25th March
by Sanjiv Ranjan
Today, all participants assembled in the lecture theatre at 9 a.m after a sumptuous breakfast. Dr Ruchi Badola, Sr Professor, WII initiated a technical session on the Sustainable Livelihood Approach for wildlife conservation. The session was enriched with good examples of participation of local communities in participation in wildlife conservation. The role of Ganga Prahari in the conservation of our national aquatic animal( Gangetic Dolphin) was beautifully presented. A interactive session with Dr Govind Bhardwaj, Addl. PCCF, Govt of Rajasthan on the management of wild animals in conflict was a interesting talk and showcased the need for planning and preparedness in affective management of man-wild animal conflict.
Subsequently, Dr Bitapi Sinha had an interesting session that showcased how wildlife issues can be effectively communicated in a simple manner with communities. She emphasized the threats, that biodiversity faces, by the simple symbolic representation of different animals, plant, water, sun and above all human.
After health break, we visited a primary school locally called “Bodhsala” at Kundalka village under Sariska Forest Area. Dr Bitapi mam & her team of Ms Anjsli and Ms Tanya subsequently used puppets to narrate a story. School children enjoyed it very much about abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. Refreshments, an education kit and the safety kit provided to children was really appreciated. The lunch was a local Rajasthani cuisine and was awesome. After the lunch break, we again assembled at the lecture theatre for the presentation of a story using teaching aids as a team. We recorded our performance as puppets & live shows. The theme was the Coexistence of human & wildlife. .Thanks team IWAH& thanks team Sariska Tiger Reserve.
