GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW AND LEGAL STUDIES
A Project work of
„Environmental Studies’ On “World Wildlife Fund in India”
Submitted to Assistant Professor Aprajita Kashyap
Submitted by Prakhar Bhatnagar Rahul Jain Pravesh Chauhan Vikram Gupta Deepak Kumar
World Wildlife Fund in India The Indian country has not only been rich in culture and tradition but it has been rich in both flora and fauna. The majestic Asiatic Lion, Crocodile, Hangul, sandalwood, Himalayan Musk Deer and Macaque are some species specially associated with India. We must realize that Wildlife is an asset and not a liability as it adds to the beauty and adventurous spirit of a country. Unfortunately, many of these species, today, are either extinct or on the verge of extinction. Poaching, hunting and other environmental factor are some reasons for such extinction. The aim of this project is to sensitize people and aware them of risk caused due to loss of wildlife and to ascertain the methods to combat the same. WWF‟s official phrase goes on as” The promotion of nature conservation and environmental protection as the basis for sustainable and equitable development” which rightly provides the basis of our project. WWF- India is one of the largest independent NGO‟s dedicated to biodiversity management, has spearheaded the movement for promotion of the objectives of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that was ratified by 191 countries of the World including India. We aim to provide information to the readers regarding the interventions of WWF in the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair sharing of benefits arising out of its utilization. WWF-India has been working to promote harmony between human beings and nature for more than four decades. Today, it is recognized as a premier conservation NGO in the country dealing with nature conservation, environmental protection and development-related issues. At a time when the Web of Life has come under increasing threats, WWF-India's attempts have been to find and implement solutions so that human beings can live in harmony with nature, and leave for future generations a world rich in natural resources and natural wonders. The organization is part of the WWF-family with 27 independent national organizations. The coordinating body, the WWF International, is located at Gland in Switzerland Established as a Charitable Trust on November 27, 1969, it has an experience of over four decades in the field. From a modest beginning, the organization was propelled forward by the efforts of its founders and associates who volunteered their time and energy to lend momentum to this movement.
Content of the Project It is very well known fact that Wildlife in India is under threats of poaching, hunting or any such activity. An important aspect of this project included the policy advocacy work related to procure environment stability in context of wildlife. World Wide Fund for nature -India, or WWF-India, is a conservation organization dedicated to building a healthy living planet for future generations by adopting various approaches to conservation of wildlife. WWF, being a huge organization with multiple areas of operations to serve the wildlife we intend to brief about the projects and initiations by WWF in India. The idea behind our project is to bring out the importance of wildlife protection. “How does death of a ferocious animal like Tiger can cause imbalance and harm to the humankind”? Many of us SMS to Save Tiger but don‟t know the answer of this very basic question, that is why we intend to provide very basic knowledge regarding Wildlife Protection. The theory behind this project has its source from the motto of WWF “To stop the degradation of the planet‟s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature (Sustainable Development)”.The project has an object to provide information about World Wildlife Fund, its operations, interventions and initiative for environmental education amongst youth. Our project will also focus on administrative set up of WWF in India at both headquarter and State level for smooth and unperturbed functioning.
India has been a rich country in wildlife. The Indian Rhinoceros, Nilgai, Rusty Spotted Cat, The Chausingha( deer with four horns), Asiatic Elephant, Bats in Tamil Nadu, Owls, Ghariyal are some examples of majestic Indian species. India which is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of them are in extinction stage, what our country needs is to protect wildlife not under different sections of law but under society as a whole. Every citizen of our country should understand the role in the society to protect the environment from being harm. The highest authority in the India for the concerned work is ministry of environment forest. Its work is to promote coordinate and overseeing the implementation of India‟s environment and forest policies and programmes.
WWF-India’s objectives for species and landscape conservation include: Research and baseline data collection of the target species and their associated species as well as their habitats;
Mitigation of human-wildlife conflict;
Reducing poaching and wildlife trade;
Lobbying for policies supporting wildlife conservation;
Working with communities for creating sustainable livelihoods and
Increasing protection of critical wildlife bearing areas.
The whole work of MOEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) is to enforce or implement state policies but the whole India flora and fauna can‟t be checked by ministry if there will be not a learned society. There is no denying fact that species in India are under a threat of extinction and need an immediate eye of the society and government. So our work is to clearing the role of WWF in India and how both state and WWF work with coordination in the country. To sum up we aim to provide all possible information regarding WWF and its interventions with coordination of the government to not only preserve but also sensitize the upcoming generation through various contests. The matters regarding various departments of WWF which work in coordination with each other are also taken care of in our project. Our project very well relates to priorities of the country as it is an alarming situation in context of wildlife and support to rehabilitate and preserve wildlife is the need of the hour .
