Contributing community development and conserving biodiversity, piloted in Satkosia

R. Raghu Prasad and Vinod Kumar

Odisha has rich natural forests. 37% of the State is classified as forest Coastal mangroves, dry and moist

tropical deciduous forests in the Eastern Ghats.

A well-planned network of protected areas

2 national parks and 18 sanctuaries. Forests under huge pressure

◦ forest fires, livestock grazing, shifting cultivation

◦ wildlife poaching, collection of fuel wood, timber and other forest products.

Government has been focusing on reducing dependence of local communities on forest resources.

Participatory approaches to forest management and promoting alternative livelihoods.

Community based Ecotourism as a strategic component in PA management. Piloted for in few sanctuaries in Odisha.

Aims to enhance livelihoods of forest dependent communities.

Participatory processes piloted in Satkosia Tiger Reserve for the first time.

This experience have demonstrated

the relevance of Community based Ecotourism

as an effective tool in PA management.

Community based Ecotourism.…Community based Ecotourism.…

An assessment of key threats to biodiversity undertaken in four sanctuaries of Orissa.

Study shows that the PAs are impacted by◦ forest fires, ◦ unregulated collection of timber, fuel wood, and non-

timber forest products, ◦ livestock grazing, ◦ shifting cultivation ◦ poaching.

Main Inferences :◦ threats to biodiversity from a plethora of largely

interrelated pressures.

◦ pressures likely to continue and increase.

◦ current levels of resource use and disturbance are unsustainable.

◦ threats are not appropriately addressed in current PA management plans.

KEY THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

Kotagarh Kuldiha Lakhari Valley

Satkosia Gorge

Forest fire *** * *** ***

Podu (Slash-and-burn agriculture)

*** ***

Livestock grazing ** ** * ***

Unregulated collection natural resources

*** * *** ***

Unregulated collection fuel wood

*** *** *** ***

Illegal timber collection * *** * **

Wildlife poaching * ** ** *

Water-stress for wildlife in dry season

* * * *

Human-wildlife conflicts * ** **

KEY TO SCALE OF IMPACT

***Extensive

major impact

**Some areas,

moderate impact

*Few areas,

major impact

Absent,no impact

(Panwar et al. 2009), OFSDP

Urgent need to engage local communities in eco-development and ecotourism.

Need for participatory, consensus building approaches with communities

enable communities to improve their livelihoods in ways that reduce their dependencies on forests.

Integration of biodiversity conservation requirements with the livelihood needs of village communities within PAs.

Pave the way for sustainable coexistence of people and wildlife in and around protected areas.

Way forward….Way forward….

Ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people."

Benefits local communities and destinations; environmentally, culturally and economically.

Ecotourism represents a set of principles successfully implemented in various global communities.

Supported by extensive industry and academic research. Ecotourism principles:

◦ Minimize impact. ◦ Build environmental and cultural

awareness and respect. ◦ Provide positive experiences for both

visitors and hosts. ◦ Provide direct financial benefits for

conservation. ◦ Provide financial benefits and

empowerment for local people.

Ecotourism, among the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide.

Ecotourism opportunities & present scenario in Odisha…….

Odisha has rich natural and cultural heritage.

State is well known for its temples and beaches.

Deserves greater exposure of its hills, forests, wildlife and tribal culture.

Tourism developed primarily in coastal regions and a handful of inland locations.

Ecotourism, not properly understood and developed in a meaningful way that benefits nature conservation and local communities.

Many destinations marketed as ecotourism in PAs, often do not:◦ promote low impact visitor behavior;◦ provide support for local conservation

efforts; ◦ provide benefits to local communities.

Ecotourism and role of Forestry Sector……

Develop and adopt an ecotourism policy based on international definitions, principles and standards.

Demonstrating good practices and standards.

Fostering community based ecotourism within and adjacent to protected areas, as part of eco-development.

Hosting an website to promote understanding of ecotourism and market destinations for the benefit of the visitor.

CRITERIA Satkosia Gorge

Kuldiha Debrigarh

Tikarapada Nature Camp

Kuldiha Ecotourism

Complex

Ecotourism Cottages

BarakhandiaSurrounding natural and cultural environment conserved.

--- © ---

Minimal impact on natural surroundings during construction.

© * *

Local architecture and building material used Canvas tents * *Sustainable means of water acquisition; use is minimized.

© --- ---

Sustainable means of energy acquisition; use is minimized.

© © *

Water minimized and recycled * * *Environmentally acceptable disposal of solid waste and sewage

? ? ?

