Organisation:
Biodiversity hotspot conservation at Idu Mishmi Hills
Location:
Arunachal Pradesh
Problem:
The Mishmi Hills in the Eastern Himalayan province of Arunachal Pradesh harbours over 6,000 plants species, 100 species of mammals, 680 species of birds, 500 species of orchids, 50 species of Rhododendron and a large number of butterflies, and insects which are unique to this region of the world. However, the landscape is threatened by timber mafias, hunting and poaching of wildlife and proposed developmental projects. This is threatening both wildlife and the tribal culture as the community here is embedded in the ecosystem of the region.
Solution:
The only way we to safeguard the biodiversity and the tribal culture is to empower the community. Our initiative attempts to amalgamate these two for conservation of biodiversity and sustained future of the Idu Mishmi tribe. This area has great potential for wildlife tourism, especially for the birds. Hence, the wildlife tourism can become a viable alternative livelihood for the community. The crux of this innovation is to bridge the gap between biodiversity conservation and community welfare. Hence this innovation is very important and will be a role model for future.
Scalability and Impact:
The community has already received consent from the Forest Department to start this project and it will start in January 2017. At present we are engaged in principal approval of the project by the community. Meetings and discussions for the formation of Biodiversity Management Committee are going on which is a pre-project requirement. This will facilitate the Peoples Biodiversity Register. The project will benefit at least 30 families in the Gimbo village and also generate employment for youth.
Financial Requirements:
Financial Requirement
Awards and Recognition:
NA