Leadership Course on Conservation in Ranthambore

With a total of 10 years of experience in ground level conservation, anti-poaching, and rehabilitation work, Tiger Watch – a Non-Governmental Organisation working out of Sawai Madhopur – on the outskirts of the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan – has put together its experience and knowledge – invaluable for those making a sincere and serious effort towards conservation.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Duration: From May 20, 2009 to May 25, 2009

Program Schedule

• Seven lecture sessions with prominent personalities who work at the ground level in various fields towards wildlife conservation
• Two visits to Ranthambhore National Park for understanding the ecology of the tiger
• A visit to the Chambal river bank to understand the ecology of Gharial
• Visit to the Moghiya Tribe Education Program
• Interaction with ex-poachers
• Visit to the Prakritik Society
• Visit to Hindwad Village of the Moghiya tribals

Program involves talks and close interaction with the following personalities.

Fateh Singh Rathore – Fateh has been fighting for tigers for 45 years now, 25 years of which were spent in the Indian Forest Service. Many tiger experts of today have looked up to  him as a pioneer and guru. Fateh is heading Tiger Watch and the wealth of knowledge he possesses is a guiding light for us in the field of conservation.

B.C. Choudhury – A leading gharial expert of India and a senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India.  He understands not just the gharial but also its habitat issues. Without habitat restoration, it will be impossible to save the critically endangered gharial population. The Impact Assessment Report submitted by him could stop the dam construction programme in the various tributaries of Chambal River.

Madhu Bhatnagar – A ‘Green teacher’ from Delhi. Madhu has undertaken the task of environment education for three Shri Ram Schools in Delhi. She has inspired and mobilized not just her students but also the parents to get involved in conservation activities. Her work for cleaning the Yamuna, rainwater harvesting and tiger conservation have created a difference in the world of conservation in a unique way. She is also the coordinator of Kids for Tigers, Delhi chapter.

Jay Mazoomdaar – A freelance journalist and a wildlife film maker. Jay’s understanding of India’s environment politics is unparalleled. Ever since he exposed the extinction of tigers in Sariska, Jay has been closely involved with governmental and non-governmental efforts for tiger conservation. He has also provided valuable insights into the future trend of conservation, environmental policies, strategies and impact.

Dr. Govardhan Singh Rathore – Prince Charles awarded him with the precious Ashden Award for renewable energy. Govardhan has spent 20 years in community conservation and reformed several villages. He runs a school for some 300 kids of Ranthambhore. He has helped plant more than 500 biogas plants to substitute firewood and reverse the impact of deforestation. Along with the community, he has planted about 4 lakh trees around Ranthambhore. Govardhan has also built a state-of-the-art 60-bed hospital for villages near the park area. He is a true icon in community conservation.

Dharmendra Khandal, PhD – With a doctorate in botany, Dharmendra is the country’s foremost spider expert, and a connoisseur of Rajasthan’s flora and fauna. Dharmendra has been working at the ground level for tiger conservation since the past 6 years. A futurist in anti-poaching and wildlife conservation, he has not just helped governmental aApplication for Conservation Leadership Coursegencies nab poachers but also established ethics and methodology in anti-poaching strategies. He has religiously taken up the work of rehabilitating poachers’ families.

Program Requirements:

• Applicants must be 18 years and above.
• The course is intended for people who are currently involved in conservation, students, wildlife writers, or simply those interested in wildlife conservation.
• The number of participants will not exceed 25.
• Participants have to make their own arrangements to reach Sawai Madhopur. The participants are expected to be present on May 20, 2009 i.e. the first day of the course.

Course Cost: Rs. 7,750/- (including AC accommodation for the course period, food, local travel, field visits and course expenses). Fee does not include travel charges to and from Sawai Madhopur.

Mode of Payment: Cheque or demand draft in favour of “Tiger Watch”

Download Application Form

Last date for registering: 7th May, 2009

For registration and details please contact:

Divya – 094623 92560
Email: tigerwatchindia@yahoo.co.in
Website: www.tigerwatch.net
Address: Tiger Watch, Maa Farm, Sherpur Khilchipur, Ranthambhore Road, Distt. Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001

Why this program?

India is a land of rich biodiversity; there are various cultures and traditions which have worked in nurturing and preserving its natural wealth. However due to population explosion and its ever-increasing increasing needs and demands, there is increased pressure on the environment. The tradition of conservation is soon becoming extinct. It is not possible to return to those times but we can work on a new culture for conservation from what has been handed down to us since centuries.

The rural population still depends on forest resources, rivers and wildlife commodities for survival. Several species and ecosystems have come under severe threat due to depletion of resources and global warming.  Before we reach an irreversible crisis, we need to stop and start working towards conservation with a strategic approach.

Each individual can be a leader in evolving better and newer ways in conserving resources. Environment agencies are working towards this but most of the time, the centralized institutional system does not work at the ground level. For that, there needs to be interaction with people who are working in the field as they are the ones who have evolved and developed the means and measures to conserve nature with the available resources in the most efficient manner, understanding the ground realities. The motive of this program is to discuss the current scenario and thrash out new ideas and strategies…