Methodology Involved
The method for research is basically through fieldwork and interviews. For the same we visited WWF-India at Lodi Road, Delhi.WWF as a student friendly NGO promotes projects and student involvement in environmental studies. We talked to Ms. Mita Goswami, the Director of Environmental studies department. Further we talked to program officer Ms. Soji Susan James who solved our various queries and provided valuable facts about the organization. Prior to our visit we had mailed a questionnaire which had questions pertaining to wildlife status in India and WWF‟s role in India. The main method of our research was based on interview and various literatures provided by WWF and through official website of WWF. WWF India has a resourceful library and galleries which are also providing matter to the project. Above all it is the interaction through lecture with Ms. Soji Susan James which enlightened us with essential facts regarding the organization. The photographs and cuttings also are a supplement feature of the project which is inserted so as to give a very descriptive and comprehensive presentation .
Literature Reviews Name- Panda Type-Magazine Published by- WWF India, 172 b Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003 Editorial Board- Dr. Dipankar Ghose, Dr. Parikshit Gautam, Geeta Warrior, Mita Goswami, Maulika Arabhi Editor- Shaila Sam Assistant Editor- Malika Gupta Designed by- GENESIS Printed by: Batra Art Press This is quarterly a printed magazine by WWF India. It is valuable to review the report section of the magazine. This magazine was helpful while completion of the project and is a great source for environment awareness and general knowledge for that matter. The main news in this volume was Salim Ali (A great Ornithologist) Visitor Interpretation Centre at the Kaelodeo National park in Bharatpur India was conferred the best Asian wetland award on November 23, 2010 by Wetlands Links International. The aim of the Award is to identify and reward the best practice wetland centre in Asia. The criteria of the award includes range of interpretation materials and displays at a centre, work engaging local communities, involvement in active conservation of spices and habitants and the development of innovative approaches amongst others. This year the participants included representatives from China, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Iran and Malaysia. Next catching article in the magazine was regarding Pilibhit‟s (U.P.) rich wildlife. WWF India took snaps of vibrant wildlife in the area through hidden Cameras. Majestic species like The Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) and The Chausingha (tetracesus quadrieornis). These species are found in only Indian subcontinent. This exercise was organized by WWF India in cooperation with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). We were enlightened by the story of Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh where there was an increase in number of Tigers which over a period of time had just 5 tigers. WWF India provided a Maruti Gypsy and 4 motorcycles last year and another Mahindra Bolero this year to Contribute towards this aspect and will continue to provide support for the same. The presence and enthusiasm of the current field Director Panna Tiger reserve has always boosted the moral of the staff. This is clear if one looks at the incidence in which a male tiger roamed outside the
forest area for forty days but was subsequently brought back to Panna. There are plans to translocation two more Tigresses to Panna in the near future, which would necessitate enhance protection. Panna Tiger reserve needs a support from the government, Ngo and society at large in order to regain its lost glory. There is a strong hope of revival; however the desired support needs to be made available on time. WWF India organized youth tiger forum in Vladivostok in Russian Far East, home of Amur Tiger, where youth representatives from all tiger range countries gathered together for a week The Magazine was great help not as it provided useful information but by also providing beautiful snaps and photos. It has a section dealing with rich wildlife in Indian states which was again a resource for the project. Moreover, it has project updates Reports, Upcoming Events, special focus and work directly from field work.
Recent Information
Lighting Sundarbans’ homes On 9 March 2011, WWF-India and CAT Projects Australia inaugurated a micro solar power station at Rajat Jubilee on Satjelia Island in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal using the Bushlight India Model.
The Centre for Environmental Law (CEL), WWF-India and the National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly conduct a Post-Graduate Diploma in Urban Environmental Management. The course will be formally launched in April 2011. The new One Planet MBA programme will launch in September 2011, representing a unique partnership between WWF and the University of Exeter Business School. It will be the world‟s first MBA systematically devoted to embedding the need for a sustainable approach to strategic business management. The One Planet MBA will be global in outlook, developing leaders and managers capable of running organisations in a culturally diverse, resource-constrained world, influenced by radically different values and concerns from those of the recent past. Graduates of the programme will be fully competent in the business skills upon which MBAs have traditionally been based but will also be able to demonstrate innovative approaches to the development of sustainable business strategies.
Our Findings Prior to our visit to the WWF India, Lodi Road, we had many misnomers regarding WWF like is it an organization of the United Nations or is it a part of Indian Government. The program officer well treated all our questions. The very basic query we had was that who funds the WWF? Ms. Soji Susan James answered that there is no primary funder of the WWF but many. We also got to know as WWF is an environment related organization it does not accepts funds from companies which are selling products that directly or indirectly degrading the environment. Like Prada, Gucci, Pepsi are not selected to fund the WWF. WWF is a subtle organization and not an activist one. It has a very systematic administrative setup which is discipline and method oriented. Roles are clearly defined from the grass root level to the most upper one which is significant by various departments WWF has formed like Environmental and Educational Studies. WWF India aims species conservation, (Red Panda, Gangetic Indian Dolphin, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard).Community Involvement in Biodiversity Conservation, Changing Perceptions through Education, Biodiversity Conservation by Monitoring Wildlife Trade. WWF has innate faith that awareness among youth can really collapse the hindrances to sustainable development. That is why WWF is constantly organizing quizzes, essay writings and other contests which enable environmental knowledge and youth involvement among the upcoming generations. Our next query pertained to interventions of WWF India. We came to know about main projects of WWF mainly Living Ganga, Sustainable Fisheries, Sustainable Energy. WWF has also taken up an initiative for Footprint Reduction. WWF-India is working to reduce the country‟s footprint on the planet by addressing key development and environmental issues that have an impact on our overall footprint. We also came to know about that this is the international year for volunteers as observed by WWF India also this year. Therefore, WWF has been dedicated towards their efforts for youth involvement and creating awareness among them. For this they are organizing many quizzes, essay writing competition where the selected group of winners will get a chance to present their opinions on international front- Conference on Climate Change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests many times funds WWF and asks for their support for completion of its projects.
