Linking Conservation with CPLRs: Lessons from Management of Gir- Protected Area

Abstract

"The policy discourse on management of protected areas (PAs) has come a long way from purely conservationist strategies to participatory approaches. In between these two there is a wide range options that combine different elements of resource sharing, market regulation and privatization. The experience from a large number of developing economies suggest that none of the preconceived, 'blue-print' solutions may work across different PAs though, it might have worked situations of wilderness without much of human activities around (Chopra, 1998). This implies the analysis of the cost of bio-diversity loss and the development of appropriate institutions incentives should primarily be a local exercise (Perrings, 2000). The choice of PA-management approach therefore, has to be in tune with the location specific situation-ecological, socio-economicpolitical and financial. Also, the choice is time specific; it may undergo changes along with different stages of PA-management. Exploring options and evolving new approaches therefore important aspects of policy formulation on PAs.

"Located in western part of India, Gir is surrounded by a substantially large human as well livestock population having direct stakes in the ecology. The PA had faced severe risk of extinction of its core specie i.e. lion, before it was notified as sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently a number conservation measures were initiated, leading to successful revival of wild life within the PA ( and Khamboj, 1995). By the turn of the century the wildlife population had overshot what earlier considered as carrying capacity of the PA. To a large extent the success could be attributed effective protection and habitat development practices, featuring the PA-management plan. next stage therefore, is to evolve sustainable strategies for regeneration and conservation vegetation and bio- diversity in Gir. It is envisaged that evolving appropriate institutional arrangement for sharing of the regenerated resources, especially from pastures, within and outside the PA, might help both-conservation as well as peoples livelihood in a sustainable manner."