Volunteer engagement program at Kanha
19th-21st June 2010
In continuation of WWF-India’s involvement in the Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers’ Campaign, a three-day volunteer engagement program was organized in the Kanha Tiger Reserve from 19 to 21 June 2010. The activities in this program gave volunteers from across India a unique opportunity to understand tiger conservation at the grassroots level, particularly the importance of working with local communities residing around tiger reserves.
On the evening of 18 June, there was a brief orientation session by Mr Sunny Shah, Sr. Project Officer, at the WWF-Mandla office. On the first day of the program, WWF-India arranged for a visit inside Kanha National Park for all the volunteers. It was a lucky day, as within 30 minutes of entering the park, they spotted a beautiful adult male tiger. They also spotted herds of bison, spotted deer, wild boar, vultures and a pair of barking deer. Next, they visited the NIEK VAN HEIJST Community Centre. This centre not only showcases the various activities WWF-India is engaged in, but is also a place for education awareness and capacity building with the local communities in the surrounding villages. Mr. Girish Patel, Project Officer at Mandla, explained how WWF-India works with the local communities around and gives them guidance on using bio-gas and smokeless chulhas to reduce fuel wood collection from forests.
On the evening of 18 June, there was a brief orientation session by Mr Sunny Shah, Sr. Project Officer, at the WWF-Mandla office. On the first day of the program, WWF-India arranged for a visit inside Kanha National Park for all the volunteers. It was a lucky day, as within 30 minutes of entering the park, they spotted a beautiful adult male tiger. They also spotted herds of bison, spotted deer, wild boar, vultures and a pair of barking deer. Next, they visited the NIEK VAN HEIJST Community Centre. This centre not only showcases the various activities WWF-India is engaged in, but is also a place for education awareness and capacity building with the local communities in the surrounding villages. Mr. Girish Patel, Project Officer at Mandla, explained how WWF-India works with the local communities around and gives them guidance on using bio-gas and smokeless chulhas to reduce fuel wood collection from forests.
Group photo of the volunteers at the entrance of Kanha National Park
The group visited some houses in the village to see the smokeless chulhas being used and spent time with them to understand their lifestyle. They moved to their next destination, a village called Bagaspur. The volunteers used questionnaires prepared by WWF-India’s Mandla office to generate demographic data from this village that would help WWF-India in conducting livelihood programs with these communities.
On the second day, the group left for Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary and Sarodhadadar Eco-tourism site. Ms. Neha Samuel, Senior Project Officer, introduced the WWF-Chhatisgarh team to the volunteers and gave a brief orientation of the WWF-India’s work in Chhattisgarh. Then they moved towards Mangli field camp, where WWF-India assists Self-Help Groups (SHGs) amongst the local tribe- Baigha. The villagers welcomed the volunteers by performing a tribal dance with locally made musical instruments. The Sarpanch of the village addressed the gathering and gave an over-view of WWF-India’s support to them. Field officer, Mr. Parshuram Balmiki, who is in charge of WWF-India’s project interventions in surrounding villages, introduced the volunteers to the Self Help Groups. Volunteers interacted with these groups to understand the various products they make and how it helps in generating additional income for their families and reducing their dependency on forests.
Back at the hutments, Sunny Shah opened the grounds for a feedback session. An interactive discussion was held where the volunteers generated ideas about the various kinds of livelihood activities that can be further introduced in these villages. The volunteers returned home more determined to work for the cause of tigers.
On the second day, the group left for Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary and Sarodhadadar Eco-tourism site. Ms. Neha Samuel, Senior Project Officer, introduced the WWF-Chhatisgarh team to the volunteers and gave a brief orientation of the WWF-India’s work in Chhattisgarh. Then they moved towards Mangli field camp, where WWF-India assists Self-Help Groups (SHGs) amongst the local tribe- Baigha. The villagers welcomed the volunteers by performing a tribal dance with locally made musical instruments. The Sarpanch of the village addressed the gathering and gave an over-view of WWF-India’s support to them. Field officer, Mr. Parshuram Balmiki, who is in charge of WWF-India’s project interventions in surrounding villages, introduced the volunteers to the Self Help Groups. Volunteers interacted with these groups to understand the various products they make and how it helps in generating additional income for their families and reducing their dependency on forests.
Back at the hutments, Sunny Shah opened the grounds for a feedback session. An interactive discussion was held where the volunteers generated ideas about the various kinds of livelihood activities that can be further introduced in these villages. The volunteers returned home more determined to work for the cause of tigers.