Displaced Due to Conservation: Understanding the Public Perception and Legal Contours

Abstract

As conservation efforts in the global platform continue to intensify for protecting the biodiversity, the already marginalized group find themselves frequently being forced to relocate to make way for such efforts. The increase in the number of protected areas have also increased the number of people being displaced which are usually the tribals, indigenous, and other forest dwelling people. This article discusses the issue of conservation induced displacement through the eyes of general people, where 120 people were asked to give their opinion on the issue. Besides, we have also explored the human rights, legal and judicial aspect of the issue. Though some respondent have admitted the necessity of conservation and understand the need of displacing the dwellers for the greater good, majority have acknowledged that such a displacement leaves the displaced people even more destitute and helpless. The alleged human rights violation faced by the vulnerable forest dwellers in such circumstances forces them to acquiescence to relocation. Despite the presence of international legislative frameworks and national laws like the 2006 Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, displacement has often been done without providing adequate compensation, rehabilitation and livelihood restoration support. The lack of appropriate understanding of ground reality, poor implementation of existing law and absence of specific and comprehensive displacement related law has lead to dire situation of the displaced people from which recovering is difficult. This article advocates discouraging conservation practices at the cost of human suffering and a need for more humane, practical and sustainable approach to ensure both biodiversity and the forest dwelling people prosper well together.