Project Detail

Revival of Indegenous Bio-diversity management System 'ORAN' through community participation in North Aravali Hills.

The objective of the project was to study the existing Orans in Alwar District and revive and strengthen the traditional system of biodiversity management. The NGO used a process oriented learning approach rather a top-down system of project implementation. The focus was to build sustained performance improvement rather than time bound completion of the project. The project revived the traditional 'ORAN' (sacred groves) system which is an in_situ conservation technique to preserve endemic, endengered, threatened species, medicinal plants and wild variety of cultivaters in integrated. Water harvesting structure or Johad were constructed in/around thw 'orans' and the strong links between nature, religion, science and tradition in the community were strengthened.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Krishi Avam Paristhiki Vikas Sanstha

Country:

India

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Phase 2

Grant Amount:

US$ 11,547.30

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 261.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 239.00

Project Number:

SGP/CCF/IND/OP2/02/RJ03

Start Date:

1/2002

End Date:

12/2002

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Policy Impact

A study was conducted on Orans and documentation undertaken on the legends, history, preservation and traditional management of the Orans. A state level workshop was conducted and an exhibition on Oran was developed and shared with the local government and partners.

Replication of project activities

Based on the impacts of the completed project, discussions are on with the organization for replicating the activity over a larger geographical area.

Gender Focus

People?s Institutions especially Mahila Mandals (Women?s SHGs) were formed and strengthened in every village as independent institutions and capacities were enhanced to manage and maintain the Orans.

Notable Community Participation

The NGO used a process oriented learning approach rather a top-down system of project implementation. The local level participation encouraged the NGO to reach the remote areas and involve diverse communities. The NGO devised and introduced procedures based on field level realities and the experience has been shared at different forums. Water harvesting structures were constructed in the Orans with the involvement of the community, thereby re-charging the nearby wells and ground water. Plantation and in-situ conservation activities were carried out and the Orans were developed as model biodiversity conservation sanctuaries.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The project had positive effect on the livelihoods of the community through increasing ground water and surface water availability through water harvesting measures. Fodder availability for cattle was also increased through increase in vegetation cover and controlled grazing.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project is implemented by generating awareness of villagers, especially women, the government officials and Local self government in village level natural resource management. A study was conducted on Orans and documentation undertaken on the legends, history, preservation and traditional management of the Orans and was disseminated amongst the community and other stakeholders.

Capacity - Building Component

The project was implemented by building capacities of villagers, especially women and following a participatory approach involving the community, the government officials and Local self government in village level natural resource management. Water harvesting and structures were constructed to increase ground water availability and 3 Orans (Traditional Grasslands) were developed as model biodiversity conservation sanctuaries by strengthening community capacities and decision making.

Planning non gef grant

The replication effort is being discussed with the state government, the district administration and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for support from their sides.

Project Results

Three Orans were revived on 40 hectares land, the Orans are serving as a source of drinking water, resting and roosting site of flora and fauna and refugia for bio-genetic diversity and gene pool conservation. 54 species of wild animal and 27 species of birds documented in the Orand in Alwar district and grazing ground has been ensured for 3,000 livestock within the project area. A cadre of 30 women and local youth have been trained on management and maintenance of the Orans for sustainability. Traditional system of biodiversity conservation of Orans has been revived and the Orans are being used sustainably as a source of fodder, fuel, timber, berries, roots and herbs for the local community. Revival of Orans as grazing grounds has reduced pressure on the Sariska Wildlife sanctuary and rural pastoralist population of 9,000 benefited from the interventions.

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