Results and Discussion
- Cluster development approach for Uttara Kannada
Sector-wise cluster development approach is inherent and is gaining importance in Karnataka. For instance, in the field of crop production, Bangalore urban and Rural, Kolar and Tumkur constitute a mango cluster targeting production of export-quality mangoes. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Kolar make a cashew cluster. Most of the Malnadu districts of the State belong to a cocoa cluster and so on. An all sector-integrated, ecology-based cluster approach is lacking so far.
A taluk-wise clustering of Uttara Kannada has been proposed in Figure 1 for the ecology-integrated sustainable development. In each taluk, the taluk headquarter along with adjoining gram panchayats will constitute one cluster. The coastal gram panchayats are grouped into coastal clusters (Figure 2.1) in view of their proximity to sea, marine fishing as a form major livelihood, their threats from sea level rise and sea erosion in future, nearness or inclusion of estuaries and creeks—which themselves are highly productive ecosystems, low, hilly lateritic terrain, the possible compacted deposits of ancient Gondwanaland erosion, with specialized ecosystems and so on. The inner coastal panchayats bordering on Western Ghats are grouped into separate clusters. If major west-flowing rivers intervene in the landscape, the gram panchayats on either sides are grouped into separate clusters (Figure 2.2). In the Malnadu taluks, the eastern relatively drier gram panchayats and western ones along the crest of the Western Ghats—clad in mainly evergreen forests—make separate clusters. The Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve—including Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary—along with associated villages, constitute one cluster (Figure 2.2). In this cluster, developmental activities are primarily related to eco-tourism and the associated areas, considering the sensitivity of the conservation area. In Mundgod and Haliyal, the taluks merging with the Deccan zone (Figure 2.3), the GPs of relatively flatter eastern portions having numerous ponds and lakes are brought in clusters, separated from those bordering Malnadu forests. Development activities are proposed considering the terrain, landscape elements, ecology, farming systems, associated human life etc. The resulting clusters form self-reinforcing networks of local industries, research institutions, universities, financial bodies and public sector organizations characterized by a high level of competition and collaboration.
6.1 Cluster facilitators and need for institutional structure for implementation: Village panchayats form ideal units for implementation of cluster approach for integrated eco-friendly development. The success of cluster-based development programmes will depend on the active participation of facilitators. The various government departments, financial institutions and NGOs will have active roles to play in the success of the integrated cluster-based approach. In addition, there is also need for district- and taluk-level facilitator committees for scrutinzation of developmental plans and review of progress achieved. The role of some facilitators, for instance, is indicated below.
6.2 Forest and wildlife departments: As forests constitute a major asset of the district, the Forest department needs to be strengthened with more workforce. With regards to development of nurseries, local people need to be involved and are to be encouraged and guided to make nurseries of forest trees and medicinal plants (Coscinium fenestratum, Nothapodytes nimmoniana, Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis, Saraca indica, Terminalia bellirica, Adhatoda vasica, Rauwolfia serpentina, Tinospora cordifolia etc). It is suggested to look into the feasibility of purchase of medicinal plants or their products by the Forest Department, or by the local VFCs, from the producers at fair prices and also the sale/supply of these goods to pharmaceutical companies are to be undertaken by the Forest Department itself. This recommendation is being made to stop rampant illegal collection and trade of medicinal plants from the wild. The local ayurvedic pharmaceuticals (within the district) and local people are to be engaged in the cultivation, and value addition to medicinal plants be supplied with medicinal plants/products on priority basis to enrich the local economy and employment potential.
6.3 NTFP collection, developing beekeeping involving forests and mangroves and value addition: Contract system for collection of NTFP from forests found to be highly detrimental to forests and biodiversity and economic well-being of local people be stopped forthwith and co-management system involving local people be adopted. Production of bamboo-based products by local craftsman and effective utilization of bamboo for local development is important. As beekeeping is recommended as an important activity for almost all clusters, roadsides, common lands, under-stocked or degraded forest patches around villages are to be planted with appropriate nectar plant species. Use of alternative energy sources replacing firewood. Development of bettas (minor forests) for tree farming, medicinal plants and fodder. Promoting backwater, mangrove, beach tourism, development of rural tourism and home stays in the vicinity of forests and wildlife areas. Regular conduct of training in bird watching, wildlife studies, trekking trails, hygiene and solid waste management involving VFCs, local youth in forest and wildlife related tourism areas be arranged with view of generating eco-friendly employment potential. Utilization of weeds and harvestable trees/tree parts, bamboos, canes etc., from plantations or other designated areas for vegetable dyes, medicines, weaving, furniture, handmade paper, sports goods production. Awareness creation and conservation of sacred groves, sacred kans, which are biodiversity- and hydrology-significant areas and still playing unique cultural roles in rural society. All hydrologically significant forest patches, as indicated, for instance, by high Western Ghats endemism among trees, be preserved both for the sake of perenniality (i.e. 12 months water availability) of water courses and for their biodiversity content. The Department to consider pooling back good part of income from VFC-managed areas into sustainable income generating activities in the cluster level.
