- Conservation reserves and community reserves refer to designated protected areas in India aimed at serving as buffer zones, connectors, and migration corridors linking established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved and protected forests.
- These categories of protected areas were initially introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2003, which amended the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
CONSERVATION RESERVES
- Conservation Reserves are state-owned areas adjacent to National Parks and sanctuaries aimed at protecting the landscape, seascape, and habitat of fauna and flora.
- These reserves are managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.
- Upon consultation with local communities, the State Government may declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve.
- An example is the Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, which is the country’s first conservation reserve.
- In this case, the village community took initiative to protect the birds nesting in their village and worked towards establishing the conservation reserve.
- The declaration of a conservation reserve does not affect the rights of people living within it.
- Currently, there are 100 existing conservation reserves in India, covering an area of 4927.28 km2, which constitutes 0.15 percent of the country’s geographical area.
COMMUNITY RESERVES
- Community Reserves are designated areas of community or private land that are set aside for the protection of fauna and flora, as well as the preservation of local traditions, cultures, and practices.
- These reserves are established when members of a community or individuals agree to offer their land for conservation purposes.
- The primary objective of designating such areas is to enhance the socioeconomic conditions of the people living in these areas while also promoting wildlife conservation.
- A Community Reserve Management Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of the reserve.
- If a community or individual voluntarily decides to conserve wildlife and its habitat, the State Government may declare the area as a community reserve through official notification.
- Once designated, there can be no change in the land use pattern within the Community Reserve unless authorized by a resolution passed by the Management Committee and approved by the State Government.
- Currently, there are 219 existing community reserves in India, covering an area of 1446.28 km2, which represents 0.043 percent of the country’s geographical area.
IMPORTANCE OF THESE RESERVES
Conservation and Community Reserves play a crucial role in wildlife protection and habitat conservation in India. Here are some key points highlighting their importance:
- Community Engagement: Conservation and Community Reserves involve local communities and private organizations in the management of protected areas. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among communities towards wildlife conservation.
- Legal Recognition: The Wildlife Protection Act amendments in 2003 provided legal recognition and support for community-led wildlife protection efforts. This legal framework empowers local communities to actively participate in conservation activities and ensures that their efforts are backed by law.
- Flexibility: These reserve systems offer a flexible approach to wildlife conservation while also addressing the needs of local communities. Unlike traditional protected areas, Conservation and Community Reserves allow for sustainable land use practices that are compatible with wildlife conservation objectives.
- Addressing Land Ownership Challenges: The creation of Conservation and Community Reserves addresses the challenge of decreased protection in and around existing or proposed protected areas due to private land ownership and land use. By involving private landowners and communities, these reserves help expand the network of protected areas and enhance wildlife habitats.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Conservation and Community Reserves contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by protecting critical habitats, wildlife corridors, and ecosystems. These reserves serve as important refuges for endangered species and help maintain ecological balance.
EXAMPLES OF THESE RESERVES
- Mendha (Lekha) Village, Maharashtra: Gond tribals in Mendha (Lekha) village have protected 1800 hectares of reserved and protected forest for over two decades, stemming from their struggle for tribal self-government.
- Jardhargaon Village, Uttarakhand: The villagers of Jardhargaon have regenerated and safeguarded 600-700 hectares of Reserved Forests and grasslands. They have also fought against limestone mining and practiced in-situ conservation of numerous indigenous crop varieties.
- Kolavipalam Fisherfolk Community, Kerala: The Kolavipalam fisherfolk community in Kerala protects sea turtle eggs, hatchlings, and nesting sites along the coast.
- Kokkare Bellur Village, Karnataka: Villagers in Kokkare Bellur village traditionally conserve nesting sites for Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans.
- Tokpa Kabui Village, Manipur: The Ronmei tribe in Tokpa Kabui village has regenerated 600 hectares of village forest in the Loktak Lake catchment area. They have voluntarily imposed a hunting ban on the endangered Sangai deer (Brow antlered deer) in their region.
- Sacred Groves: Across India, numerous sacred groves are preserved by local communities despite rapid depletion, serving as important Community Conserved Areas.
- Sariska National Park, Rajasthan: In and around Sariska National Park, initiatives led by NGOs like Tarun Bharat Sangh involve forest regeneration, revival of traditional water harvesting structures, regulated use of water and forest resources, and a ban on hunting of wild animals by villagers.
These examples demonstrate the diverse efforts of local communities across India in conserving natural resources and biodiversity through Community Conserved Areas.
FAQs about Conservation and Community Reserves in India
1. What are Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in India?
A: Conservation Reserves are state-owned areas adjacent to National Parks and sanctuaries aimed at protecting the landscape, seascape, and habitat of fauna and flora. Community Reserves are designated areas of community or private land set aside for the protection of wildlife and local traditions.
2. How are Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves established?
A: Conservation Reserves are declared by the State Government upon consultation with local communities, while Community Reserves are established when members of a community or individuals voluntarily offer their land for conservation purposes. Both types of reserves require official notification by the State Government.
3. What is the purpose of Conservation and Community Reserves?
A: The primary purpose of these reserves is to protect wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems while involving local communities in conservation efforts. Conservation Reserves focus on protecting landscapes adjacent to National Parks and sanctuaries, while Community Reserves aim to preserve fauna, flora, and local traditions on community or private land.
4. How many Conservation and Community Reserves are there in India?
A: As of the latest data, there are 100 Conservation Reserves covering an area of 4927.28 km2 and 219 Community Reserves covering an area of 1446.28 km2 in India. These reserves collectively contribute to wildlife protection and habitat conservation efforts across the country.
5. What is the role of local communities in Conservation and Community Reserves?
A: Local communities play a crucial role in the management and conservation of these reserves. They are actively involved in decision-making processes, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable land use practices. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards wildlife conservation.
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