Green chat: Will tiger tourism help conservation?

PROJECT TIGER TOURISM: Some experts are touting wildlife tourism as a viable method for wildlife conservation.

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Keywords: Green chat, citizen

Abhishek Behl: Hi Gautham. Many issues raised here and will try and respond to as many as possible: Tourism in extremist base areas can be a problem. It’s more in line, so many countries’ High Commissions advise their citizens that it is not safe to travel to these place. That does cause tourism not to run. Habitat loss is a massive problem and surprisingly you are one of the few people in the chat that has brought this issue up. It is the greatest danger to our wildlife. For example, Animal corridors in many pockets have turned into commercial economical ventures and that’s not good for species survival. That’s where most of the human animal problems exist. Yes, we have a better change in saving wildlife if our educational system puts more work on school syllabus in having interactive sessions with kids on field trips from a very young age. It’s always better to catch kids young and they realise the worth of wild habitats. Yes, I agree that wildlife should be treated as a luxury where every human being should feel he/she can do without.

Viswanath: Hi Abhishek. Are we effectively utilising the services of 'Forest Sons' (People who live in remote villages near to dense forests) in conserving endangered species? If we appoint those people as conservers giving some money as remuneration, it might work well (I think so). Should our preliminary target be to educate these villagers for protecting wild life?

Abhishek Behl: Hi Viswanath. Yes, absolutely. By giving any benefits to people living around forest areas might well work keeping in mind you will have to analyse load of socio-cultural impacts in place. Education is an important factors to start with and along with this, there has to be a certain benefit to make them interested and they will start protecting wildlife and its habitat.

Bharat Tandon: Apart from eco-tourism, can relocation of tigers be implemented across the nation at different national parks and forests given the fact that the tiger is known to survive contrasting terrains and climates with ease?

Abhishek Behl: I guess this question can be answered better by researchers focusing on relocation and population dynamics.

Saiprasad: Hi Abhishek. Poaching versus conservation is as much a economic issue as a environmental issue. How do we make locals understand the value of long term benefits of tourism viz-á-viz big bucks by aligning with the poachers? I think that is the biggest challenge the world over for all endangered species.

Abhishek Behl: Hi Saiprasad, A very good point raised here and yes, Poaching and conservation with its economical values can cause massive problem if not tackled well. Making locals understand the long-term value or benefits of tourism can have a long-term approach. I guess we need to first identify the anthropological ethnicity of the poaching community and work with their traditional values and culture to give the sense of realisation in tourism and how it can benefit people. It’s a massive challenge and has to be done.

Dipankar Banerjee: Hi Abhishek. My question is to do with the integration of the entire system to make this work. One needs to create awareness of the issue, respect the law, promote the cause and encourage participation. Have you thought on these lines? If so, please share your thoughts and it will be interesting to know what are the hurdles you have faced.

Abhishek Behl: Hi Dipankar. I agree with you here on issues which need to be addressed. The TOFT campaign itself was formed not by an NGO but individuals from the tourism industry who felt a need to change in the way wildlife tourism was being managed in India. To simplify, it’s the travel industry (International) telling the travel industry (in India) and vice-versa – that to become responsible before everything goes. India's PA management system in place is Top to Down – Government orders and people follow. It’s not like a co-management regime where people could have a say in decision- making. Hurdles faced in the field are massive as we all in the TOFT member group have to go through situations which are way beyond words, but the industry does it as its a way to appreciate the law and encourage ones participation.

Vedant: Singapore has made famous its night safari where animals are allowed their natural habitats in a "touristy" environment. Should India follow suit?

Abhishek Behl: India has zoos for that. I guess what we need to think is the model of approach here and the best habitat for wild species are not by human made natural environment but by wild habitats like our national parks itself. India has far greater richness in its endemic species then Singapore.

Supriyo Mishra: How can we join with your great mission?

Abhishek Behl: Hi Supriyo. Your participation to visit national parks and the environment itself would be a great contribution. This participation can be physically as well as talking about it.