Firms don’t take the CSR bait to save forests

Funds from private companies reduce to a trickle

Two years ago, the Forest Department hit upon the idea to invite private companies to “support the tiger”. However, in the years since, this idea seems to have barely taken off.

Under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, companies were invited to spend a portion on conservation activities in forests. Information taken under Right to Information (RTI) query, by wildlife conservationist Santosh Martin, shows that the only contribution is Rs. 35 lakh in the Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve (now called Kali Tiger Reserve).

“Reconnecting wildlife corridors need crores of rupees to acquire agricultural land, and the idea was to tackle nine narrow corridors that would connect the wildlife reserves of south Karnataka. But, this does not seem to be happening,” he told The Hindu .

The other corporate contribution of Rs. 73 lakh to Ranganthittu Bird sanctuary was about tourism development and habitat management, rather than conservation, he says.

At its launch in mid-2014, the department had drawn up a “charter of desirables” for companies, which included providing fire-fighting equipment, vehicles, camera traps, health check-up, improving anti-poaching camps, corridor construction, funds for relocation of forest dwellers, printing literature and maintaining patrol roads.

Kind, not cash so far

Though cash in its coffers is yet to come in as expected, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Luthra said contributions in kind have poured in. For instance, there’s the donation of over 700 camera traps by just one corporation, which runs eco-tourism resorts at Nagarahole, Bandipur and Kali Tiger Reserves.

These donations, however, have come from non-governmental organisation and companies that are “passionately” involved in conservation. Attracting larger corporate investment — through the mandatory 2 per cent CSR — is yet to take shape. “We are promoting the CSR programme still, and have conducted two workshops so far. There is more awareness that is required,” Mr. Luthra said.

Forest officials said corporates have perhaps hesitated as “visibility” through forest conservation CSR is lower than other avenues. “We are talking with a few companies, and attempting to convince them to spend money on forests. Smaller contributions, less than Rs. 50 lakh is possible,” said KTR Director K. Srinivasalu.