India’s development pathway intertwines with ecological conservation
biodiversity talks in Cali, Colombia next week, India showcased the way its development story intertwines with ecological conservation, including the role that tribal communities play in conservation efforts.
This, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, is clearly demonstrated in the “shinning success” of Project Tiger. India is home to 70 per cent of world’s wild tiger population.
Speaking at the inauguration of the art exhibition ‘Silent Conversation’, organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Sankala Foundation, a Delhi-based organisation focused on sustainability, Jaishankar focused on the contribution of tribal and other local communities.
“The tribal communities have been the unsung heroes behind the shining success of Project Tiger. They deserve immense credit of this achievement.” Focusing on the important role that tribal communities play, Jaishankar spoke of their guardianship of forests and protection to wildlife by planting trees and fighting off poachers. “Any policy works best when it is absorbed by all citizens”.
Elucidating on how India’s development story was intertwined with environmental conservation, Jaishankar underscored the government’s commitment to the welfare of tribal communities. Referring to the 2022 amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, according to Jaishankar was an effort to balance environment with development needs. The government, he said, is committed to the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes.
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