Talk by Girish on 'Wildlife conservation'.
5th September was an important day for me. My mentor Girish D.V a noted Wildlife Conservationist was the Guest speaker. Early morning I went to the lodge to meet him. After a brief talk about Fellowship, I explained him my plan to setup an ecotourism Center in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, use it as a tool for providing livelihood for local people and involve them in Conservation. Girish thought for a while and mentioned four important points. Firstly the local people should take the ownership of the ecotourism centre and involve in the activities like it is happening in Some African countries. Secondly Professionalism should be maintained, like a tourist should be facilitated to identify at least 100 birds and realize the importance of conserving wildlife and habitats. Thirdly trust should be build in the tourists through quality, so that they visit again and recommend others to visit our center and fourthly to achieve this, a good team is essential which is trained and paid well. These words eco in my ears and remind me that there is a lot to learn and do.
