Open AccessRole of Community in Leading Conservation: Effectiveness, Success and Challenges of Community-Based Anti-Poaching Unit in Nepal
Author(s) -
Saroj Lamichhane,
Rajeev Joshi,
Bishow Poudel,
Pramod Subedi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
grassroots journal of natural resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2581-6853
DOI - 10.33002/nr2581.6853.03046
Subject(s) - poaching , vulnerability (computing) , poverty , unit (ring theory) , wildlife , patrolling , focus group , community based conservation , geography , environmental planning , environmental resource management , business , socioeconomics , environmental protection , economic growth , ecology , sociology , psychology , computer security , economics , marketing , mathematics education , archaeology , computer science , biology
Himalayan mountains have rich biodiversity and species endemism. Simultaneously, critical level of socio-economic vulnerability and poverty presents significant potential for Community Based Conservation (CBC) practices aiming to provide both environmental and social benefits. Community based anti-poaching operation is poorly documented that hinders in assessing CBC practices in the field. To assess the effectiveness of Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit (CBAPU) in and around of Beeshazari lake of Chitwan National Park, Nepal, primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Unemployment and the consequent poverty were found as the key reason of poaching and other illegal activities. Patrolling, surveillance and information gathering against illegal activities, rescue of wildlife and awareness raising activities were the major activities of CBAPU, which has significantly contributed to wildlife conservation. Inadequate financial resource was found to be the greatest hindrance for anti-poaching operation in an organized and effective way.