Local products used. --- --- ---Use of toxic chemicals in daily operations avoided.

--- --- ---

Ecolodge run by members of local community.

© * ©

Interpretation of local natural and cultural heritage

* * *

(Panwar et al. 2009), OFSDP

Key: © Criterion met through conscious effort ? Not known

--- Criterion may be met but not as a result of any deliberate effort * Criterion not met

• Satkosia spreads along the magnificent gorge over river

Mahanadi.

• Established in 1976 as a wildlife sanctuary.

• Declared as Satkosia Tiger Reserve in 2007.

• Spread over 4 districts; Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Boudh

• Satkosia is vulnerable to heavy biotic pressures.

Community Based Ecotourism in Satkosia… the Pilot

Biotic pressures….

116 villages population around 1.2 lakh

Communities depend on fuel wood,

fodder, timber, NTFP, bamboo, fishing etc.

Wage employment was generated

through timber and bamboo working.

After declaration of the wildlife sanctuary,

many restrictions imposed.

This creates unrest and dissatisfaction among

local communities.

The sanctuary has been facing

severe biotic pressures over the years.◦Timber smuggling◦Poaching◦Forest fire◦Illegal fishing.

Community Based Ecotourism was initiated in Satkosia during 2006.

A temporary Nature Camp set up at Tikarpada and managed by local communities.

Local households in Tikarpada village were mobilized to form an Ecotourism group (ETG).

24 poor households who were dependent on forest resources and fishing included in the ETG.

Group provided training on hospitality management, catering, reception services, pitching of tents etc.

The group registered as a society called Tikarpada Paribesh Paryatan Samiti, Tikarpada (TIPPS).

• The initial infrastructure support was

provided.

• Tents, solar street lights, solar home

lighting, crockery, furniture etc.

• The assets remain with the forest

department.

• The nature camp provides a tour package

• Accommodation, boating, trekking and catering facilities.

• The group manages and maintains the entire infrastructure

• Online Reservations through www.satkosia.org or ‘Ecotourism Cell’ at Angul.

• The camp has become hugely popular among visitors.

• The community derives substantial profits from this ecotourism venture.

• This initiative has helped park management to win support of local communities towards wildlife conservation.

Day One

11.00- 12.00 noon Check in

12.30 pm -2.00 pm Lunch in the dining space

3.30 pm Tea, followed by briefing

4.00 pm – 5.30 pm Boat ride

7.00 pm Camp fire

8.30 pm – 10.00 pm Dinner

Day Two

6.30 am Wake up call, Tea/Coffee

7.00 am-8.30 am Nature trails

8.30 am Breakfast

11.00 am Check out

Incomes…….Incomes…….Year No. of

guestsGross

incomeExpenditur

eNet income 35% of net income

for corpus fund to be used next year

65% of net income shared among of the group for 5

months

Share per household per

month

2006-07 256 66,950 Nil 66,950 23,433 43,517 791/- ( 11 households)

2007-08 1047 3,54,50 63,914 2,90,586 103,607 1,86,979 1890/- (20 households)

2008-09 1386 8,40,850 4,43,903 4,25,317 1,48,577 2,75,928 2299/- (24 Households)

2009-10 2013 11,56,761 5,02,426 6,54,335 2,29,017 4,25,317 3544/- (24 Households)

2010-11 1694 13,81,971

5,55,910 8,26,061 3,30,425 4,95,636 4130/- (24 Households)

Stakeholder Benefits

Local Community (Tikarpada Village)

Benefits from increased income

Protected Area Management Gains goodwill and support from local communities for Biodiversity conservation

Tourists Better visitor experience, enhanced environment awareness and conservation education

A Memorandum of Understanding between PA management and the local EDC.

Defines the relationship between parties◦ respective responsibilities◦ distribution of financial benefits accruing from the

venture◦ Benefit sharing between those running the eco-

lodge, the local EDC and the protected area management.

Variety of benefit sharing models developed in PAs, (Periyar Tiger Reserve)

Benefit sharing model will be specific for each ecotourism venture

Depend on various factors◦ type of venture◦ period of operation◦ institutional arrangements.

Comprehensive ecotourism plan for Satkosia

A comprehensive ecotourism plan for Satkosia was developed.

Needs of various stakeholders analyzed◦ protected area and its biodiversity◦ local community◦ park management◦ visitors.

