Melghat Tiger Reserve higher in economical value

Mumbai: The Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) has estimated a benefit of Rs 346 per year for every one rupee spent on its management, as per a latest study. This was estimated based on the tangible benefits like revenue generation, stock of forest produce like bamboo, timber, fuel wood, along with intangible benefits.

The reserve gained Rs 87,356 crore per year from intangible benefits such as carbon sequestration, water purification and climate regulation whereas, the tangible benefits are estimated to be Rs 0.36 billion per year.

This was revealed in a recent report by Centre for Ecological Services Management (CESM), Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) along with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which highlighted how tiger conservation sites can be beneficial for the state’s economy apart from its ecological importance.

MTR, one of the oldest under ‘Project Tiger’ provides benefits worth '12,349 crores per year, which is Rs 6.1 lakhs per hectare and stock benefits of Rs 75,043 crores per year. “This also includes produce from fuel wood requirements, timber, fodder and bamboo stock,” said an official. According to the study, carbon stock of more than 23.51 million tonnes is stored in MTR, which has immense economic value against effects of climate change.

“This study is important because it shows how important the tiger reserves are for human health. These reserves also help against diseases and keep diversity of other fauna intact,” said a senior official from the state forest department. The economic value of habitat for species from 1,91,995.39 hectares of the reserve is estimated to be Rs 4,941.9 lakhs.

“The study is commendable as it endeavors to explore tiger reserves as destination brands, which provides tourists many other aspects of the reserves than just sighting of tigers,” said Anup Nayak, additional director general, NTCA.

Wildlife experts have stated that there is a need to focus on tiger habitats outside the reserve as well. “While the tiger reserves are of great ecological value, so are the areas outside. A similar study should be done for the ecological benefits of these areas to draw attention of the government towards the rich biodiversity surrounded by territories of tigers,” said Dr Jerryl Banait, wildlife conservationist.