Self-sustaining Biodiversity Conservation through Tribal Livelihoods in Arunachal Pradesh
Ramana Athreya, IISER Pune
Pilot Venture (2003-2019) - Eaglenest Biodiversity Project
practical demonstration of a synergy between ecological research, tribal
community
livelihoods, and community-led biodiversity conservation
perhaps the most successful community conservation in north-east India
with a tangible conservation outcome
In 2003, Ramana started the Eaglenest Biodiversity Project, partnering the Bugun tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
The target landscape included Eaglenest wildlife sanctuary, a compact area of 218 km2, but spanning 3000+ m of altiude, and hosting a vast range of diversity.
The basic idea was that creating livelihoods based on sustainable and ecofriendly utilisation of biodiversity in the area would motivate the tribal community
to conserve the forests and their biodiversity.
Ecological research was used to create a high quality database of the seasonal and elevational distribution of bird species in the area. This data was used to train local bird guides to sustain high-value bird tourism.
Ramana managed the ecotourism during 2006-2010, after which the Buguns took up the entire responsibility.
After moderate funding during 2003-06, the venture continued without any external funding till 2019 (Covid-19).
Annually, it attracted about 200 speciality bird tourists (both national and international), provided employment to about 25 persons and generated a revenue of about Rs. 40 lakhs.
Convinced by the economic benefits and the global importance of the area, the Bugun tribe has taken great pioneering strides in community conservation.
31 August 2023, Ramana Athreya