Global | PANORAMA

Assisting the Community: Alternative Livelihood Measures

Preparing soil for Ginger plantation

yes

With the forest left undisturbed, forest-dependent communities have few options for their livelihood sustenance. Therefore, the LEMSACHENLOK Society started to introduce alternative livelihood measures for the economically downtrodden. Income generation activities such as piggery promotion, ginger plantation, packaging and sale of certain products are initiated on our own small scale.

Acceptance of one’s specific role in a community-initiated work. We needed to prepare for possible livelihood alternatives, even including contributions from our own organisation. The Society’s management team had extended economic assistance by integrating income generation activities.

Global communities should recognize the indigenous communities that are involved in nature conservation, and facilitate to empower them to be an agent of change towards creating a healthy sustainable environment.

Construction of Innovative Watch Tower

Construction of Innovative watch tower at YCBCA

yes

For many years, the Biodiversity Conservation initiative created a favourable environment and healthy ecosystem in the area. As a result, the migrating Amur falcons saw the area as a haven for roosting. The communities continue to provide a suitable environment for these visiting raptors. With many tourists visiting to see the Amur falcon roosting, the community constructed an innovative wildlife Watch Tower in strategic locations to provide a beautiful view of the roosting falcons.

A Community willing to learn and accept ideas relevant to the present context and at the same time also voluntarily contribute their own resources and time whenever necessary.

Working together as a community can be a learning experience and many great things can be achieved through teamwork with limited available resources.

Sensitization, Capacity Building and Field Survey for Data Collection and Monitoring

Documentation of species diversity

yes

Data collection and Monitoring

yes

Lack of awareness due to poor sensitization is often the main reason for little understanding of environmental issues. Sharing proper information supported by valid scientific/practical proof will convince communities that are unfortunately less educated, economically deprived and directly forest dependent. Equip them not only with true information but also with tools such as camera trapping, and support for species identification and naming. Such an approach will develop a sense of belonging and inculcate ownership of the cause/purpose.

Realization of the need for a common cause at the local level with broader implications.

To make a connection with nature and the environment, our activities - wherever possible - are carried out in close association with nature. Seminars and other capacity building activities can be conducted in the jungle to create a real-time experience in nature and connect with its rich floral and faunal resources.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Convergence of Village Level Institutions

Each village is known to have a distinct set of rules and functions for social coexistence. The village community is composed of various groups that function independently to manage certain areas for their welfare in the community. However, for a common cause such as Biodiversity Conservation initiatives, these various institutions can be converged and function as a single entity.

A community willing to learn and accept ideas relevant to promote sustainability growth.
Building a good relationship with the community.
A genuine intention of the working members to contribute to a global cause.

It is possible to make things happen if there is a genuine intention.

Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment through Traditional Knowledge

Gaining of knowledge from the elders

yes

One of the keys to identifying habitat loss is through traditional means. During the olden days, the naming of any species happened due to its presence/sightings. But presently, most of the species that have local names are not found in the wild. One of the reasons could be that their numbers are declining or may even have become extinct. Therefore, through the approach of traditional knowledge, species availability and vulnerability assessments can be made.

Elders have an indispensable role in the community. For generations, they have been the source of wisdom and knowledge of various traditions and cultural practices, including those associated with nature. Using such traditional wisdom is an essential asset for many issues that often pave the way for possible interventions. Thus, building a good rapport with the elders, and creating a space for sharing and learning with them, is one of the strengths of the process.

The elders are old but wise; make friends with them and gain knowledge.
Relying only on theoretical knowledge is not sufficient. Therefore, strolling around the jungle with the elders and listening to various sounds of birds and animals has more practical relevance and creates bonding with nature.