Ethnographic study of the research
6.2 Case Study: Two Mangalogdi ecotourism trust
Mangalajodi village is situated on a huge marshland along the northern edge of Chilika Lake. The area (about 10
sq.km) is primarily a fresh water zone connected, by channels cutting through the reed beds, with the brackish water of Chilika lagoon. The numerous channels that crisscross through the greenery, harbours thousands of water birds, both migratory and resident. The place is a
waterfowl haven. Its vast wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds from far-off places in the Siberian region and other parts of the world, yes, of course tourists, researchers and bird lovers. Its vast wetlands host more than 1, 50,000 of birds of different species in the peak season. November to March is the best time to enjoy an amazing experience of a visit to this haven. It has been declared as an “Important Bird Area (IBA)" by Birdlife International. A
Figure: 6 .2 A view of the marshland and a creek
72 community based institution known as Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust has evolved in this ecosystem during the last sixteen years with specific Goal and Objective of protecting and developing this once deteriorating ecosystem to a birds’ paradise while providing economic sustenance to the local people who once earned their livelihood from hunting migratory birds.
Mangalajodi Ecotourism is supporting community, culture and conservation efforts. Mangalajodi inhabits poachers-turned-conservationists, who were known for poaching birds and selling it in nearby markets. Even Mangalajodi was known as “Poachers village”. After over a decade long persuasion by NGOs, government and other agencies managed to convince them to be partners in conservation and convert them into protectors. Transition was not easy but continuous efforts through awareness and support from different agencies proved effective. A people centric community-based Institution have been facilitated and Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust (MET) was born. The board of trustees are involved from inception to ensure their ownership and capacity enhancement to run the enterprise. From last 6-7 years of its existence, MET played a crucial role in the village to offer tourism services to the inbound and out bound visitors. IGS team is extending the handholding support to the trust to ensure that MET will manage the enterprise in post project scenario. The strategy of IGS and RBS FI is to develop systems and processes of MET to involve actively in managing the enterprise. So that, once the partnership withdrawn, MET will able to operate successfully
It is a jewel in the ecological treasure of India. It's the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia and declared as wetland of international importance under Ramsar Convention (1971) in Egypt on account of its rich biodiversity (Kishore & Shibalal, 2003) which qualifies it to be an important common
73 globally. The area covered by the lake is 1055 sq. km which swells to 1165 sq. km. during rainy season and shrink to 906 sq. km during summers.
Mangalajodi is a village situated in the Northern sector of Chilika Lake.
Mangalajodi is an Important Bird area (IBA) as designated by Birdlife International which identified a total of 2,293 IBAs in all 28 countries and territories in the Asia region. IBA cover a total area of 2,331,560 km2, equivalent to 7.6% of the region's land area (Birdlife International) and are considered as priority sites for conservation. Being an important bird habitat specially for waterfowl and a forgotten but sustainable village life style highlighting minimal dependence on external resources qualify it to be an important ecotourism destination supporting conservation initiatives and local livelihoods.
Figure:6.3. Map showing the regional location of Mangalogdi ecotourism near chilika lagoon
Source: Case study location Mangalajodi ecotourism
74 From Conservation Effort to Ecotourism Development in Mangalogdi ecotourism village:
Mangalajodi, a picturesque village on the bank of Chilika1 Lagoon, known for its marshes and water fowl congregations, the wetland of Mangalajodi hosts over 200 species of birds during the peak season, of which 115 are migratory.
Two decades back, the villagers often associated with poaching of birds. A census in year 2000 counted a mere 5,000 birds in the region. Dwindling bird population stimulated various agencies to initiate a concerted effort to reverse the situation. It focused on making people involved and sensitive towards the importance of Mangalajodi wetland and converting them to conservators.
To realize the essence of complexities, RBS Foundation India partnered with Indian Grameen Services to create livelihoods through ecotourism as a vehicle of change. It was not an easy task to change the mindset of the hardcore poachers and bringing them mainstream, many organizations put their effort in reverse the situation. Lot of community consultations and capacity building efforts made a momentum of change. A community owned social enterprise evolved in the process “Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust” managing responsible tourism.
Now-a-days, the erstwhile poachers of Mangalajodi actively patrol and protect birds in its marshes. Born in the lap of nature, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department; take tourists for birding trips.
Protection has saved not only birds, but also benefited its rich biodiversity, including among others, fishes, snakes, monitor lizards and the rare fishing cats. The innovative approach that led down, where communities at the center and played a crucial role between Conservation and Tourism significantly boosting local economy and employment, merits for this award.
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