Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on July 10 in Coimbatore, aimed at enhancing research and innovation related to human-wildlife conflict management across India. The establishment of this centre follows direct recommendations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th Meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing conservation issue.

The inauguration was accompanied by a National Workshop on Human-Wildlife Conflict, which drew an array of stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and conservation practitioners. Participants engaged in discussions to devise effective strategies for reducing tensions between human populations and wildlife, a concern fueled by expanding urban areas and habitat degradation.

In his keynote address, Yadav emphasised that the growing interactions between humans and wildlife pose significant challenges to conservation efforts. He urged a shift from a problem-oriented approach to one that prioritises solutions through the use of modern technology.

Objectives and Strategies of the Centre

Yadav outlined the primary objectives of the Centre of Excellence, noting its role as a national hub for research, policy support, and capacity building. He indicated the need for the centre to focus on developing strategies specifically aimed at managing conflicts involving tigers, leopards, and elephants, especially outside protected areas.

He called for increased awareness initiatives in both urban and rural settings, targeting effective responses to human-wildlife encounters. This approach, according to Yadav, should be tailored to specific areas and species, contributing to reduced public panic and better management of conflicts.

The minister also called for forest departments nationwide to adopt proactive measures to manage wildlife-related conflicts and damage to agricultural lands. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts involving local communities and multi-stakeholder consultations to develop innovative conservation practices.

Launch of Digital Platforms and Publications

During the inaugural session, Yadav also announced the launch of the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal, designed to enhance data management and facilitate knowledge sharing for conflict mitigation across India. This digital platform aims to support decision-making processes by providing stakeholders with necessary resources.

In addition, the first edition of a publication series titled ‘Current Status of Human-Wildlife Conflict in India: An Overview’ was unveiled, offering a comprehensive examination of the current circumstances, trends, and challenges associated with human-wildlife interactions.

The subsequent technical sessions of the workshop included live demonstrations of the Portal, alongside expert presentations and discussions on various aspects such as Human-Elephant Conflict and the role of technology in mitigating human-wildlife interactions. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to generate actionable recommendations to improve national strategies in managing human-wildlife conflict.

The establishment of the Centre of Excellence and the associated initiatives reflect the Indian government’s commitment to balancing biodiversity conservation with human safety and livelihood protection through scientifically based and community-oriented methods. Senior officials from various governmental bodies and partner organisations also attended the event, highlighting the collaborative approach to tackling this multifaceted issue.

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