December 4, 2020
The Eaglenest Experience: Conservation in a geopolitically important biodiversity hotspot
Dr. Nandini Velho
Faculty, Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Description
Arunachal Pradesh state in northeast India is a remote frontier area, sharing international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar. The state is a disputed territory also claimed by China, a border dispute that led to the Sino-Indian war of 1962. The state spans parts of two Global Biodiversity Hotspots (Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Myanmar), and is among the most biodiverse areas in the world. The bird diversity of the region is second only to that in the Andes and a new bird species, the Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum), was only recently discovered from the area around Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Arunachal Pradesh also accounts for a large percentage of India's primary forest cover, a majority of which is managed by tribal communities. In this presentation I will explore upon a decade of our work related to different management systems, perceptions of residents and experts towards conservation of the area. I will talk about how historical, sociological and livelihood factors have determined trade-offs towards conservation of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent Community Reserve. soon!
Bio
As a researcher who did field work in remote areas, my work has focussed on the human-dimensions of wildlife management as well as understanding rainforest dynamics in tropical forests. Concurrently, I have worked closely with local forest managers, film-makers, policy makers in the Office of the then Minister of Environment and Forests, and engaged in depth with on-ground outreach and conservation activities, including healthcare and logistical support of front-line forest staff the popular medium.