Social media is not always a blessing
There is, perhaps, a misconception
that social media is a powerful tool to stimulate public support for
conservation actions. Unfortunately, studies show that this forum is more
effective when it appeals to someone’s emotions, touch a chord, so to speak. It
is true that certain people do use social media, but mostly, if you ask me, it
benefits those who twist stories.
In the past few weeks, two major issues related to tiger conservation were trending. One was the T24 incident. After this tiger’s last attack on a forester, he was declared dangerous by the forest department of Ranthambhore and it was decided to shift him to an enclosure in Sajjangarh biological park in Udaipur. Another is a highway to be constructed between Pench and Kanha reserves.
In the past few weeks, two major issues related to tiger conservation were trending. One was the T24 incident. After this tiger’s last attack on a forester, he was declared dangerous by the forest department of Ranthambhore and it was decided to shift him to an enclosure in Sajjangarh biological park in Udaipur. Another is a highway to be constructed between Pench and Kanha reserves.
When it came to the individual tiger,
thousands of people pushed for a ban, asking the government not to send T24 in
captivity. Never mind that this had to be done, as the tiger had become a
threat to villagers and the forest guards. Things got so heated that this
so-called tiger savers doubted even the credentials of India’s best tiger
experts, biologists, conservationists and forest officers; they even crossed
lines by making personal derogatory attacks on them in public forums.
On the other hand, there is a far more grave issue, which is a threat to not just a tiger, but an entire corridor between two reserves. But this escaped the imagination of the social media public.
True, social media cannot be ignored, as it is an excellent platform to many small organisations who otherwise find it difficult to promote their initiatives. Many scientists managed to get support — volunteers for data collection, for instance — through social media which helped them continue their research. But where do we draw the line?
On the other hand, there is a far more grave issue, which is a threat to not just a tiger, but an entire corridor between two reserves. But this escaped the imagination of the social media public.
True, social media cannot be ignored, as it is an excellent platform to many small organisations who otherwise find it difficult to promote their initiatives. Many scientists managed to get support — volunteers for data collection, for instance — through social media which helped them continue their research. But where do we draw the line?
Around the same time as T24 incident,
there was another tigress with cubs who was residing in the park periphery. The
forest department needed some volunteers to help them keep the villagers away
from that area. I thought with so much empathy on show for T24, someone would
read my post on Facebook and volunteer to come. But not a single person
approached the forest department to work for them. Is it is all limited to
signing petitions and carrying out candle-lit vigils?
This country has only a short history of systematic conservation and each day brings with it its own challenges. It is important to understand issues before jumping to conclusions and start a public campaign. Just one animal or one isolated issue may not be the way forward. Conservation is a mixed bag and often local communities are in a dilemma about supporting the measures taken, as it may go against development. There is a imminent need to address this conservation question sensitively and objectively. Most of all, people need to acquaint themselves with the issues in an unprejudiced, holistic manner before trying to throw their weight behind them.
This country has only a short history of systematic conservation and each day brings with it its own challenges. It is important to understand issues before jumping to conclusions and start a public campaign. Just one animal or one isolated issue may not be the way forward. Conservation is a mixed bag and often local communities are in a dilemma about supporting the measures taken, as it may go against development. There is a imminent need to address this conservation question sensitively and objectively. Most of all, people need to acquaint themselves with the issues in an unprejudiced, holistic manner before trying to throw their weight behind them.
Regards
Pralhad Jadhav
Khaitan & Co
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