We are all aware of the global pandemic that humanity is currently facing. Covid – 19 has put the entire planet in lockdown and we are heading towards what might be an economic depression. The plight of migrant workers and daily wage labourers has been highlighted across media channels.

Daily living has become a challenge and support is pouring in from individuals and corporations alike. However, there are some of these that have gone unnoticed and there has been no media coverage regarding their challenges. We have all at some point in our lives gone on holiday to India’s stunning tiger reserves. On our jungle safari in the gypsy is always a forest guide who animatedly brings to life the jungle for us, regaling us with stories and natural history facts. We might perhaps overlook where these guides come from and what their backgrounds are.

Wildlife conservation in a human dominated landscape is a challenging task in itself. Without the active participation of local communities it would be even harder to protect India’s natural history. The forest department has engaged with local forest dwellers and neighbouring communities for a twofold purpose. One is to create a source of income and two is to involve them in forest conservation. Most of these guides come from adivasi settlements surrounding the forest. Their source of income is highest during the summer months when tourists flock to the forests. Due to the lockdown, jungle safaris are currently shut and the guides have no income generation opportunities.

Anuj Khare (Nature Walk ,Pune), Rajiv Pandit (Jividha Trust, Pune) and Omkar Bapat (Wildlife Unlimited, Chiplun) have been consistently involved in capacity building and training for forest guards and guides of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. We know first-hand the difficultly the guides are facing currently and this is an APPEAL for SUPPORT.

We want to begin with extending support to the guides of 2 tiger reserves at first. Nagzira Tiger Reserve Maharashtra and Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) Madhya Pradesh. Nagzira has 49 registered guides and PTR has 65. The government is assisting to the best of their ability but will not be able to extend support to all.

We believe that it is now time to give back to nature more than ever before. We hope that nature lovers like you will extend support whole heartedly for this initiative. We are taking donations from Rs100 onwards and 100% of received donations will be sent to the respective forest departments to be distributed amongst the guides.

Bank Details for online transfer :

1. Jividha

Bank of Baroda, L.B.S. Road Branch, Pune 411030

Saving Account no - 15320100005506

NEFT /IFSC Code is BARB0LALBAH (Fifth Character is numerical Zero)

Bank Details for online transfer :

2. Nature Walk Charitable Trust

Bank of India, Branch :- Karve Road

Account No : 050310100026577

IFSC Code :- BKID0000503