A lack of understanding of the
value of wildlife reserves among most local people, and
their consequent hostility towards reserve protection and
law enforcement, are identified as a major problem to be
addressed at most wildlife reserves in India.
Arson by local people is a frequent
form of backlash against law enforcement by park staff in
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in our country.
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Such
hostility makes law enforcement difficult and often renders
the reserve staff ineffective.
Therefore, educating
local people through outreach activities is a key strategic
component of WCS-India Program.
Nagarahole Wildlife Conservation Education Project (NAWICOED)
is an education project undertaken at Nagarahole supported
by WCS - India Program.
Started in 1994, NAWICOED is the
first community project with the explicit goal of supporting
stronger law enforcement in Nagarahole. |
Retired Range Forest Officer Mr. K.M. Chinnappa runs the NAWICOED
project with assistance from Mr.T.S.Gopal.
Other conservation
partners of WCS -India Program, such as Nature Conservation
Guild, Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation, Greenwatchers, Wild CatC, Sahyadri Wildlife and Forest Conservation Trust (SWIFT) and Arohana
also carry out education projects in their respective areas . |