Limitations Encountered During the field visit we as such encountered not so many difficulties. Transportation was convenient as WWF office is quite popular and was very near to India Habitat Centre. It was easy for all group members due to its convenient location. As it was a working area we had very less to explore. We could just gather the information which was readily available on the web. Also, we were not able to attend any quiz or other significant activities conducted by WWF in order to sensitize the youth. We just visited the library but issue of any material was the sole right of staff members and other very well associated with the organization. For the very same we would have to visit the WWF India office again with the letterhead which is not an easy task.
Conclusion We conclude that WWF India solely aims to protect the Wildlife and for the very same its intervention are very accurate and effective. Moreover, its setup is so disciplined that it caters to the needs of Environment. Our misnomer was solved as we came to know that WWF India is an independent organization, and then too it is in constant support from the state governments and Ministry Of Environment and Forest for effective completion of their projects.WWF India due to its vast reach has very useful information regarding Wildlife, so it proves to be a good advisor to the government. It is an organization which not only works in bigger areas but also works at the grass root level. For example, it has taught tribal societies who since years were poaching and hunting for a living. As tribal communities were living near areas close to forests and its habitat, it is really futile to think that tribes will leave their home environment or could be displaced by the government. WWF understood this fact and provided the solution by educating and sensitizing them with the aftermaths of Wildlife degradation. Panna, in Madhya Pradesh is a premier example for the same. As WWF is a great supporter of sustainable development, it is focusing on the fact that in order to have a better upcoming generation, the preservation of Wildlife and Environment is the need of the hour. Our project aimed at providing all information about WWF and ascertaining whether efforts of WWF have been fruitful or not. We also aim to evaluate the awareness by the projects initiated by WWF. Are the projects implemented at levels of Environment? Have they been effective in providing important solutions for the problems? Have the awareness brought about any change in the mind set of the present generation? We can say with great confidence that WWF‟s effort has been very effective and the y have brought their plans to successful implementations. As WWF promotes youth involvement and awareness amongst students, it has remarkably aware students and we can see a much responsible and sensible youth in context on Environment like Earth Hour, Celebrating Ganga (to save Gangetic Dolphin), and its project to stop illegal trafficking of Owls (as people exploit them for black magic). Earth Hour in India has nearly doubled over last year‟s record effort, with 47 cities across 12 states confirmed to take part before the event, compared to the 27 cities participating in 2010. Young Climate Savers is a programme launched with an aim to create awareness across the student fraternity in India on climate change, and through them to reach out to the larger community and to influence them to become climate savers. WWF-India partnered with Tetra Pak in implementing the Young Climate Savers program. Another example is The Green Hiker Campaign is WWF‟s initiative to encourage tourists and tour operators in the Himalayan region to opt for sustainable and responsible tourism.
The coordination between the forest and forest department and the various other government departments at all levels need immediate attention. Like in the example where an Elephant was stuck on a track between Siliguri and Aliprduar, there was no coordination between Railways and Forest Department, even after the death of over 30 Elephants. There are important necessary legislations to be formulated for Wildlife and Environment, in which WWF has a minimal role. We strongly believe that WWF should be given to chance to diversify its role and its representation in Legislation should be much enhanced. WWF keeps on providing remedies to government like prioritizing the reclamation of encroached forest land in order to manage the wildlife habitat and increasing the boundary of protected areas include the corridor under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Re-emphasize the importance of Critical Wildlife Habitats Feedback from State Forest Departments suggested that there is reluctance or skepticism in many states about Critical Wildlife Habitats, the feeling being that this provision may not enhance the security of existing Protected Areas. The participants of the consultation felt that the value of Critical Wildlife Habitats must be re-emphasized, especially since it is the only legal provision which ensures that CWH once declared, cannot be diverted for any other use [Section 4(2), Forest Right Act]. Both government agencies and civil society, including village communities, should be engaged in the exercise of identifying CWHs.
To sum up, we evaluate WWF as a subtle organization and not an activist one. It has its offices in few states of India so it needs a wider coverage area. It should be given more rights and it advises should be heeded very well as it is an organization of environmentalist and enlightened personnel. We strongly support WWF and such NGO‟s should be promoted by the government and society.
References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Panda- magazine issued by WWF Article titled as Just sighted : A brand new home for tigers in The Hindu www.wwfindia.org Information gathered through interview with Ms. Soji Susan James at WWF India, Lodi Road Books from WWF Library Official Website of Ministry of Environment and Forests Photographs bearing information from photo gallery at WWF India. Book named Indian Flora and Fauna from GGSIPU library.
