The Uttarakhand government has taken a significant step towards conservation and sustainable development by announcing the establishment of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation. This move aims to promote ecological, economic, social, and cultural development in the regions surrounding the reserve. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The foundation draws inspiration from the successful model of the Corbett Tiger Foundation and is intended to facilitate conservation efforts, community engagement, and wildlife protection in and around the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Key Objectives
The primary objectives of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation are as follows:
- Protection of Natural Environment: The foundation will work towards safeguarding the natural environment in and around the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, emphasizing the conservation of its diverse ecosystems and species.
- Community Support: It will assist local communities in finding alternative livelihood opportunities, reducing their dependence on forests. The foundation will promote ecotourism and help address human-wildlife conflicts and related crimes.
- Employee Welfare: Activities related to the welfare of the employees working within the Tiger Reserve will also be a focus of the foundation.
- Resource Provision: The foundation will provide resources and support for ongoing or planned conservation efforts, ensuring that urgent demands for wildlife protection are met.
- Resource Acquisition and Maintenance: It will create, acquire, and maintain the necessary resources required to fulfill its objectives, including the protection of wildlife habitats.
- Technical, Legal, and Financial Support: The foundation will seek technical, legal, financial, and other support as required to achieve its goals while adhering to state laws.
- Research and Education: The foundation will support research, innovation, training, ecological development, eco-tourism, and environmental education, especially when such resources are not available under the regular budget provisions.
Flexible Governance
The Uttarakhand state government retains the flexibility to review and adapt the foundation’s operations as needed. Additionally, the government may incorporate further points into the Memorandum of Association and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the foundation.