Survey on Quality of Life Profiling of Frontline Forest Personnel of Manas National Park

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONManas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is known for its rare endangered and endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas is also famous for its population of the wild water buffalo.Presently, Aaranyak is implementing working on a project viz. The Manas Tiger Conservation Programme (MTCP). It is led by Aaranyak and being implemented in partnership with the Forest Department BTC, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Panthera and Awely. The project has been supported by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Goal of the Project is to achieve 50% increase in tiger population in the next 10 years with enhanced protection measures, research and working on livelihood on the fringe area communities of MNP.The scope of the survey is to understand the knowledge, skills and attitude of the target group in relation to their work place environment and job responsibilities. The objective is to assess their needs and quality of life in so far as conditions prevalent within the camps and the community in the fringe areas are concerned.  The data collected will enable the framing of appropriate measures to enhance holistic growth and efficiency in the functioning of the frontline staff and better protection of MNP. GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGEThe project covered 500 sq. km area of the park, more than 300 forest personnel are engaged spreading over 60 Camps to protect the rich flora and fauna of this World Heritage Site.OBJECTIVESTo understand the quality of life in so far as conditions prevalent within the camps and the community in the fringe areas are concerned.To understand the gap in knowledge, skills and attitude of the forest workers in relation to their work place environment and job responsibilities.TARGET GROUPThe survey included frontline forest personnel working in Manas National Park, under Bodoland Territorial Council, Government of Assam.