Who: Varun Narain Mathur – JungleSutra (Head of the Jungle)
Where: Umred Karhandla Paoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India
When: May 2024
This summer, the JungleSutra team explored a unique and pioneering project in India—a Community Owned Community Operated Nature (COCOON) Conservancy. These conservancies are crucial rewilding initiatives outside India’s Protective Area Network. They are grounded in the belief that communities living near biodiverse areas should be the primary beneficiaries and protectors of these regions. The initiative aims to expand and enhance wildlife habitats by encouraging local communities to revert their marginal and failed farms to their natural wild state.
What makes this project appealing to local communities is that they retain ownership of the land, which transforms into biodiverse refuges. These refuges promise stable livelihoods and economic security in the face of climate change. COCOON Conservancies also act as buffers, absorbing biodiversity from protected core areas and reducing human-animal conflict. Positioned in corridors, these conservancies help widen and refresh the gene pool of wildlife.
The Umred Karhandla Paoni Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal location for such a project. This sanctuary serves as a crucial passage for wildlife between the Nagzira-Navegaon, Bor, and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserves. Tigers often traverse through Umred, with some establishing residence while others pass through.
The landscape, with over 100 acres of marginal or lost farmlands between critical tiger habitats and a water source, affected by the Gosikhurd Reservoir, was perfect for the conservancy. Water chestnut and shrimp farms were established to support local farmers. The reservoir is also a haven for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. The Bamboo Forest team’s initiative in setting up this conservancy is commendable, paving the way for future wildlife tourism and conservation amidst expanding human footprints.
In order to experience this unique initiative, reach us at engage@junglesutra.com.