Local community as a citizen scientists

One of the main building block of this solution is citizen science since the locals were themselves monitoring the vulture colony so it was very easy for them to understand the population decline of the vulture. Also carcass disposal was a burden for them. Citizen science is very useful in mobilising the group to take action in addressing the issue. Hence the same formula was also applied in our solution.  The communities were very positive in setting up community managed vulture restaurant. Community managed vulture restaurant consists of a cow shed where old cows are kept till they naturally die and then fed to the vultures in an designated open space. This will let the vultures having the nesting colony there to feed on the safe diclofenac free carcass. In addition to this a bird hide and information center has been established for tourist and general public to see the vultures feeding as well as sharing knowledge on vulture crisis in the country and the conservation effort from the local communities. Communities are also benefiting from the tourism promotion.

 

A concept of very simple local action is the enabling factor for the success of this building block. The actions are the same things what a farmer will do in everyday life but have been successful in attracting visitors to the site thus income generation for the locals.  

Institutionalisation of the group and good governance is very important to work with the local community in long run. Long term plan in documented form will be very helpful for good working partnership. Income generating activity should always be linked to involve the locals in long term conservation work.