A compilation of Ecologically Sensible Good Practices
Imprints of Ecological Footprints ‌. A compilation of Ecologically Sensible Good Practices Aug 2016 Authors: MV Rama Chandrudu Beneta Mahanta Waseem Mohammad Anitha Reddy V MB Vali Saab Editors: K Suresh MV Rama Chandrudu Visuals:Cheriyal Nakashi Artists Family - Shri D Vaikuntam and his family members Mrs. D Vanaja (wife); D Vinay and D Rakesh (sons). Design and Layout : Ankush Copy Left : These case studies could be used for non-commercial use, with proper acknowledgement. Supported by : Indian Foundation for Humanistic Development, Bengaluru Produced by : WASSAN (Watershed Support Services and Activities Network) Produced for Leaders For Nature Program. This program is collectively organized by CII; Hivos; IUCN; Wild Life Trust of India. IFHD is anchoring the Leaders for Nature Program. Published by: IFHD, Bengaluru
Acknowledgements I am very happy to present "Imprints of Ecological Footprints ‌. A compilation of Ecologically Sensible Good Practices". I take this opportunity to thank all organizations and individuals who contributed to the process of documenting these good practices. They were kind to frankly share with us their experiences, thoughts, challenges and achievements. They also shared relevant data to substantiate any critical point from their experiences. Some of them even prepared the first drafts of these case studies. They also revised them, based on our feedback. All the organizations/ individuals happily gave consent for publishing these case studies and using them for learning purposes under "Leaders for Nature" program of IFHD, IUCN, CII, Hivos and Wild Life Trust of India. The entire process of producing this compilation was an enriching and fruitful experience. It is also a humbling experience for us to learn several lessons from these interactions and visits to several villages/ sites. We genuinely believe that this compilation truly enriches the learning processes of "Leaders for Nature" program. The Writeshop was one of the important events of this process. We got guidance and feedback on the '0' drafts from the participants of the writeshop. This was useful in refining the initial drafts. The participants of writeshop also made important suggestions on the presentation and utility of these case studies. From their busy schedules, they spared few days for refining these case studies, which is a very kind gesture. I thank everyone who participated in the writeshop. Their inputs are invaluable. I thank Ms. Aruna Rangachar Pohl, IFHD for having faith in WASSAN and entrusting us the responsibility of compiling these case studies. She is an active team member at all critical stages of the project and guided us on choice of case studies, structure/ framework, presentation, etc. The partnership with IFHD is really cherished by all of us, at WASSAN.
I also thank the family of artists of Cheriyal - Shri D Vaikuntam, Mrs D Vanaja, Mr D Vinay and D Rakesh, who visualized these experiences in their own unique style. My team -MB Vali, Anitha Vustela, Waseem Mohammad, Benita Mahanta, Radhashree who spent considerable time on this agenda. I also thank K Suresh for providing editorial inputs and support at various stages of this process. MV Rama Chandrudu WASSAN Aug 2016
Foreword It is almost three decades back, the threats to "Our Common Future" were formally identified and deliberations started gaining more steam and support from governments too‌ (Our Common Future,Gro Harlem Brundtland, 1987). Climate Change and its implications were also slowly getting recognized during this period. The need for "producing more with less" was also part of this thinking process, as a means to address the challenges of the future. Over a period of time, the world witnessed more economic distress, unemployment, political turmoil and ecological disasters across different countries and regions of world. Those early predictions seemed to be less threatening than the current reality. The global gloom got predictable companions - unscrupulous industrial growth, irresponsible urbanization, careless global politics, dishonest governments, self-centric citizenship, which tried to glorify the current trends as achievements and inevitable solutions. In the middle of such despair and misery, there is a hope. "Imprints of Ecological Footprints - A Compilation of Ecologically Sensible Good Practices" is a compendium of good practices that brings the efforts made by relentless civil society organizations, citizens and community based organizations, to change the direction of this trend. These experiences bring cheer and hope in the lives of thousands of rural, tribal and urban citizens in India, who are part of these experiences. They were able to take a different path that is less travelled and troublesome. There were several challenges, at each step and milestone. But they continued their journey and proved that "producing more with less" is possible. They also ensured that the ecological and environmentally sustainable processes are feasible for improving economic standards and quality of life of poor communities. These case studies give a hope and confidence that we can face the cruel world and transform the same into a comfortable place for all - including endangered species, poor and marginalized communities. While Corporate Social Responsibility is gaining more support
from governments, corporate agencies and development agencies, these experiences provide guidance and help them to think about alternatives. These experiences help the willing and discerning development agencies and investors in social change, to transcend the mundane "photo stories" of majority of current CSR interventions. They provide an array of options, strategies and ideas that proved themselves in different parts of the country. I thank all the organizations and agencies who shared their stories - highs and lows of it, with us frankly and completely. I thank them for providing leadership on the chosen theme - promoting biodiversity; conservation and governance of natural resources; promoting ecologically sensitive production processes; enhancing livelihoods by developing environmentally harmonious economic models and several others. These experiences are invaluable and are certainly useful for provoking thoughts in the minds of participants of "Leaders for Nature" programs, which are jointly organized by IFHD, IUCN, CII, Wild Life Trust of India, HIVOS and other like-minded organizations. I thank WASSAN for producing this compilation of case studies and supporting us in this endeavor.