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MahanadiRF

Tulka RF

Purunakote RF

Katrang RFPadmatola RF

Raigoda RF

Tainsi RF

Majhipada(part) RF

Baghamunda RF

Tikarpada RF

Jocub RF

Kuru (Part) RFTakarsinga RF

Chhotamunda RF

Arukhapada (Part) RF

Judum (Block-II) RF

Balanga(Part) RF

Kumuri RF

Judum (Block-I) RF

To Balikiari

To Gania

To Nuagarh

To Nuakheta

To Angul

To Antulia

To Bipradihi

To Athamalik

M A H A N A D I [WL] D I V I S I O N (PART)

S A T A K O S I A [WL] D I V I S I O N

Suan

Nala

Khalakhala Nalla

ANGUL [T] DIVISION

ATHAGARH [T] DIVISION

NAYAGARH [T] DIVISION

BOUDH [T] DIVISION

ATHMALIK [T] DIVISION

Krus hna c hak ra R F

Daruha

Marada

Kuturi

Bahali

Najhara

Raigoda

Musugoda

Sitalpani

Padmatola

SunakhandaSunakhandia

Salapaganda

Satakosia No-2

Katranga(sana)

Satakosia No-1

Majhipada(F.Beat)

Tarava(forestbeat)

Baghamunda(F.Beat)

Raigodaforest BeatBeherasahi

Bruti

Salor

Jokub

Jodum

Tainsi

DalakiKumuri

Daruha

KumariGaindi

Tuluka

RegedaMarudi

Hinjal

Sakini

Ganjada

Raigoda

KulasarOlaberi Nuapada

Thukuli

TarandaTarabha

Kulangi

BalangaAradiha

Labangi

Mahulia

NuapadaSankari

NuagaonSripaju

Baliput

Badamul

JasipurRajingi

Hinsaloi

Sankrida

Laimunda

Bidising

HinsridaHidising

PampasarNuabhuin

Talisara

NuakhetaGopalpur

Nilamara

Jamudoli MalisahiHatibari Karabira

Atalsara

Bhabapur

HatigadaBodhamba

ShyampurSemigora

JanisahiKaintara

PanchamaTalasahi

Mahigarh

Kutibari MandaniaSanagaonMalisahiGeragedi

Haripura

Ranikhol RaigadiaDhuapaju

Kanapaju

BaragothaBadataila

HinjagolaKantabeda

Hinjadoli

DalasingaDimiripal

Asanbahal

Bipradihi

Badakheta

Panabhuin

Purunakot

KudasingaKusasingaLimbadihi

Ramimunda

MajhipadaJharapada

Dhanadhip

RanibhuinDhipasahi

Bada gaon

IswarapurBentapadaBarapall i

Jamujhola

Bhalumunda

Kothabhuin

BaghamundaTakarsinga

KaradapadaBeherasahi

Dolamundei

TikarapadaBhurukundi

Sisupathar

ChakamundaGeredisahi

BasantapurSatakhanda

Kamaladiha Mardamekha

Kendudhipa

ChhamundiaBethiasahi

Purunapani

Gochhabari

Mahanapada

DhobabareiTolakpatia

Bhagabatpur

Tentulipada

Jaganathpur

Karadasinga

GhungurpadaSatyajaypur

KainpokhariPaikaregeda

Muduligadia

KanipokhariMalasapadarSanasilinga

Badasilinga

Kadalibereni

Krusnachakra

Badakantakul

Tentulipadar

Kunjabanapur

Badamulpatna

Sikaragochha

Dhanurjayapur

Badanandagadu

Kandhazilinda

Kimbhirakhani

Katranga(Bada)

Mahanadikhesara

Katarang(F.Beat)

Karadaberenijungle

Jaganathpur(F.Beat)

Chhotkei(Chhotakoi)Luhasinga

Laxmanapur

Dandasinga

Bhagamunda

Maskajholi

Kutulusingh

JaganathpurHinjalakhal

ChikankhandiBadhiaregeda

Sagadabhanga

Jayamangalpur

Dudhianali(Bada)

Jayamangalpur(Ka)

Nandania RF

Balikiari RF

Krushnachakra RF

Balanga RF

Nuakhia RF

Nuagarh RF

Hatidhara RF

20°

25' 2

0°25'

20°

30' 2

0°30'

20°

35' 2

0°35'

20°

40' 2

0°40'

20°

45' 2

0°45'

84°35'

84°35'

84°40'

84°40'

84°45'

84°45'

84°50'

84°50'

84°55'

84°55'

85°00'

85°00'

85°5'

85°5'

85°10'

85°10'

Zone Map ofSatkosia-Gorge WL Sanctuary

Scale : 1: 2,50,000

Reference

Eco-Restoration ZoneWilderness ZoneEco-Development Zone

Forest Boundary

% Habitation

Eco-Toursim ZoneRiver

Pack TrackFoot Path

Unmetal RoadForest RoadCart Track

Metal Road

Sanctuary Boundary

Range HQ.Section HQ.Beat HQ.

