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zone. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is
a floating island of millions of tonnes of
plastics and garbage that is bigger than
most European countries. The detrimental
impact on marine life is incalculable.
It is clear that the cost of human
civilisation is borne by the entire living
kingdom.
Around the world, species after species of
animals are disappearing at an alarming
pace. Even protected species – for
instance, India’s tigers and elephants – are
losing out in the unremitting human-
animal conflict. I was shocked to read that
over 100 tigers and 80 elephants are killed
every year in India because of poaching or
when they stray into populated areas.
A role for all of us
To reduce human-animal conflict, it is
critical that all of us do what we can to
protect the rights of non-human species to
co-exist with us on the planet. We all have
a role to play.
The government plays a gigantic role in
biodiversity conservation – through
national parks and sanctuaries that help
preserve India’s unique animal species.
But there is much more that can be done.
The time has come to make better use of
technology, such as tagging, camera
trapping and e-surveillance, to give
endangered species a fighting chance.
Local communities also have an important
contribution. India’s tribals and Adivasis
have lived in and off the forests for
centuries, co-existing with the animal
kingdom. We need to tap into the
collective wisdom of India’s tribals to find
new ways of restoring harmony. Their
knowledge can be a big support in
boosting conservation efforts.
India’s business sector can also help drive
conservation. India is the first country in
the world to make corporate social
responsibility mandatory. Along with
environmental initiatives such as
rainwater harvesting and waste
management, companies can make animal
conservation a part of their CSR portfolio.
We need more concerned citizens to
support the cause of biodiversity.
Environmental conservation should be a
conversation piece in as many forums as
possible. Take vacations, for instance. A
growing interest in eco-tourism among
younger travellers is a good sign as it
promotes a much-needed responsible
travel mindset. Each of us can make an
impact.
I believe that harmonious co-existence
with the animal kingdom is the only way
to sustain and grow the natural
environment we all owe our lives to. It is
critical for the survival of the human race
and our only true legacy to our children.
Views of the author are personal and do
not necessarily represent the website’s
views.
The author is an active member of many
professional societies and is a thought
leader on marketing, loyalty programme
design and development, strategic
planning, airline revenue management and
CRM. He has extensive practical, hands-
on experience working in the USA,
Canada and India.
Thank you for reading the column until
the very end. We appreciate the time
you have given us. In addition, your
thoughts and inputs will genuinely
make a difference to us. Please do drop
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