The recent remarks made by the new Forest Minister of Goa Vishwajit Rane are shocking and callous, coming from an educated man, an avid photographer and also one living in the proximity of the Western Ghats! He may have visited tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in India but he has no experience in the management of forests or knows about the biodiversity of Goa and has no idea at all about how eco-tourism works.
He is wrong when he states that the tigers are non residents and that Goa is too small to have a tiger reserve. But he is right when he says he does not need environmentalists to tell him what to do.
So who does he really need to guide and advise him to take the right decisions for Goa as he takes the reins of forest management, as forest minister? He will definitely need a historian, a wildlife expert, forest conservator and a visionary. All these will be able to educate him about Goa’s uniqueness, its history with tigers, role of the forest community and how the collective conservation of tigers, lesser known species and forest community is critical to our survival. And if one is well read and well travelled, these best practices in tiger conservation, relocation of forest communities to safer areas as well has compensation to people affected by human animal conflict are well known in many states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc, that have tiger reserves.
It is common knowledge now, how many places in Goa were named after Vag or tiger because of its presence in the region. Vagheri, Vagona, Vagurnem, even Vagator have had its share of tigers.
Vagrodev, worshipped as a deity by forest communities is also a well known fact. The Ancient tradition gave cognisance to the tiger as top predator and keystone species. This means our Goan ancestors recognised the fact that tigers were responsible for the health of our forests including water security. Goa has many such cultural practices, widely written about in the recent times connected to other species too. Mange thapnee or crocodile worship by the community in Madkai where this fresh water reptile now well adapted to Goa’s coastal rivers and Mangroves is venerated as a deity and worshiped as the top predator that is responsible for the health of our marine ecosystem. There are similar important species like the termite, shellfish and snakes that are venerated or feature in cultural traditions practised in Goa.
Today it has been acknowledged that forest communities contribute tremendously to the health of a forest by way of conservation. Forest communities live sustainably, are not destructive and in a way protect the forest, its biodiversity and water. Sacred groves are a result of this association between the forest and its indigenous people. And yet they have not been accorded their basic rights to land. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 recognises the rights of the forest dwellers or tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent on for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs. Forest people utilise a number of items from the forest. Plant based medicines, seasonal fruits and vegetables, etc. They also use waste generated by the forest. Dry twigs, stumps as firewood. We too as urban dwellers depend on the forest in many ways. Most of our water, air, some food, medicines, wood, etc, is sourced from forests. But our lifestyle is mostly at the cost of the environment. Forest communities are the true protectors and conservators of our forests. In spite of the provisions in the law and the Forest Act, our government including past forest ministers have done little to help the forest communities. Across the country there are super examples and best practices where villages adjacent to forest areas have been compensated for relocation with land and funds for loss of livestock. Professor Madhav Gadgil, world renowned ecologist, who was closely engaged with the villagers living in the densely forested areas of Gadchiroli District in Maharashtra often speaks about the success of such an initiative. There are many such examples across the country.
What is the objective of promoting eco tourism activities in forest areas? The main objective is of course to encourage non intrusive tourism activities in natural wild areas where visitors have a chance to see wildlife and the biodiversity of the forest in close proximity. But what makes this experience more effective and valuable is the engagement with the local communities. Many communities share their stories of tradition, culture, and everyday life. Their homes are a showcase of their intimate lives with the forest and its wild animals. This engagement is possible because of the existence and conservation efforts by the respective governments of tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
So what’s the lesson in this for us and our newly appointed forest minister? The tigers, all wildlife, trees, the forest and the indigenous people are intrinsically connected. And all of this is further connected to eco tourism. The tigers will do well on their own. But eco tourism will not thrive without tigers or its indigenous people. Vishwajit Rane is young and will do so well if he leaves a legacy of good governance and a great vision for forest and tiger conservation while acknowledging the land rights of the local community. Goans are hopeful that tiger conservation and protecting the rights of forest dwellers is made priority.
(Tallulah D’Silva is an architect and silver awardee of the Golden Door Award 2020 for truth and integrity.)
