WWF-India’s interventions
Red panda conservation:
WWF-India is implementing a red panda conservation programme in Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The strategy is based on the intensive field research undertaken by the team to identify potential red panda habitats in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The initiatives aim to secure the identified red panda habitats and reduce human pressures in the region. Capacity building workshops are organized regularly by the team to empower the local communities to get involved in conservation activities. They are also trained to conduct surveys in the forests, as well as introduced to alternative livelihood activities such as community-based tourism.Snow leopard conservation:
Studies and ground research have been undertaken by the team to identify potential snow leopard habitats within the landscape. Baseline data has been collected on the potential habitats, and based on the findings, further studies and conservation strategies will be planned.Community Conserved Areas (CCAs):
In 2004, WWF-India introduced the concept of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) by issuing a declaration of the first CCA covering an area of 312 sq km in Thembang village of West Kameng district. A CCA Management Committee comprising local villagers responsible for the conservation of natural resources as well as socio-economic development of the village was also set up. Encouraged by the success of this model, the area under the Thembang CCA was increased to 635 sq km in 2012. Till date, the team has formed four CCAs covering an area of approximately 635 sq km in West Kameng and approximately 215 sq km in Tawang districts of the state.
Community-based tourism:
The CCA Management Committees are encouraged to identify sustainable livelihood opportunities for the communities that are involved in conservation initiatives. Based on an analysis, community-based tourism was identified as an easily accepted and beneficial economic activity. It focuses on giving tourists a cultural and ecological experience drawing from the village and its CCAs. Individuals are employed as homestay operators, home-based restaurant owners, porters, guides, cooks and performers for cultural programmes. This has proved to be a highly inclusive initiative, providing high economic returns as well as strong incentives for the locals to conserve the CCA.Conserving high-altitude wetlands:
Of the total 806 high altitude wetlands (HAWs) present in the state, more than 300 are found in the WWF-India landscape. The team in collaboration with the communities, monasteries, armed forces and the state forest department, is developing a joint wetland directory, factsheets and a management plan for four wetland complexes. Presently, WWF-India is working in partnership with the Arunachal Pradesh State Forest Department, Tawang Monastery, Indian Army and local communities to conserve four wetland complexes i.e. Bhajang HAW, Nagula HAW, Thembang Bapu CCA HAW and Pangchen Lumpo Muchat CCA HAW. Conservation activities such as garbage management, sanitation, awareness programmes for tourists, tour operators and hotel owners, as well as clean-up drives are also being undertaken.
Community Conserved Area Management Committe Meeting
Wood being cut from the forest
