Berhampur: Berhampur University is embarking on an extensive study to address human-wildlife conflicts in the Eastern Ghats.
Supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), this longitudinal study seeks to create socio-ecological models to reduce confrontations with elephants, blackbucks, leopards, and snakes, as announced by university officials on Sunday.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Geetanjali Dash, stated that the ICSSR has allocated Rs 2 crore for this project. Partners include Berhampur University’s Department of Environmental Science, MDS University in Ajmer, XIM University in Bhubaneswar, and the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD).
The study’s completion will lead to policy recommendations for both central and state governments, emphasizing socio-economic and technological interventions to address human-wildlife conflicts. A professor involved in the research highlighted that land-use changes, substitution of natural vegetation, and electric fence installations are factors leading to these conflicts.
The project will utilize a citizen science approach, developing a mobile app for community engagement. The government intends to set up an early warning system to alert about wildlife presence, pinpointing hotspots and areas for coexistence. The project’s results are expected to foster micro and small-scale entrepreneurship in villages, creating sustainable livelihoods and decreasing dependence on forest resources, thereby reducing human-wildlife interactions.
