Creating Community Partnership for Conservation through Traditional Handicraft & Handloom Livelihoods in India

The co-relation of forest communities with nature for their livelihood, tradition, cultural practice, and ritual have been subject of intensive investigations and debate.Paradoxically, these communities typically face the... [ view full abstract ]

The co-relation of forest communities with nature for their livelihood, tradition, cultural practice, and ritual have been subject of intensive investigations and debate.Paradoxically, these communities typically face the challenge of meeting their developmental aspirations at the cost of the resources upon which their livelihood and sustenance depends. Their proximity to nature creates an increasing need for their contribution towards conservation which would also include sustainable community priorities and traditional ecological knowledge for a balanced approach. In response to this need, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) promoted traditional skills as green livelihoods among the forest dependent Bodo and Tharu communities in fringe villages of Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam and Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. Their traditional art and crafts are inspired by nature and wildlife but with diminishing linkage with nature, a lack of resources and a decrease in the local market for such products, these traditional skills are fading away. WTI tried to enhance their livelihood prospects through revival of Bodo weaves handloom in Assam and the Moonj grass weaving handicraft in Bihar through skill development of 300 women. The trainings included enhancement of skills, introduction of contemporary designs,accounts keeping, marketing techniques and exposure visits. This initiative helped in increase of household income of 100 women weavers in Manas, through handloom, from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000 per annum, and of 200 women in Valmiki from zero income, through moonj grass weaving, to INR 1500 per annum. It also reduced their dependence on forest resources and brought change in their attitudes towards forests. These projects plan to mature to a stage where the communities start taking positive action for the conservation of wildlife and forests.