#Y

$Z

$

Buffer zone Boundary

1

2

3

4

h

E

E

E

h

h

h

h

h

CORE

BUFFER

Tikarapada

Baliput

Ranibhuin

Tulka

BhurkundiKatrang

Majhipada

Purnakote

Visitor Centre

Eco-lodge

home-stay

VC

Eh

Chhotkei

VC

Walk

Cycle

Traditional fishing boat

Micro planning for Ecotourism

Village level micro planning is essential to capture needs of the community.

Consensus among all sections of the village in running an ecotourism enterprise.

Some communities cautious of allowing visitors entering their village.

Others find it as an opportunity to tap the ecotourism incomes.

Ecotourism master plan of the PA needs to be discussed and agreed upon with the community at large.

In Satkosia the ecotourism activates,were practiced within the larger gamut of Eco-development.

Micro planning is essential to identify target households

• Poor Households who are dependent on forest resources are targeted.

• Simple PRA tools help in identifying the target households.

• Ensures equity and transparency.

• PRA tools• social mapping,• forest dependency • wellness ranking and household interviews.

Wellness and forest dependency ranking charts

Useful to identify target households for ecotourism & Income generating activities

Reciprocal commitments… Reciprocal commitments from community to wildlife conservation and

protection should be agreed upon.

Done during the micro planning process

EDC must reciprocate various commitments to ensure that biodiversity is protected and conserved.

◦ No fire, poaching, illegal felling of timber

◦ Rotational grazing

◦ Provision of intelligence, information and assistance in prevention and investigation of offences and offenders.

◦ Registration of all fire arms in the village.

• Second ecotourism initiative in Satkosia

• Master plan for an Eco friendly nature camp at Chotkei

• Compressed earth bricks, treated bamboo, bamboo corrugated sheets.

• Low carbon footprint.

• Funds provided to the EDC for construction.

Ecotourism groups (ETG) selected during micro planning.

ETGs to be identified and ratified by the EDCs.

ETGs will be allowed to manage the Eco-lodges, boating etc

Treatment of Bamboo done by EDC

Construction using compressed earth bricks

Bamboo corrugated sheets for roofing

Capacity building & training is integral.

Ecotourism group trained in catering, house keeping, reception services, hospitality management.

Trained at Institute of Hotel Management and Catering, Bhubaneswar.

Nature camp, Chotkei was launched in Dec 2011

• Thousands of picnickers visit Satkosia every year.

• Unmanaged picnicking polluted the area.

Alternative picnic area developed through EDC.

Picnicking banned in rest if Tiger reserve.

River View Picnic, Goindi

• Located on the Mahanadi river bank

• Managed by an Ecotourism Group

Community run Picnic areas

Seating spaces, toilets and water supply

Fire wood and cooking utensils supplied.

Boating facility introduced.

Plans to introduce catering by the group.

• The profits shared ETG members

• Over Rs 1.0 lakh profit during 2010

Community based ecotourism initiatives have bridged the gap between the forest dwellers and the PA management.

Increased incomes from ecotourism initiatives have convinced villages about the benefits from ecotourism.

There is perceptible change in the attitude of the community towards wildlife conservation.

Over the years the villagers have supported the PA management in fire prevention, providing intelligence input into wildlife poaching and timber smuggling.

Illegal movement of forest produce through the Mahanadi River stopped due to the active involvement of TIPPS, at Tikarpada.

Year No of wildlife offence cases

2005-06 16

2006-07 13

2007-08 12

2008-09 5

2009-10 4

2010-11 3

Year No. of Timber smuggling

offence cases

No. of vehicles seized

Motorized Non motorized

2005-06 639 3 50

2006-07 559 6 56

2007-08 268 4 -

2008-09 141 - -

2009-10 28 2 4

2010-11 10 0 0

Conclusions and lesions learnt..

Community based ecotourism model in Satkosia, has shown substantial insights.

Ecotourism provides alternative livelihoods to the deprived community, bringing increased incomes.

This changes the attitude of the community to the PA.

Benefits to stakeholders◦ Community has gained through increased

incomes◦ PA managers gained enhanced support◦ Tourists have benefited from better visitor

experiences and conservation education values

◦ PA is benefited through enhanced biodiversity conservation.

Thank You