Aruna Rangachar Pohl IFHD, Bengaluru Aug 2016
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4 Swimming Camels
C
amel is known as the ship of the desert. Camels have been supporting human life in most arid and tough climatic conditions of deserts, for generations…. But, do you know that camels can also swim in creeks and thrive on mangrove forests? And these camels are lifeline of the people living in the Kutch region of Gujarat? In 2010 Bhikhabhai Rabari, a seasoned pastoralist in Kutch region, Gujarat shared in a Sahajeevan meeting that the camels in their village swim in the water and feed on mangrove forests. But nobody could believe this. Bhikhabhai Rabari further explained that there are two types of camel breeds in Kutch region. The first is the popular Kutchi breed and the second is the lesser known “Kharai” breed. Kharai camel is probably the only domesticated animal species that lives in dual ecosystems - dryland as well as aquatic. Kharai camel can easily swim in sea water and reach small islands in the creeks of Gulf of Kutch and Khambhat. While the bull camel is used for draft purposes, the cow camel is used for milk purpose. Many families in coastal region of Kutch region maintain both the camel breeds. Swimming Camels
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Sahajeevan, a development agency, Sale of young and adult camels to Rabaris focuses on improving and other communities is the main source of livelihoods of pastoral income of Kharai Camel Breeders. The Rabaris community in the Kutch use the camels for drafting carts/ transporting region. Field visits to goods. Milk is generally fed to the camel calves Bhikhabhai’s village and and consumed by the breeder’s family. Camel further discussions with wool is mostly used to prepare Cheko/ veno for camel pastoralists and the cow camel, to avoid milk suckling by calves. experts revealed that the Few breeders engage in dry-land agriculture and Kharai breed is facing grow crops like bajra, mung, moth and jowar. several problems. These Camel breeders stay in temporary huts, are: dwindling population; locally called ‘Pakkha’. The breeders follow shrinking grazing lands; unique grazing practices for Kharai camel. They reduced demand and do not provide special housing/ shelter for their health problems. As this is camels. During monsoon, Kharai camels stay in considered to be an bets (islands) for 2-3 months as fresh water is indistinct breed, complete available due to storage of rainwater. In summer details are also not and winter Kharai camels are taken to bets near available. However, creeks for grazing on mangroves. They return Sahajeevan realized that to the mainland once in 2-3 days for fresh water. Even camel calves can swim the sea during low there is an urgent need to tide. Besides, mangroves, Kharai camel feeds on act on this issue. other saline trees, shrubs and grass species like Sahajeevan motivated Kharijar (Salvadora Persica), lano (Suedas app). Kutch Camel Breeders The grazing range is around 10-15 from the Association to collaborate contd.... in registering (formal Surviving Deserts, Creeks and Coasts of Kutch – With Kharai Camels
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recognition for this breed of ...contd camel) and conserving the village. Rotation system is followed to avoid Kharai breed. This is a story overgrazing. An adult camel requires 20-40 of a unique journey that liters of water per day. Generally, the animals began in 2010, for are given water during noon. Some of the common diseases of camels are improving the livelihoods Trypanosomiasis, Mange/ skin infection, of families dependent on arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, abortion Kharai camels. and some respiratory infections. It is interesting to note that majority of By February 2015, the Kharai breeders belong to Fakirani National Bureau of Animal community, while members from Rabari Genetic Resources, community keep the herds of Kharai camels. Haryana has recognized These two communities are living in harmony Kharai breed as the 9 th since ages. camel breed of India with accession number - INDIA_CAMEL_0400_KHARAI_02009. Out of the earlier 8 registered camel breeds, five breeds (Marwadi, Mewadi, Bikaneri, Jalori, Jaisalmeri) are exclusively from Rajasthan; one breed (Mewati) is found both in Rajasthan & Haryana; one breed (Malvi) from Madhya Pradesh & one breed (Katchi) from Gujarat.
