The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its rich biodiversity. Joida and Dandeli, located at its heart, are not only home to diverse flora and fauna but have also become popular tourist destinations. In an effort to combine conservation with community development, TERRE organized a Bird Watching Guide Training Program for local youth at Hakkimane Homestay.
The primary goal of this initiative was to create employment opportunities while fostering a sense of responsibility for the conservation of birds and their habitats. Participants were equipped with knowledge of bird identification, guiding techniques, and ecological awareness.
Training Overview:
Dates: 24/03/2025 - 26/03/2025
Participants: 10 local youth, including former bird hunters.
Training Focus:
Bird identification and behavior analysis.
Ethical guiding practices.
Conservation concepts
Field visits and practical learning
Economic opportunities through bird tourism
Field Visits
To enhance practical knowledge, the participants visited notable birdwatching locations:
Ganeshgudi - Old Magazine House: Known for its birding hide, it provided participants with opportunities to observe various bird species up close.
Ashokavana and Backwaters: Participants explored these areas to study water birds and their habitats.
Kaadumane Honey Park: India's first honey park, where they learned about the vital relationship between honeybees and the environment.
Kaadumane Homestay: A two-time national award-winning homestay, where participants received training in hospitality and sustainable tourism.
Impact of the Training
The program successfully brought about positive changes:
Hunter to Conservator Transformation: Former bird hunters were motivated to become protectors of birds.
Economic Empowerment: Participants understood the financial potential of ecotourism and guiding.
Employment Creation: Opportunities were created for sustainable livelihoods.
Knowledge Enhancement: Initially, participants could identify only 4-5 bird species. By the end of the training, they confidently identified 40-50 species.
Resource Persons
Several experts contributed their knowledge and experience to the training sessions:
Rajani Rao: Birdwatcher, trainer, and renowned birding guide.
Vinayak Sir: Central government-certified naturalist, JLR Karnataka.
Suresh: Naturalist with extensive field experience.
Narasimha Bhat: Naturalist and owner of Kaadumane Homestay.
Suresh Desai: Local wildlife enthusiast.
Ramachandra: Representative from the Karnataka Forest Department.
Additionally, other experienced guides conducted sessions on specialized topics.
Conclusion
The TERRE Bird Watching Guide Training has made a significant impact on both the participants and the environment. By transforming former hunters into conservationists and providing them with sustainable livelihoods, the program has contributed to the protection of the Western Ghats' rich avian biodiversity.
This initiative serves as a model for balancing conservation with community development, fostering a brighter future for both the region's natural heritage and its people.
