India’s tribals saving India’s tigers: Union min Bhupender Yadav

NEW DELHI | Updated: 03 November, 2023 6:27 pm IST

The inauguration ceremony had President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest. It was also attended by the Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda

NEW DELHI: Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav hailed the efforts of indigenous tribal communities for saving tigers in India at the inaugural ceremony for ‘Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre’ exhibition held in New Delhi on Friday.

Speaking about the significance of tigers, the minister said, “The tiger is a symbol of strength. By saving the tiger, we are not only protecting our territory but also the tributaries. The number of tigers, once on the brink of extinction, has now exceeded 3,600. Thanks to tribal communities for teaching the concept of peaceful coexistence.”

FLASH: Union minister of environment and forest, Bhupender Yadav, heralded the #tiger as a symbol of strength at the ‘Silent Conservation: From Margins to the Centre’, #tribal art exhibition event.
“The number of tigers, once on the brink of extinction, has now exceeded 3,600.… pic.twitter.com/IFWCFayCBp

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 3, 2023

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation organised the art exhibition at India Habitat Centre with an aim to pay tribute to the successful completion of 50 years of Project Tiger.

The number of Tiger Reserves has increased over the years and there are now 54 reserves across the country because of Project Tiger. The essence of this project is the perfect blend of local tribal communities co-existing with wildlife. By reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife and offering livelihood opportunities, Project Tiger plays a crucial role in involving local communities in conservation efforts.

The inauguration ceremony had President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest. It was also attended by the Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda and Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

At the event, Murmu commended tribal communities for their ability to conserve wildlife while calling them the best wildlife conservationists in the country at the tribal art exhibition. She said, “We need to learn from tribal communities that coexistence allows for a prosperous life where tigers are considered a part of the family.”