
21 October 2021.
Introduction:
The Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation (PaTCoF) has won the “Earth Guardian Award” which was instituted by the NatWest Group.
Highlights:
- PaTCoF is a non-profit organisation under forest department which seeks to facilitate conservation of tiger and biodiversity in the Parambikulam tiger reserve.
- Eight winners of the award were felicitated by secretary general of “UN Convention on International Trade in the Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora”, Ivonne Higuero in a virtual ceremony on October 20, 2021.
About Earth Guardian Award
- These awards were instituted by NatWest Group India.
- They are part of an initiative which recognises the efforts of individuals and institutions that are working to subvert the climate change by conserving & preserving biodiversity in India.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve also includes erstwhile Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across 391 square kilometres.
- It is a protected area in Palakkad district of Kerala.
- It was established in 1973. The sanctuary lies in the Sungam range of hills in between Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills.
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a part of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in 2010.
- Tiger reserve implements the Participatory Forest Management Scheme (PFMS).
Is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is currently under consideration for selection as World Heritage Site, by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Indigenous Peoples
- The sanctuary is home to four different tribes of indigenous peoples namely, Malasar, Kadar, Mala Malarsar and Muduvar.
- These people are settled in six colonies. People of these tribal colonies are working as guides for treks and safaris.
- They are provided employment through several eco-tourism initiatives.