Wildlife Conservation - Why Tourism?

 "Let there be peace in the heavens, the Earth, the atmosphere, the water, the herbs, the vegetation, among the divine beings and in Brahman, the absolute reality. Let everything be at peace and in peace. Only then will we find peace."   - Atharvana Veda

 To many, this form of tourism seems more of a tamasha than an appreciable recreation. No doubt people come here for a holiday and fun. And the prospect of seeing the tiger excites one and all. Even seasoned naturalists like us revel in each and every sighting of wild animals, the tiger being the most cherished.  

Well, the crux of dismay among some, especially a few nongovernment organizations is the sense of exclusion that protected areas create and it is further compounded by a lack of understanding of this delicate web of nature. Some see human rights everywhere. This attitude is also prevalent among a few indolent staff of the conservation units as well who often have to bear managing the burden of tourism as it appears to them. The truth is that all forms of life have inherited the earth equally and they too need inviolate space. Hence almost eighty percent of the protected areas are not open for tourism.  

Just to ban this activity, massive movement of State machinery took place, not to minus the cost and efforts put up by the industry to preserve their precious investment and businesses. The effort to ban tourism may appear futile to people like us who are in favor, but then this whole exercise did result in redefining the activity. This was good for all, the conservation effort, staff, local employees, and of course the industry. Thousands of jobs and income sources were saved by the Honorable Court's decision.   

With the increase in the cost of safaris in the park, the concept appears to be more elitist in nature. But this line of thinking has descended from the shikar days since hunting was the prerogative of the upper class, the royals, and later whosoever powerful with mighty weapons of destruction.

With the legislation in force...fresh from the hunting era the privileged became tourists and photographers. But the prerogative was limited in scope in Independent India. As the industry expanded, the common man entered the arena, without guns but with a camera and a humble profile. The revelation dawned upon the public that they too could enjoy this sport albeit in a non-destructive manner.  

Bengal Tiger - Kanha National Park

This is what brought about a paradigm shift in the way wild animals were perceived. From vermin, they overnight turned into precious jewels of nature. Nature films and photographers also added to the positive change in attitude among the people at the helm and the common man. This changed attitude of the masses accorded further impetus to the nascent conservation efforts of that era. Augmented scientific research furthered preservation.    

Sloth Bear

We should not forget to pay tribute to our PM at that time Smt. Indira Gandhi. Her commitment to preserving dwindling strands of our heritage brought about rich dividends. So it was said, and truly, that tiger conservation was the saving grace of the wilderness as a whole. Habitats were preserved, ecosystems improved, and endangered species on brink of extinction gained ground. Swamp Deer at Kanha National Park is a fine example.

Hard Ground Swamp Deer

Not only did the industry gain from tourism, but the local communities also gained much more. The empowerment through training, skill development, and of course employment augured a better standard of living and access to education.   

Common Kingfisher

The hordes of tourists wiser by experience and hence knowledgeable become sentinels of nature. This brought about a change, initially by pressure but later by a sense of duty towards our environment among the wildlife managers. The recreation had a profound effect on the political setup and industrialists as well - nearly. 

Controlled tourism also garners a lot of funds, crucial for the maintenance and conservation of our precious resources and heritage wealth. By all means, a healthy activity has created equity for all that is wild in India.      

Images by Dinesh Makhija of Motel Chandan at Kanha.