Context:

Kerala has launched a 45-day mitigation programme on September 16 to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict across rural and forest-adjacent areas. The initiative, led by the Forest Department, aims to address the root causes of these conflicts and provide solutions for the affected communities in three phases.

About 45-day mitigation programme:

The 45-day mitigation programme will be implemented in three phases—the first phase will be quick resolution of complaints through help desks at range offices, the second phase will be resolving complex cases by the district-level committee, and the third phase will see the state government formulating long-term policies to ensure permanent solutions.

About Human-Wildlife Conflict:

• Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) occurs when human activities intersect with wildlife habitats, leading to loss of property, livelihoods, and even lives.
• This conflict is recognized as a global challenge that hinders sustainable development, food security, and conservation efforts, impacting both humans and wildlife. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s post-2020 global biodiversity framework acknowledges HWC as a significant concern.

Causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict:

• Population Pressure & Encroachments: Growing human populations push settlements into protected areas, increasing encounters.
• Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: In places like Kaziranga, infrastructure developments fragment wildlife corridors, leading to conflict.
• Decline in Habitat Quality: Commercial plantations like acacia and eucalyptus in forests degrade natural habitats.
• Changing Agricultural Practices: Modern farming methods draw wildlife out of forests in search of food, leading to more frequent human-wildlife interactions.

Consequences of Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Human Impact: Between 2021 and 2025, 344 lives were lost in Kerala due to wildlife incidents.
• Economic Toll: Farmers lose 10–15% of annual crops to animals like elephants and wild boars.
• Wildlife at Risk: Animals often face retaliation or accidents, affecting conservation efforts.
• Fiscal Burden: Kerala spent ₹79.3 crore over 6 years on compensation and protection measures.

Government Initiatives to Prevent Human-Wildlife Conflict

• National HWC Mitigation Strategy: Focuses on early warning, preventive measures, and capacity building.
• CAMPA Funds: Support afforestation, habitat improvement, and waterhole creation.
• Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Such as Project Tiger, offering financial aid for wildlife conservation.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer zones regulate human activities around protected areas.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening Habitat Connectivity: Redevelop wildlife corridors and sensitize communities about coexisting with animals.
• Promoting Coexistence: Focus on peaceful coexistence, integrating HWC mitigation into urban planning.
• Building Barriers: Solar-powered fencing and bio-fencing can deter wildlife from entering settlements.
• Early Warning Systems: Use technology like GPS tracking and motion sensors to alert communities about wildlife presence.

Conclusion

The three-phase mitigation programme in Kerala is a crucial step towards reducing human-wildlife conflict. With the involvement of local communities, government officials, and conservationists, Kerala hopes to establish a comprehensive approach to managing this issue, which can serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.