39 of roughly 11,500, predominantly from the Motok Assamese community. The main occupation is agriculture. Prior to 1950, the Barekuri area used to be a contiguous patch of canopy connecting Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The current Gibbon population in the area perhaps got fragmented from the main population of Dibru-Saikhowa after a small drain from River Brahmaputra bloomed into two tributary rivers, Dibru and Dangori, creating isolation. The Barekuri Gram Panchayat (BGP) is a distinct site for Gibbons, thus isolated, living in close proximity to the villages. The Gibbons feel secure and live free from fear of harm as villagers offer protection, care, food, and water. The community even started agro-forestry, planting plenty of tall trees bearing fruits liked by Gibbons such as orange, lemon, banana, and pineapple, thus promoting Gibbon conservation. This is a unique case of synergy between humans and Gibbons, not found anywhere else. In this region, many community traditions and beliefs are associated with Hoolock Gibbons, revealing the sign of village prosperity. However, in the current economic climate, tea plantations are quickly replacing agro-forestry efforts and this has led to the felling of tall trees and barren small fruit trees due to pesticides and fertilisers. The Gibbons have therefore been forced to thrive on tender bamboo shoots and leaves, banana and jack fruit, among others. Further initiatives based on this exemplary model of age-old community conservation practice for Gibbon conservation in Assam can lead to the replication of community-based species conservation. RCE Srinagar was acknowledged as a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in September 2011. The RCE builds local capacities to enhance understanding on the ecosensitive development of the area and brings attitudinal change to reduce anthropogenic pressure on the fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Blyth’s Tragopan Conservation Khonoma in Nagaland is an Angami Naga tribal village about 20 kilometres south-west of the regional capital town Kohima. Khonoma is the site of a unique conservation endeavour, the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. This 70 square kilometre reserve is the fruit of a predominantly local initiative to preserve the endangered pheasant, the Blyth’s Tragopan as a flagship species, along with the ecosystem as a whole. The sanctuary has a variety of ecosystems ranging from semi-evergreen forest to savannah grasslands and is ideal for trekking and research work. Conservation had little place in people’s lives when the CEE began its conservation education initiative in Khonoma. Much of the change was due to the CEE’s awareness programme. But the real impetus came from the village council. The council passed strictures to regulate hunting in 70 square kilometres of forests near Khonoma. The implementation of customary laws also helped the conservation effort. Some examples include: limited hunting of crop-destroyers like wild boars and deer; a ban on the sale of wild meat; the imposition of fines on violators; a ban on hunting during mating and breeding season; a ban on hunting juveniles and pregnant animals; and the rationing of timber and firewood extraction based on family size and requirement. Village youth were trained in wildlife management and protection, and were then used to guard the forest and wildlife. This community managed wildlife sanctuary was linked to tourism through the Khonoma Green Village project supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The Khonoma Tourism Development Board was constituted to implement this project. The agency encourages youth in the village to work as tour guides, tour operators, and interpreters. It also provides equipment to wildlife wardens. Infrastructure such as a circular road, solar street lights, toilets for each household, community toilets, improved water supply and sanitation, and waste disposal have been supported to further encourage tourism. Select houses in the village, having adequate infrastructure and facilities, were identified for home stays. Attention was given to hygiene and sanitation, with people trained in housekeeping and hospitality. Handloom handicrafts were 3
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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