Why
Bandhavgarh Tiger Trust
India's forests, stretching from lush evergreen tropical rain forests in
the East to the dry deciduous desert shrub in the West, are home to a wide
diversity of wildlife, which includes lions, tigers, leopards and snow
leopards and elephants, gaur, wild buffaloes, rhinoceros, eight species of
deer and many primates among the 350 mammal species. Over 2,000 species of
birds, varieties of crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards and over 5,000
insects, including beautiful butterflies, enrich the Indian forest area.
To preserve and conserve it wildlife, India has set aside over 1.2 million
sq km in 525 protected areas as National Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserves.
But this is only 4% of the total land area where human population exceeds
800 million. The exceeding human population is putting excessive pressure on
the natural resources. The only way to preserve India's declining wildlife
is to enhance environmental awareness amongst the people through educational
and research programs. To meet this urgent need, a foundation was registered
as a conservation trust. Since the tiger is the soul of the Indian Forest
and the Founder was closely associated with its revival, he chose to name
the foundation - Tiger Trust.
Foundation
Tiger Trust is a National Level Non-governmental Organization that started
in 1989 by Late Kailash Sankhala, Padma Shree, Founder Director of Project
Tiger, Government of India. Tiger trust works for Nature Conservation its
programs awareness and education. Through its headquarters in New Delhi,
India, it has established Kailash Sankhala Conservation Centers near Kanha
National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park where we work closely with the
neighborhood communities, park authorities, State Governments and other
organizations. In urban areas we have a very active Save the Tiger campaign
that involves students, both school and college, professionals and corporate
houses.
The Objectives of the Tiger Trust
are:
1. Education & Research
2. Publications
3. Awareness Generation
4. Tiger Habitat Conservation
5. Eco-tourism
Major Activities of Tiger Trust Project
Health Center
A Medical Center has been established at Mukki, Kanha, for neighborhood
communities where a doctor visits once in a week.
Health Education Center
The patients visiting the clinic are given a program on health and hygiene,
balanced way of life and simple home remedies that might cure simple
ailments like cold, cough, digestive problems etc.
Medical Plants Nursery
Tiger Trust has established Medicinal Plants Nurseries at Kanha &
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodges near Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks. Tiger
Trust aims encourage the local farmers to grow it on their private lands.
Development of alternate means of energy
With an aim to reduce the fuel wood dependence we have introduced the
bio-gas plants and improved solar cookers in the villages around National
Parks.
Training & Workshops about better Agricultural & Animal
Husbandry Practices
Information, training and support about the better agricultural and animal
husbandry practices helps in breaking the age long myths and a change from
traditional, now, now -viable practices.
Wildlife Research Center
Established to study the status of flora and fauna in the parks and
strategy to improve the bio-diversity of the area.
Craft & Skill Development Center
We have started a program to impart certain handicraft skills to local
women that would help develop creative instincts and earn a welcome source
of additional income.
Nature Conservation Program
There is a full-fledged campaign on awareness generation where we organize
exhibitions, seminars and presentations, competitions and walks.
Tiger Habitat Conservation
Involves neighborhood communities living around tiger reserves and is of
great importance. We have associated government agencies like Aanganwadi
(Women's` welfare department) and Baalwadi (Child Care Center) for awareness
campaigns.
Nature Interpretation for Visitors
The tourists are being informed of the role of tiger in maintaining the
ecological balance in a forest.
Nature Guide Training Program
A nature guide training program has been organized for local youth to help
them earn their livelihood through Eco-Tourism.
Nature
Interpretation Programs for Local People
Local people are also taken for visits to the National Parks for better
understanding of concepts of protected areas.
Legal Training Program
Tiger Trust has organized legal training cum workshops for the forest
officials along with police and general administration to help in effective
implementation of these laws.
Educational Program
An education center has been started at Kailash Sankhala Conservation
Centre at Kanha to provide guidance and a hope and for the children of
underprivileged families. It helps to inculcate respect and responsibility
towards the park.
Awards and Scholarships
Tiger Trust gives awards and scholarships to the people involved in for
their outstanding contribution in the field of wildlife conservation.
Publications
We publish information material like booklets, newsletters, posters,
leaflets and stickers etc. about nature and wildlife.
Mass Awareness
We work with electronic and print media to bring about focus on Nature
Conservation.
Young Conservationists Program
Tiger Trust has established Tiger Cub Club in schools and colleges to bring
about conservation consciousness and active participation of the young force
to save our wilderness.
