The FDA has played a key role since its inception in ensuring that the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (PKMTR) has moved towards a people-inclusive management system, with inclusive development as one of its main objectives. The organization has ensured that the reserve acts as a direct source of livelihood to a large number of entirely forest-dependent communities and incentivizes them to participate in conservation. The FDA has also been instrumental in developing crucial sustainable resource-use practices and achieving convergence and harmony between various conservation-focused and human rights-focused legislations such as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The organization has also made significant contributions in managing human-tiger conflict around the reserve and generating public awareness on issues related to tiger conservation. Accepting the award on behalf of FDA, Mr. K. Vijayananthan, IFS and Deputy Director, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Chief Executive Officer, FDA Parambikulam, said, “This is a proud moment for our communities and team and a big achievement for us. This is also a recognition of the success of our people-inclusive management system.”