6.4 District Industries Centre (DIC): Main focus agency for promotion of small scale and cottage industries, which include easy registration of small scale and cottage industries, infrastructure assistance, investment subsidies, linking with the employment generation programmes, entrepreneurship development programmes, technical training, assisting in sale of products, buyer-seller meets and not allowing polluting (new red and orange category) industries in Malnadu and coastal taluks. Orange category may be considered under strict norms and social audit, away from biodiversity centres.
6.5 Tourism department: Integrated community-based eco-tourism development is being conceptualized to benefit some clusters of adjoining local self-government units as a strategy to address high incidence of poverty among the communities, while such areas are teeming with tourism potential. This includes developing integrated community-based eco-tourism, assistance in building aesthetic cottages/rooms as part of home stays of bona fide locals or local VFCs. Local grass root level tourism related enterprises to be preferred against construction and commercial lobby, developing tourism awareness in the appropriate panchayat clusters. Conducting programmes on safeguarding local cultures, performing arts and biodiversity. Providing necessary registration/licenses for village home stays (managed by individuals/VFCs/communities) and requires to publish details of home stays in the government portals. Training youth in tourism/home stay management and fostering tourism related entrepreneurship among the local people to increase self-employment opportunities in rural areas and small towns.
6.6 Horticulture department: The responsibilities include facilitate farming of desired crops only under insurance coverage, training women in preservation of fruits and vegetables, and promoting organic cultivation for exports and Indian markets.
6.7 Financial institutions: Government financing and micro-financing institutions to step in to promote cluster-level development programmes through local panchayats, VFCs, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), NGOs, departments, societies etc. Financing from charitable and voluntary organizations, and NGOs and not-for-profit financiers to be considered and may be recommended by related departments. Crop insurance, preferably, in identified human-wildlife conflict zone is highly necessary for future of biodiversity conservation. Financial literacy is very critical for the envisaged participatory development programmes.
6.8 Mining and Geology: Mining in the ecologically fragile regions such as Western Ghats to be phased out. Mining for building stones/jelly be limited to meet local demands, and in any case, not to be transported out of the district. Sand mining in the rivers and estuaries is to be limited strictly for use within the district. Considering coastal laterite as Gondwanaland soil/rock deposit, and its limited nature, its special ecosystem value sustaining rare and unique biodiversity, laterite quarrying from coastal hills should be limited to meeting local demands. Laterite transport to outside the district is to be banned. Mining of stones/sand/shell etc. from VFC/BMC jurisdiction areas be limited to local use and, in any case, not to be transported outside local area/district as is deemed fit by the joint decision of VFC-BMC and Forest and Mining-Geology departments.
6.9 Education department (Primary and Secondary): The environment education initiatives with high school students and teachers show they are effective in documenting many aspects of biodiversity and related knowledge existing at village level. Within a reasonable time, say one or two days spent on motivating and familiarizing them with the concepts of biodiversity documentation and data collection formats, they could contribute substantially towards building up a dynamic database at village-level that is ready for integration into the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). They are more effective in meeting and interviewing organic farmers, in noting down details on traditional cultivars, collecting details on sacred groves, major wildlife related details etc.
6.10 District administration/Zilla panchayat: Thin plastic carry bags production and sale to be banned, to promote locally-produced cloth and paper bags. Hoteliers and bulk purchasers of milk to purchase milk in larger containers, which the milk producers are to use mandatorily and need-based. Use of plastic disposable cups and plates to be banned to reduce environmental hazards and to provide market for locally produced biodegradable eco-friendly materials made up of say areca-spathe or washable utensils. Government institutions, offices, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, temples, hoteliers and roadside eateries, and bulk caterers have to comply with such norms. Imposition of fines/cleaning charges be levied on polluters at all levels. Toilet facilities, within the reach of every household, are to be provided. Villages where open defecation is preferred, Zilla panchayats should introduce eco-friendly community sanitation facilities.