Conserving Bhitarkanika Wetland and Mitigating Human-Crocodile Conflict with Students’ Stewardship
Bhitarkanika mangroves, a Ramsar wetland on India’s east coast, support countless livelihoods in the 400 villages in the vicinity and protects the area from devastating cyclones and tidal surges. Due to an overlapping presence, there are some situations of conflict with the resident saltwater crocodiles, resulting in injuries and fatalities to cattle and humans. An awareness series aimed at school students and teachers of Kendrapara district, was organised by the project in collaboration with Mangrove Forest Division, Rajnagar (Odisha) and Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA).
Through orientations, workshops and field visits, the campaign reached more than 800 students and teachers. The workshops included film screenings, roleplays, interactions with forest staff, village administrators and experts on wetland values, safety precautions in crocodile habitats and Bhitarkanika’s conservation. The students also engaged in group discussions on wetland conservation and wildlife conflict mitigation. The students and teachers are now taking forward conservation stewardship by expanding the campaign through self-driven actions like more roleplays, art competitions, presentations at science congress and more.
Date
January 31, 2024
Location
Indore
Contact Person
Kirtiman Awasthi
