Lantana camara is one of the most invasive weeds whose growth is unmatched due to its high adaptability. It grows on wide range of habitats which include sea level, mountains and rainfall areas. The dangerous part is that it hampers the growth of other plants. Hence, it becomes a challenge for forest departments to get rid of this weed in the greater interest of forest conservation.
The forest department of Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, under the leadership of Conservator of Forests and Field Director Dr. Ramesh Kumar P, found out a way to remove the lantana and make it useful, at the same time. They started a programme through which, they collect the lantanas, train the tribals to make handicrafts out of these, and also provide a space to sell the finished products. In this way, they are creating a livelihood opportunity for the tribals by using the invasive weed.
In conversation with Indian Masterminds, Field Director Dr. Ramesh explained the initiative in detail.
JOINT INITIATIVE
The lantana initiative is a joint venture programme of the Zilla Panchayat of Chamarajnagar and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Recently, Union Cabinet Minister of Labour and Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the Exhibition cum Sale counter of Lantana Craft Stall, under the ‘Tribal Livelihood Program: Converting Lantana Weed into Wealth through Craft Making’ in Bandipur.
EMPLOYING BANDIPUR ADIVASIS
Bandipur is home to many indigenous Dravidian Adivasis like Yeravas, Paniyas, Jenu Kurubas, Betta Kurubas, Odigas and Soligas, who were hunter-gatherers and honey gatherers. There are about 33 tribal colonies located around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve of marginalised communities dependent on only wage employment.
Most of them are employed by the Karnataka Forest Department as Anti-Poaching Camp Watchers, Forest Fire Watchers, Fire Line Cutting Workers, etc. Some are permanently employed as watchers for supporting regular beats and also in the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF).
Dr. Ramesh said, “These tribes were organized into Eco-Development committees (EDC) and Self-Help Groups (SHG). Bandipur Tiger Reserve has 44 EDCs that are working with us on various issues.”
LANTANA MENACE
About 38% of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (362,10 hectare) area is dominated by high density lantana camara making it impenetrable for wild animals. Another 50% (470,15 hectare) area is covered with moderate density lantana camara, where few other plants are also present. Remaining 12% (114,00 hectare) is covered with low density lantana camara.
Hence, to improve the wildlife habitat, the first step was to convert the lantana-infested areas into productive grasslands, and do it in a way to provide livelihood opportunity to the locals.
“Our goal is tribal welfare and upliftment through imparting training and skill development on alternative livelihood options like Lantana craft making and marketing the final products through the forest department. We need help to achieve this, so we collaborated with Zilla Panchayat, Chamarajanagar, ATREE, Bengaluru, and other NGO’s and tribal organizations”, said the officer
PROVIDING TRAINING TO TRIBALS
Firstly, the lantana camara was removed manually under
MGNREGA scheme, CAMPA scheme and CSR schemes of various corporates. Once, it was removed manually, the tribal groups were allowed to come and pick the lantana poles or stems as per their requirement for various crafts.
“With the help of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, we started imparting skill development training to these tribes on how to make lantana handicrafts from the stems and branches. Trainers were invited and stayed in the villages for the intensive hands-on training and skill development of the participants,” said Dr. Ramesh.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also providing dedicated stall for marketing of these lantana products at Bandipur Safari Complex, Melukamanahalli. An assorment of products like like basket, tepoy, bookstand, key bunch, bird’s nest, gift tray, fruit basket, furniture, etc., are on display.
Bandipur Safari Complex, Melukamanahalli, is located at the heart of Mysore-Ooty Main Road, where there is huge tourist inflow. This will facilitate the easy marketing of these products, Dr. Ramesh said, adding that they are planning to market and supply these lantana crafts to all resorts on demand through marketing agencies in Mysuru and Bengaluru.
