Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World
Wildlife conservation is one of the global challenges that is being taken up zealously through various undertakings. For instance Going Green, or saving charismatic species like the tiger, the rhino and the elephants. Or be it landscape wise conservation – The Himalayas, The Western Ghats, or Indo-Burma-conservation is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed and with maximum participation.
Humans inevitably have a habit in bringing out the best, as well as the worst, in everything. Massive destruction of biodiversity for development and thoughtless exploitation of raw materials to quench the thirst of industrial expansion and production are serious predicaments that are being conveniently overlooked. We do not realize the far reaching consequences of deforestation, hunting and fragmentation.Measures need to be enforced to safeguard the sustenance of such natural wealth and also maintain the fragile ecological balance in the environment. The concept of conservation drew prominence in the 60’s, which has now become a global phenomenon. Most of our forests are in a sad state of neglect, the forest management being mostly undertaken by tribal communities. There is brazen use of forest products, mostly owing to the ignorance of the local populace and the undeniable fact of dependence for mere survival. Another factor is the conflicting ideologies between the conservation effort by researchers or other organizations, and the locals. In earlier days hunting was then the way of survival and has been deeply embedded in our traditions and customs. There is need of concerted effort today that conservation is in no way trying to abolish or undermine its customs, but that it is the urgent need of the hour. Saving wildlife should be a long term action plan for future conservation.
North-East India is the most privileged in terms of forest cover. There is a huge diversity of wildlife, is embedded the biodiversity hotspot of the Indo-Burma Range. This region does not need any introduction to establish it as a researcher’s paradise. With the forest offering an assorted species of both flora and fauna for studies, it has gained world- wide popularity. Apart from the wildlife, the diversity of cultures in North East India is immense and inspiring.
Tradition and culture have close roots to nature. We have embraced Mother Nature, ethically and aesthetically since time immemorial. Rituals and customs are still practiced. However we should be conscious that our practices should not affect the biological dimensions. Most of the biodiversity are under threat due to various anthropological activities. As a matter of fact, we must be rather strong in our endeavor to uphold our beliefs in Nature and keep it in a pristine form by conservation.
My main interest is conservation of wildlife in North East as wildlife has always played a key element in most of our north eastern cultures, both in negative and positive ways. The Eastern Himalayas is one of the newest mountain ranges and is home to the various beautiful and colorful tribes. Nature has its way of working her charisma into our society, with most of the cultures originating its root from her, influencing all tribal communities and their everyday lives.
The concept of conservation has revolutionized today’s generation with its movement beings accepted globally. However, this movement is yet to take a firm foundation in North East India and we need our youth to take active participation. We should focus in bringing out an insight of the culture and myths of ancestral ways of protecting nature and infusing with today’s perspective of conservation. Knowledge must be imparted first about our rich past, and also about the daunting task that is at hand to the society before anything else. We need today’s generation to protect our wildlife for tomorrow’s future and to mend what has been scarred. It’s never too late to bring out the best in man and to make amend for his actions.
Submitted By :
Sathya Murthy M Chetty
9th Semester B.B.A., LL.B
JSS Law College, Mysore