The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has awarded the RBS Earth Guardian Award to the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) under the RBS Earth Heroes Award for 2013.
The award was presented to the STR for its authorities’ commendable efforts to protect and conserve the biodiversity of the region, especially in the face of severe challenges and constraints following Maoist attacks that had demoralised the staff, the limited support and the inadequate infrastructure at the sanctuary.
Due to the efforts of the STR management, infrastructure has been restored; the number of poaching attempts has reduced sizably and implementation of awareness programmes and coordination between core and buffer staff has resulted in prevention of the Akhand Shikar to almost zero.
Improved facilities to sight wildlife and the e-reservation system for visiting the reserve have resulted in over 27,000 tourists visiting the picturesque Similipal.
Interim Country Executive, RBS NV Brijesh Mehra said, “I am truly inspired by the dedication of the numerous nominees and winners of Earth Heroes Awards; they are actually making a difference to our vital environs. Those who have been working consistently towards saving our environment are deserved to be recognised and will be known as Earth Heroes.”
Director, RBS Foundation India N Sunil Kumar said, “We take pride in honoring winners for their contributions towards making the environment a better place for future generations to enjoy.”
Seven individuals/ institutions from the field of wildlife and conservation, who have demonstrated exemplary works on the ground, were chosen by an independent jury, for the RBS Earth Heroes Award.
The jury panel comprising active wildlife enthusiasts, environmentalists and conservationists, reviewed the nominations received from across the country.