Thekkady, August 11: In Kerala, the government is addressing the growing conflict between humans and wildlife by leveraging the invaluable knowledge of tribal communities. These communities, who have lived close to forests for generations, are being consulted to enhance conservation efforts.
Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John announced that traditional knowledge from tribal communities will be documented and incorporated into conservation and eco-tourism initiatives. Speaking to residents of the Mannan and Paliyan settlements during the Forest Department’s ‘Orunaru’ outreach program, John emphasized, “No one knows the forest better than the tribal communities. Their insights will help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and aid in forest preservation.”
The government plans to propose ₹500 million to the central government for the development of eco-tourism in Kumily, which includes ₹200 million to revive the stalled Tiger Museum. These projects will be designed to ensure that a significant portion of the economic benefits from tourism reaches the tribal communities.
John noted that much of the traditional knowledge held by tribal communities is gradually fading and needs to be systematically recorded. Additionally, tribal youth will be employed in forest-related activities and eco-tourism projects.
The minister stated that government officials will visit various tribal settlements to identify specific issues and find solutions. Problems such as water scarcity, poor roads, and inadequate street lighting will be addressed.
The government is also considering providing fiber boats to fishing eco-development committees, as the shortage of bamboo has made traditional raft construction difficult.
In a significant step towards greater tribal participation in conservation policy, John announced that representatives from tribal communities have now been included in the wildlife board, chaired by the Chief Minister. Raman Raja Mannan from the Mannan community and Vinod from the Cholayikan community in Nilambur are now board members.
The minister emphasized the need to move beyond viewing tribal welfare as mere charity. “Their demands are not alms; they are rights,” he stated.
The experience of eco-development committees in Thekkady already serves as a model. Through various EDCs, approximately 200 people have gained temporary employment, and 43 have secured permanent jobs as watchers.
Community representatives reported that in areas where EDCs are active, conflicts between humans and wildlife have decreased significantly, and exploitation by intermediaries has largely been eliminated.
The scope of the involved communities is extensive. The Mannan community consists of 1,266 individuals from 357 families, while the Paliyan community includes 450 individuals from 164 families. The Mannan community was relocated from the interior areas of Periyar Tiger Reserve in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Paliyan community, known for its strong Tamil cultural traditions, traditionally relied on honey collection, fishing, and pepper cultivation.
The government aims to transform their deep knowledge of the forest into a means of conservation and livelihood, bringing tribal communities closer to the center of Kerala’s forest policy.
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