The aim of this 2009 APFED project was to find a solution to the crop destruction as well as improvement in the economic conditions of indigenous people and establishment of positive attitude towards the park. The project worked towards mitigation of the wildlife-human conflict by replacing traditional crops with unpalatable crops and improvement in the motivation for wildlife conservation; development of local guardianship for biodiversity conservation through conservation education; and (3) enhancement of livelihoods of the poor and disadvantaged people.

To promote unpalatable crops among local communities, eight community-based distillation units were established and seedlings, training and cultivation toolkits were provided to new farmers. In 2010, 535 farmers were involved in commercial cultivation of alternative crops (providing an additional USD 97, 258), and this number rose to 1,092 later. Further, a conservation education programme was conducted with local school children, youth groups and community members to increase knowledge of wildlife and natural resources. To date, 56 conservation sessions have been held, 10 eco-clubs supported and 2,414 local communities made aware of the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Alternative crops (like mentha/wild mint and chamomile) are now grown during winter/spring season. Crop raiding by rhinos, elephants, prey species of tigers and other wildlife, including birds, has been minimised since all the adopted crops, with the exception of paddy, are unpalatable. There is, thus, an urgent need to replace paddy by alternative crops that can be grown in the rainy season. Further, increase in leopard-tiger related attacks need to be addressed, due to the high number of livestock causalities.

References

APFED 2011, ‘Booklet on Good Practices and Innovative Activities (2005 – 2009),’ Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development, Second Phase APFED II, p. 98, Ministry of Environment, Japan, March, , accessed 30 November 2013.