Critical Wildlife Habitat
Project Statement
The Forest
Rights Act grants ownership rights to communities residing within forests and
emphasises the protection of areas within forests to conserve wildlife.
However, despite the government's efforts to grant ownership rights to forest
dwellers, it has overlooked the crucial aspect of designating critical wildlife
habitats as areas free from human activities.
Project Intervention
In response
to the government's omission, Vanashakti has initiated a petition in the
Honourable High Court of Bombay. The aim is to address oversight and advocate
for the declaration of critical wildlife habitats, ensuring these areas remain
free from anthropogenic pressures. The intervention seeks to enhance wildlife
protection and preserve the integrity of wildlife habitats.
Project Outcome
As the
matter is currently under consideration in court, the anticipated outcome is
the acknowledgment and rectification of the oversight in not designating
critical wildlife habitats. This intervention aims to contribute to the broader
goal of balancing community rights with wildlife conservation, fostering
sustainable coexistence between human populations and the natural environment.