Tiger reserves across the country will soon replicate the management practices of the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR).
The PTR, which has won international acclaim, has been credited with being the first-of-its-kind to embark on a participatory mode of tiger conservation by constituting a foundation. The ‘Periyar model’ subsequently paved way for the formation of 30-odd foundations from among 50 tiger reserves in the country.
With tiger conservation foundations functioning under varying models, the Periyar model has been identified to bring uniformity across such entities.
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A resolution to this effect is among the ‘Periyar Declaration’ adopted at a two-day conference of Chief Wildlife Wardens of tiger range States and Field Directors of tiger reserves held under the aegis of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) at Thekkady a few days ago. Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had inaugurated the conclave.
The PTR tiger conservation foundation, which has an annual budget of ₹10 crore, operates on a self-sustaining model wherein the focus is on for mobilising financial resources for local development and growth of the tiger reserve. At present, a lion’s share of the foundation’s revenue, i.e., 80%, goes towards community habitat improvement, and park conservation and development.
“Besides the unique financial model, the Periyar model also involves the active involvement of local communities, eco-development committees as well as people’s representatives in the administration of the foundation. This particular model will now be emulated by the other tiger reserve foundations in a manner that suited their respective ground realities.” Chief Wildlife Warden K.J. Varughese said.
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Moreover, the NTCA will adopt the PTR foundation by-law for implementation among all such bodies across the country. The decision in this regard was taken in view of the absence of uniform governing laws in tiger reserves.