A national‑level Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to human‑wildlife conflict (HWC) has been inaugurated at SACON, Coimbatore. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted its role in shaping policy, leveraging technology and fostering coexistence across the country.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- National Centre of Excellence for Human‑Wildlife Conflict inaugurated in Coimbatore
- Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasises policy‑driven, technology‑enabled solutions
- National portal will streamline data, knowledge sharing and conflict mitigation
The Wildlife Institute of India’s flagship research hub, the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore, today launched a National Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Human‑Wildlife Conflict (HWC). The move marks a strategic upgrade in India’s conservation architecture, responding to a sharp rise in human‑wildlife encounters over the past two decades.
Why the Centre Matters
Accelerated habitat fragmentation, shifting land‑use patterns and rapid urbanisation have squeezed the territories of iconic species such as tigers, leopards and elephants. Consequently, conflict incidents have surged, threatening lives, livelihoods and the very survival of these keystone species. A dedicated national hub is now essential to coordinate research, policy advice, capacity building and the dissemination of best practices.
Launch Highlights and Ministerial Vision
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the CoE, stating that “human‑wildlife conflict has become one of India’s foremost conservation and development challenges.” He urged the centre to adopt a “solution‑oriented” approach, leveraging modern technology to devise policies for managing tiger conflicts outside reserves, as well as leopard and elephant interactions with people.
National Human‑Wildlife Conflict Portal
Alongside the CoE, the government unveiled the National Human‑Wildlife Conflict Portal, a digital platform designed for real‑time data collection, knowledge exchange and decision‑support across states. The portal aims to empower forest departments, researchers and local communities with actionable insights, thereby shifting conflict management from reactive to proactive.
Anticipated Impact
The CoE is expected to catalyse over a dozen research projects, attract international collaborations, and provide technical assistance to forest departments nationwide. Its long‑term ambition is to embed “coexistence and harmony” as the guiding principle of ecological sustainability, ensuring that both human societies and wildlife thrive together.
