Human-Wildlife Conflict: Need For An Ecocentric Regulatory Framework

Dr. Jaykumar Bhongale, Assistant Professor and Research Coordinator of Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, New Law College, Pune.

Mr. Oishik Bhattacharya, BBA LLB, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Deemed to be University, New Law College Pune.

ABSTRACT

Human–wildlife conflict refers to the interaction between wild animals and people and the consequent negative impact on people or their resources, or wild animals or to their habitat. The reasons for human–wildlife conflict include the growing population of humans and the encroachment of forest and consequent hazards created to wildlife. The inevitable consequence is the loss of life and resources of humans, and destruction of both wild and domesticated animals. Though there are numerous enactments, rules, regulations, policies and projects intending to prevent these conflicts and protecting both the sides, they have seldom proved to be effective. What is required is an eco-centric approach by keeping away the anthropocentric mentality so as to bring all the species to centre stage and ensure co-existence side by side without unevenly interfering into life, habitat, resources and surroundings of each other. The future is locked by the behaviour and actions in the present, this has to acknowledge and has to consider while taking action. Human-Wildlife Conflict is a threat to the future of all species and the only way to stop it is by preventing and reducing it in the present.

Keywords: Human – Wildlife, Eco centric, Sustainable development