Anand Agriculture University (AAU), Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Gujarat, ICCO and FAO are prominent partners in this initiative called “Documenting and Supporting Community Based Conservation of Kharai Camel Breed”. This was part of “Global Plan of Action for AnGR (Animal Genetic Resources) in India” funded by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) through Seva - Madurai. As a result of the recognition, the central/ state governments would take up necessary steps for improving its population. Swimming Camels
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Generally breed Selection Criteria for breeding bulls recognition and Breeding bulls are changed every 3-4 years registration processes are and new bulls are brought from other herds to anchored by scientific/ prevent inbreeding. Selection criteria for research institutions as it breeding bulls include: well-built body, hump requires considerable thickness, body colour, thin skin, long and thin technical and professional leg, size of chest pads, scrotum position, length expertise on genetics and and development. related subjects. Kutch Camel Breeders Association Sahajeevan and Kutch This is a unique community based Camel Breeder Association organization that was promoted by Sahajeevan. collectively worked for There are 385 members in this CBO, out of preparation of breed which 72 are Kharai camel breeders. These descriptor. The Project breeders are from 10 villages and belong to was launched on 22nd June Kandi (Fakirani/ Jat) and Rabari communities. 2013, on the occasion of These members had 2173 Kharai camels in 2011. World Camel Day. This CBO was formally registered as Kutch Unt Population estimation of Uccherak Maldhari Sangathan (KUUMS) in Kharai camel was carried 2011. in Kutch and other costal districts of Gujarat like Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Anand and Vadodara. Socioeconomic survey of 25 Kharai camel breeders in 8 Villages of Kutch was undertaken. More than 150 cow camels & 6 bull camels (age : > 4 years) were selected for physical characterization. Biometric measurements were taken for all these selected camels and for 25 male calves & 25 female calves (age : <3 months). Milk production during lactation period was recorded from 105 selected and tagged cow camels Swimming Camels
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of 23 breeders. Fat & SNF % was collected from 113 milk samples. Birth weight was recorded for 34 male and 34 female calves using spring balance. Adult Kharai camels were also weighed using truck weighbridge. For reproduction and hair production data, structured interviews were done on 50 Kharai camel breeders. For hair growth and other parameters 25 samples were collected (13 of Kharai camels and 12 of Kutchi camels). Three Kharai breeders were interviewed focusing on the importance of registration and conservation of the Kharai camel breed. Anand Agriculture University (AAU), Gujarat
Importance of Gene Pool and Role of Local Communities in its Conservation and Protection Gujarat has considerable biodiversity in livestock. Within Gujarat, Kutch district has a wide range of unique livestock species such as Banni Buffalo, Kankrej Cow, Katchi Goat, Patanwadi and Marwadi Sheep, Kutchi and Kharai Camel, Kutch Horse, Kutchi Donkey. Life in arid region mainly depends on livestock and camel has been considered as the lifeline of desert ecosystem. Rich livestock diversity in the district is attributed to the hard work of local pastoral communities who have been conserving and protecting the gene pool suited to the local ecosystem. While a species originates through natural selection, a breed originates through selective breeding. The breeders selectively breed for the desired characters from the animal stock they have which results in a new breed with unique characters. This is practiced from time immemorial and closely linked to the life style of pastorals and evolution of mankind. All the breeds originated through this process. Survival in harsh conditions, productivity, vigour and efficiency in specific use are the most preferred characteristics that the breeders seek. The registration of the breeds bestows the ownership of the gene pool on the breeder communities who protected and developed them through the centuries. 42
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collaborated with Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Gujarat to carry out molecular characterization of the breed using 100 blood samples. The formal recognition/ registration of Kharai breed gives in the following advantages: a. Protecting the gene pool of this unique camel species, b. Designing of special government programs/ policies for conserving the species, and c. Ensuring that the purity of the breed and its characteristics are retained. The Government sanctioned Rs. 430 crores for establishing camel milk dairy in Gujarat. Under anti surra health camps government is providing Rs. 30 Lakhs per year. Sahajeevan submitted a proposal for conservation and livelihood development of camel pastoralists under a central government scheme for threatened breeds. During the process, Kutch Camel Breeders Association started