| Project Name:
Empowering Communities through Ecotourism for Red Panda and Takin Conservation | |
| Project Brief:
Red panda, Ailurus fulgens, and Mishmi Takin, Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor, are both listed as endangered under IUCN Red list of threatened species and Schedule I species under the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Manigaon, which is situated in Shi-yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh and is a part of Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot, harbours suitable habitat for both the species. It is one of the crucial Red Panda and Takin habitats but remains one of the most under-developed areas due to its remote location. Apart from Red Pandas and Mishmi Takin, the landscape harbours some other threatened animals and bird species such as Clouded Leopard, Red Goral, Musk Deer, Asiatic Black Bear and pheasants like Tragopans and the Sclater’s Monal etc. Majority of the community is highly dependent on forest resources due to lack of connectivity, education and job opportunities. Most of the hunted species are takin, musk deer, pheasants and other high-altitude species, with the Mishmi Takin being one of the most hunted animals, because of their enormous size and seasonal confluence in the area. Being a community forest, there is no influence of the forest department and thus the need of community-based conservation practices is of high urgency for such habitat and species. Rimung Tasso’s project is designed around conservation of the Red Panda and Takin through conserving their habitats and reducing forest dependency of local communities on the nearby forest in Manigaon. Using responsible ecotourism as a tool, it focuses on capacity building, awareness and stewardship development to coexist with rare species like the Red Panda, Takin and other high-altitude species in the region. Responsible tourism model is crucial to uplift the economic status of the villagers in a sustainable way, as well as to set an example for other community members to follow and conserve their forest areas. Inclusive stakeholders and steering committee will be formed for long-term monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity and the activities at landscape level. |
Project objectives:
|
Highlights from the field:
| |
This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.