While mapping animals outside conflict zones is a step in the right direction, merely tracking their movements won't suffice. The root cause of these conflicts lies in the relentless exploitation of forest cover for mines, commercial projects, human settlements, agriculture, and more.
The dwindling forest land is the primary driver of these conflicts. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 revealed that Goa lost 150 hectares of forest land between 2021 and 2023, a concerning trend that warrants attention. Our burgeoning population, which demands more land for housing, employment, and food production, exacerbates the issue.
To effectively address human-wildlife conflict, we need a holistic approach that balances human needs with wildlife conservation. It's unfair to prioritise only the human perspective when wildlife populations are dwindling. The long-term costs of importing species to repopulate also make little sense ecologically. It's time to reassess our priorities and adopt a more sustainable approach to development.
