Project Detail

Conservation of ‘Lesser florican’ through the involvement of Phasepardhi community in tribal area of India

Grasslands are neglected ecosystems for conservation in India. The biodiversity of this ecosystem is under tremendous pressure. Flagship species of this ecosystem Great Indian Bustrad and Lesser Florican are declining rapidly. In the state of Maharashtra there is no record of Lesser Florican in last 30 years and of its nesting for last 100 years. Local tribal communities like Phaseparadhis are equally
neglected tribe and not mainstreamed in the development processes of the country.
Project aims to create a visible and replicable model of grassland biodiversity conservation with the active cooperation of Phasepardhi community, especially in-situ conservation of grassland biodiversity especially lesser florican, Sypheotides indica .The project includes development and conservation of lesser florican habitat area and would adopt livelihood strengthening activities as a strategy to help traditional hunting communities, in a more practical manner. The project visions to give a pathway for sustainable conservation of birds in various parts of India. The project aims to strengthen panchayats to take conservation and livelihood activities and would form SHGs which will under take actual activities.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

SAMVEDNA SAMAJ VIKAS SANSTHAN

Country:

India

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

OP4 - Y1 (Jul 07-Jun08)

Grant Amount:

US$ 33,769.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 115,671.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 55,196.00

Project Number:

IND/SGP/OP4/Y1/RAF/2008/18/MS 28

Start Date:

6/2008

End Date:

12/2012

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Capacity - Building Component

- 3 training camps and workshops were organized for villagers on sheep and goat rearing. - Exposure visits and special trainings were organised for youth, tribal and communities at large for conservation based activities.

Policy Impact

- 800 sq km area is demarcated as active Lesser Florican habitat for first time in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra,India. - Four Phaseparadhi villages have taken 'Palti breaking' oath to ban hunting for increased incomes and livelihoods. - Forest department has proactively approached villagers for Joint Forest Management programme, first time in Maharashtra with Phaseparadhi community village. Samvedna facilitated the process of community management within department and communities. - Goat based livelihoods emerged as viable option benefitting 50 families. Every year families are providing more goats through the recovery process of loans. This is creating new skills within locals to manage their resources effectively. - Maharashtra Government has accepted upscaling proposal through state Government Funds. The project approach has played a major role to influence the policy and an interconnect between livelihoods and conservation.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

- Plantation of 1000 seedlings done and another 22000 seedlings to be done in the future. - Nearly 300 persons gained employment for 90 days for100 at an average ( 27 lacs). - Direct strengthening through alternate livelihood for 20 families belonging to hunting tribes. - Indirectly strengthening of alternate livelihood of 10 villages through resource improvement, skills, exposure and local village institutions.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

- Surveys conducted to identify past nesting sites and probable nesting sites. - Developing characteristics of ideal habitats based on local knowledge and scientific studies, identify areas within forest land where such habitats can be developed .

Notable Community Participation

-Monitoring of sites by Phaseparadhi leader to develop Awareness of local farmers - phaseparadhi Special training seasons and methods adopted for the protection of nests and bird from mother poachers. - Livelihood Strengthening of Phaseparadhi communities was undertaken through formation of informal kinship based women led self help groups (SHGs) and goat poultry rearing programs. - Link were established through Panchyats for the local communities with government run employment generation program (MORREGA).

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Phasepardhi community is playing a key role in this project. Phasepardhis and local farmers are also participating as a 'Tanmor mitra' in this project. Every activity has shown participation of Phasepardhi community members. These members are also participating in the project evaluation and monitoring committees.

Gender Focus

The NGO Semvedna, adopted a more participatory, gender sensitive approach through regular meeting at the village levels.

Planning gef grant

Up-scaling project proposal under Maharashtra Gene bank project submitted to Government of Maharashtra.

Project Results

? Male lesser florican with well-developed plumage observed during breeding period.
? It has considered as the first ever sighting of male lesser florican in past several decades. This happened due to active Involvement and use of traditional knowledge and field experience of Phase pardhis.
? 9 sightings, 3 breeding sights of LF were reported and 1 live nest was monitored and protected.
? 3 new nesting sites of LF were identified. Steve MacCurry well known photographer visited the project site.
? Protection and grazing regulation of grassland on 50 hectares of area done by local communities in three villages.
? Nursery of 22000 fodder plant saplings was planted. Inventoried 49 fodder species and collection of around 93000 seeds.
? Establishment of 5 new SHGs and strengthening of 17 self-help groups were done.
? Project activities and achievements were published and enthusiastically discussed on various forums like websites related to wildlife photography, state-level bird- watchers meets, scientific conferences, public lectures. This resulted into establishment of positive social image of Phasepardhi community.

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