addressing some of the pressing needs of the camel breeders and owners. It organized health camps and conducted experiments on products with camel wool and milk. It documented traditional knowledge on livestock health care and medicinal properties of local herbs and how to use them. Similarly, Sahajeevan is in the process of developing an action plan for protecting grazing lands for Kharai camels, and is mapping them. Kutch Camel Breeders Association, Sahajeevan, Sarhad dairy and Department of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat are planning to establish a camel milk dairy in Kutch region. This would provide marketing support to camel milk and other products. One of the hurdles in the process is that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has to accord formal recognition for camel milk as food item. After this, a cooperative to collect/ sell camel milk could be established. 44
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Formal registration of the breed is only a first step. There are several hurdles on the path of sustainable growth of livelihoods of camel dependent communities. The industrial corridor (salt industry, thermal power industry, cement factories, ship yards/ ports and industries) of Kutch region is slowly, but surely killing the mangroves and other natural resources of the region. The wild life and other animal breeds such as Kharai camels are facing severe threats due to this indiscriminate industrial growth. The efforts made by Kharai camel breeders (over hundreds of years), NGOs like Sahajeevan and new community based organizations such as Kutch Camel Breeders Association could produce meaningful results, only when the industrial groups/ corporate agencies provide necessary support to this process of conservation. This support includes responsible production systems, minimum damage to nature and efforts of improving conservation/ biodiversity within their campuses and production processes.
Ms Anitha, Ms Benita and MV Rama Chandrudu, WASSAN supported by Dr Sabyasachi WASSAN; Ramesh Bhatti and Dr Shersinh, Sahajeevan
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About Cheriyal Paintings Shri D Vaikuntam and his family members Mrs. D Vanaja (wife); D Vinay and D Rakesh (sons) are keeping the tradition of Cheriyal Paintings of Telangana state, for generations. All members of the family are engaged in protecting and conserving this rare art form, that is not likely to survive for long. This is the only family in the country that is still engaged in this traditional art form. The Cheriyal Art has a unique character - red color background; vivid presentation of figures (men, women, animals, flowers, plants and others) with unique strokes and style. This art form belongs to "nakashi" form of paintings in India. But Cheriyal paintings contextualized this nakashi format to local Telangana and improvised it, with their unique styles. Apart from paintings and scrolls, Cheriyal Masks are also very attractive and unique with their bright colors and large eyes. D Vaikuntam received several awards from Central/ State governments, for his unique contribution to Cheriyal Art. D Vaikuntam and his family members agreed to present the key messages of these case studies. They spent time with us to understand the essence of each case study and presented it in their own style. These pictures further enriched the experiences, which are already exemplary in several ways. WASSAN thanks the family of artists of Cheriyal for their support in visualising these case studies. Pictures of some of the paintings/ scrolls and masks could be seen on this blog: http://vaikuntamnakash.blogspot.in/
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"…..In the middle of such despair and misery, there is a hope. "Imprints of Ecological Footprints - A Compilation of Ecologically Sensible Good Practices" is a compendium of good practices that brings the efforts made by relentless civil society organizations, citizens and community based organizations, to change the direction of the trend. These experiences brought cheer and hope in the lives of thousands of rural, tribal and urban citizens in India, who are part of these experiences. They took a different path that is less travelled and troublesome. There were several challenges, at each step and milestone. But they continued their journey and proved that "producing more with less" is possible. They also ensured that the ecological and environmentally sustainable processes are feasible for improving economic standards and quality of life of poor communities…"Aruna Rangachar Pohl, IFHD, Bangaluru. "……these experiences are invaluable and are certainly useful for provoking thoughts in the minds of participants of "Leaders for Nature" programs, which is organized by IFHD, IUCN, CII, Wild Life Trust of India, HIVOS and other likeminded organizations.The entire process of producing this compilation was an enriching and fruitful experience. It is a humbling experience for us to learn lessons from the interactions and visits to their villages/ sites. We genuinely believe that this compilation truly enriches the learning processes of "Leaders for Nature" program" - MV Rama Chandrudu, WASSAN