Movements related to the conservation of forests and wildlife

1. Chipko Movement

Chipko Movement is one of the popular community movement in India. It helped for the conservation of forest and wildlife in some unique ways. In 1973, the Mandal village in the Alaknanda Valley of the Garhwal region saw the establishment of the Chipko Movement. Hugging trees and physically preventing workers from felling them was largely carried out by women. Their participation brought attention to the value of forest resources for rural populations. It was a non-violent event that aimed to increase ecological awareness in addition to tree protection. Deforestation and excessive logging, according to activists for the environment, would cause soil erosion, reduced access to water, and other ecological issues, which would ultimately impact the nearby towns.

Success Of Chipko Movement

The Chipko Movement was effective in bringing up the value of forests and the necessity of sustainable development. Partially due to the movement’s efforts, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced a 15-year ban on tree cutting in the Himalayan region. The success of the Chipko Movement in preserving the Himalayan forests has been recognized as an important turning point in India’s history as an environmentalist. The Chipko Movement continues to stand for grassroots environmental action.

2. Save the Western Ghats Movement

Save the Western Ghats Movement was established in 2000s. due to the dangers posed by habitat destruction, mining and deforestation in the area of Western Ghats. It’s main focus is to preserve the Western Ghats diverse flora and wildlife as well as its numerous endemic species. Local communities, groups, environmental organizations participate in this campaign to promote the preservation of the Western Ghats. The campaign stresses the importance of protecting these forests as an approach to combat climate change because the Western Ghats are seriously threatened by it.

To conserve one of India’s most ecologically crucial and diverse regions, the “Save the Western Ghats Movement” is an essential initiative. It seeks to find a balance between development and conservation, taking into mind the Western Ghats future sustainability and the well-being of those living that depend on it.

India is known for its different landscapes and rich biodiversity. India has a vibrant culture and a large no of natural resources. Local communities are important members of the conservation of forests and wildlife as they are dependent on it. Such communities are preserving the beauty of these forests and wildlife in India. They are following some rituals and traditions that are somehow helping the conservation of forests. Let’s understand in detail how these communities are contributing to the conservation of forests and wildlife in India.

Communities around the nation are developing healthy routes for preserving forests and wildlife due to their years of experience, customs of culture, and deep relationships with the land. They have achieved enormous success in the fight against habitat loss, deforestation, and the decreasing number of wildlife populations owing to their committed efforts frequently in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Still, these communities are not getting enough support from the government.

Here are some examples of Indian groups that have assisted in conservation efforts.

1. Community Forest Management (CFM): These arrangements enable communities to take part in the sustainable management of forest resources and to participate in decision-making processes. These efforts have succeeded in reducing invasions and illegal logging through the participation of locals.

2. Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Livelihoods: Numerous cities have embraced eco-tourism projects, giving tourists the chance to experience natural environments and wildlife while also bringing in money for residents. By using this strategy, communities are urged to save the animals and the environment in their immediate vicinity.

3. Sacred Groves: As part of their religious and cultural customs, various communities in India protect and maintain particular groves or forests that they personally regard as sacred. These sacred groves are hubs for biodiversity because they are undisturbed and serve as refuge for a wide range of plant and animal species.

4. Traditional Medicine and Biodiversity Conservation: These practices, which can be essential in maintaining ecological balance include traditional medicine, seed preservation, and sustainable farming methods.

5. Community-Based Conservation Organizations: Such organizations are frequently run by locals who are committed to protecting their natural heritage and who are familiar with the biological details of their surroundings.

6. Environmental activism and legal advocacy: Certain communities have taken the lead in legal efforts to stop habitat loss and deforestation. To safeguard their rights and protect their lands from destructive projects of development, they take part in environmental action.