Sacred Groves willing to tie up with Forest department for restoration of forest lands near KNP

Aug. 14: Sacred Groves CIC is willing to make a 10-year investment for restoration of forest lands near Kaziranga National Park with a view to increasing the habitat of the greater one horned rhino. A meeting was held by India’s representative of the environment conservation oriented social enterprise set up with the objective of conserving the planet’s natural habitats all over the world, Dr. Arvind Kumar Jha, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and (DG), Social Forestry, Maharashtra with Assam Environment and Forest Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya at the latter’s office chamber here on Saturday evening.

Dr.Jha said the organisation believes in using latest technologies, management practices, geo-spatial imaging, regulatory frameworks, and analytics and potentially involving environmentally conscious individuals and companies all over the world through a digital platform to participate and contribute to the process of conservation.

“We are keen to partner with countries and more specifically the states/provinces that are potentially rich in natural biodiversity and have set an example of good conservation practices for the world. In this regard, we are very inspired by the biodiversity, rich culture and the intent of the State of Assam in particular and would welcome an opportunity to collaborate,” he said.

Dr.Jha said the organisation is looking forward to investing on lands belonging to the government as well as private/public agencies for a minimum period of 10 years with focus on natural bio-diverse habitats that include forests as well as lands contiguous to forest lands from where encroachers have been evicted, which have a significant rewilding potential. Jha said in the initial stages the organisation is looking to invest on about 100 hectares and depending on its popularity and success, will extend support up to 1,000 hectares over the course of the next 5 years subject to approval by the Forest department.

Explaining the concept behind the project, Dr.Jha apprised Suklabaidya that in case of the option of investment on the public land through Forest department or an agency, the funds will be made available by Sacred Groves to the department or agency as per an express agreement in that regard. He told the Minister that following the identification of the specific piece of the forest/land, a robust Forest Conservation and Community Management Plan will be established as per local need.

DrJha stated that during the investment period, no part of the forest/natural habitat shall be felled or physically harnessed for any commercial gains – the entire natural cycle of forest evolution will be allowed to manifest. “The area treated by using Sacred Groves funds shall not be diverted for any non-forestry purpose for 20 years from the year of determination of the same,” Dr.Jha quipped.

Forest Minister, Suklabaidya thanked Dr.Jha for evincing keen interest in starting a project in Assam that would help in restoration of forest lands and assured his department’s all possible help and support for bringing the project to fruition. Managing Director, Centre for Environment and Climate Action Foundation, Dr.Edmond Andrew and Rhino Man cum conservationist, Julin Boruah were present during the discussion.