Guardians of the Wild
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Protecting endangered species of flora and fauna in India remains a challenging task. This is largely due to the fact that the needs of humans and wildlife are in severe conflict as the country is densely populated, but nevertheless rich in biodiversity. To protect nature and wildlife in India, we have 25.000 staff of the forest department based in various protected areas in the country.
Guardians of the Wild is a project that focuses on the improvement of the professional skills of the staff of the forest department in the field. Adequate training is essential as forest staff see themselves increasingly confronted with armed conflicts against well-equipped poachers and timber smugglers.
To protect India's natural heritage properly, WTI started the Guardians of the Wild project to look after those who look after wildlife. Known in Indian languages as the Van Rakshak programme, it consists of a group of skilled trainers who work closely with the forest department's field staff. They are there to improve their skills, to boost their morale, and to equip them adequately to perform their duties under different circumstances. To recognize and reward good effort, the project also gives awards and financially supports to those in need. It aims to create a network of field staff around the country to facilitate exchange of experience and information. The Van Rakshak award is given to an outstanding field worker every year.
The trainers benefit from training offered by the Indian government to create a strong, well-equipped and motivated force of frontline field staff. In this project they pass their skills and knowledge on to forest staff of protected areas. This covers a wide range of subjects that include wildlife and criminal law, enforcement methods, unarmed combat and firearms handling. The unit has trained and equipped more than 7,800 field staff in over 100 protected areas of India.
Wildlife Trust India
INDIA – The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) was formed in 1998 with the mission to conserve nature, especially endangered species and threatened habitats, in partnership with communities and governments in India. The organization is diverse in nature, ...
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