Bharaari : Womens Awareness Initiatives
Praful Sawarkar
Under the Bharari initiative, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has reached out to local communities through a series of awareness workshops held from 2022 till now.
Key Highlights
Outreach :
- 3,333 women participated
- From 178 self-help groups
- Across 21 villages around TATR
Objectives :
- Raise awareness about the importance of forests and wildlife
- Educate on ecotourism and related livelihood opportunities
- Encourage community participation in conservation and protection
- Introduce alternative livelihood options via government schemes
- Reduce human-wildlife conflict through cooperation
Workshop Format :
- Conducted on a “One Day, One Village” basis
- Discussions on:
- Livestock grazing in forest zones
- Unauthorized forest produce collection
- Effects of deforestation
- Sessions included:
- The ecological role of forests and wildlife
- Consequences of habitat loss
- Benefits of the tiger reserve to local communities
- Government compensation and support schemes
Ecotourism Experience :
- Guided safari to Teliya Lake, Tadoba Lake, Pandhar-pauni Lake
- Visit to the sacred Tadoba Temple
- All 3,333 women saw a tiger in the wild, along with Chital, Sambar, Wild boar, and Leopard
Impact :
- Increased awareness and reduced resistance to conservation efforts
- Strengthened community bonds
- Women emerged as key allies in protecting Tadoba’s rich biodiversity
.jpeg)
