, but the implementation remains challenging. This answer will explore the multifaceted impacts of these protected areas on tribal populations, highlighting both the challenges and potential for collaborative conservation.
Rationale for Sanctuaries and National Parks
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting endangered species and ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Services: Maintaining crucial services like water regulation and pollination.
- Tourism: Generating revenue and employment opportunities.
Positive Impacts
- Employment Opportunities: Creation of jobs in eco-tourism, forest management, and park maintenance.
- Awareness Generation: Increased awareness about environmental conservation among local communities.
- Infrastructure Development: Improved infrastructure like roads and healthcare facilities in proximity to the parks (though often unevenly distributed).
Negative Impacts – Economic
- Loss of Traditional Livelihoods: Restrictions on access to forest resources like firewood, fodder, and minor forest produce (MFP) essential for sustenance and traditional crafts.
- Reduced Income: Diminished ability to practice traditional agricultural practices and hunting (where permitted earlier).
- Dependence on External Aid: Increased reliance on government assistance due to loss of self-sufficiency.
Negative Impacts – Social and Cultural
- Displacement and Resettlement: Forced relocation of communities from core zones, disrupting social structures and cultural practices.
- Erosion of Traditional Knowledge: Loss of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) due to restricted access to forests and disruption of intergenerational learning.
- Increased Conflict: Tensions between park authorities and local communities due to conflicting resource use patterns.
- Criminalization: Tribals often face criminal charges for activities like collecting firewood or grazing livestock, which were traditionally part of their livelihood.
Mitigation Strategies & Way Forward
- Participatory Conservation: Involving tribal communities in decision-making processes related to park management, as mandated by the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
- Benefit Sharing: Ensuring that tribal communities receive a fair share of the revenue generated from tourism and other park-related activities.
- Sustainable Livelihood Options: Promoting alternative livelihood options like beekeeping, medicinal plant cultivation, and sustainable agriculture.
- Recognition of Traditional Rights: Strict adherence to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, ensuring the recognition of customary rights over forest resources.
- Community-Based Forest Management: Empowering local communities to manage forest resources sustainably through Joint Forest Management (JFM) committees.
Case Study: Kanha Tiger Reserve
The Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is a prime example. Initially, the creation of the reserve led to significant displacement of Baiga and Gond tribes. However, subsequent efforts to implement FRA provisions and involve communities in eco-tourism have resulted in a gradual improvement in their economic status and a renewed sense of ownership over the forest. Still, challenges remain regarding equitable benefit sharing and effective implementation of FRA.
| Act/Policy | Year | Key Provision Related to Tribal Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Conservation Act | 1980 | Restricted access to forest resources; often implemented without adequate consideration for tribal rights. |
| Forest Rights Act (FRA) | 2006 | Recognizes the traditional rights of forest-dwelling communities over forest resources and land; aims to address historical injustices. |
Challenges in Implementation
- Lack of awareness about FRA provisions among both communities and officials.
- Delays in the process of title verification and distribution of rights.
- Resistance from park authorities and conservation NGOs.
Conclusion
The establishment of sanctuaries and national parks presents a complex dilemma, balancing biodiversity conservation with the rights and livelihoods of tribal populations. While protected areas are essential for ecological preservation, their creation must be accompanied by a commitment to inclusive and participatory conservation strategies. Effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, coupled with benefit-sharing mechanisms and sustainable livelihood initiatives, is crucial for fostering a harmonious coexistence between conservation efforts and the well-being of tribal communities. A shift towards community-based conservation models is essential for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.