What Did We Do?
We aimed to explore how a media-driven conservation campaign could evolve into a sustainable, community-based governance model. Our study focused on the case of the Amur Falcon hunting ban in Pangti, Nagaland, India. We wanted to understand the key factors that contributed to the successful transition from a top-down imposed hunting ban to a locally led conservation effort. Specifically, we examined:
- The Role of Media Campaigns: We looked at how the initial media campaign that exposed the large-scale hunting of Amur Falcons triggered national and international pressure, leading to the implementation of the hunting ban.
- Governance Dynamics: We analyzed the changes in governance structures within the community, including the formation of the Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union and the shifting power dynamics between local institutions.
- Community Engagement and Empowerment: We explored how the local community, initially resistant to the ban, gradually took ownership of the conservation initiative and how external support was transitioned into local leadership.
What Did We Find?
Our study revealed several important insights:
- Impact of Media Campaigns: The media campaign was effective in creating immediate external pressure that led to the enforcement of the hunting ban. However, the success of this top-down approach relied heavily on subsequent community engagement and empowerment.
- Governance Transition: The transition from a government-imposed ban to a community-led conservation effort was facilitated by the establishment of the Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union. This body played a crucial role in managing conservation activities and ensuring that the community’s interests were represented.
- Community Empowerment: Over time, the local community began to view the conservation of Amur Falcons not just as a legal obligation but as a source of pride and a means to attract tourism and development. This shift was critical for the sustainability of the conservation efforts.
Why Does This Matter?
Our findings underscore the importance of effective governance in the long-term success of conservation initiatives. While media campaigns can catalyze action, lasting change requires empowering local communities and fostering governance structures that can sustain conservation efforts independently. The case of Pangti provides a valuable model for other regions where external conservation efforts need to be integrated into local governance.
Moving Forward
These insights highlight the need for conservation strategies that go beyond initial media-driven actions. Future efforts should focus on building local governance capacity, ensuring community ownership, and integrating conservation goals with local development aspirations. By doing so, we can create sustainable conservation models that are resilient to external pressures and capable of achieving long-term success.
LINK https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/csp2.13191