An information booklet for locals – Living in the Sloth bear landscape

BACKGROUND

Sloth bear attacks are fatal and causes serious injuries. Intolerant attitude of locals causes retaliation. Sudden and surprised encounter can cause such negative interaction. Sudden and surprised encounter can cause such negative interaction. Our previous research shows there is increase in the sloth bear attacks on the local. To mitigate and reduce this negative interaction we proposed “Sloth bear conservation project” in the Gujarat state. Wherein, we conduct Community outreach awareness. Based on the data we want to collect and to providing true knowledge about the sloth bears to the locals we came up with the idea to develop booklet for kids. A fun learning activity book on sloth bear for kids has been prepared by the team of WCB Research Foundation to distribute among the school children living in the sloth bear habitat

We have also come up with several initiatives like, Animation film, Sloth bear booklet and story writing competition. Activity booklet is one of the initiatives for the children and also focus adults but that is through different method

DESCRIPTION

The book contains 21 different activities for kids through which they can learn about sloth bears and how to be safe in the sloth bear country. The book is available in both languages i.e. English and Gujarati.
Book is learning tool and is distributed to take away and can show to their parents. This booklet includes feedback form through which we collect data on their knowledge about the bears living in their habitat.
Along with education outreach we are going to conduct Training to trainers, through which we will train teachers to educate children about the sloth bears. This will help us in long run of sloth bear conservation in the study area. Booklets are designed in layman’s language, so there is no requirement to train teachers and to educate them.

PRINCIPLE

Along with education outreach we are going to conduct Training to trainers, through which we will train teachers to educate children about the sloth bears. This will help us in long run of sloth bear conservation in the study area. Booklets are designed in layman’s language, so there is no requirement to train teachers and educate them. Our target is to collect data about their knowledge on bears. We also target adults but that is through questionnaire survey and later replacing their myths with the facts. Targeting young generation as an ambassador of conservation through fun-learning activities.

CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS

As this is 2 year project, we have not collaborated with schools instead we visit schools for education awareness. We are planning to conduct Training of trainers, which involves training of teachers and forest officials. So that they will continue spreading awareness among children and locals.
Booklet is easy to understand, efforts of our team to get involved in the activity with kids is measured, Communication and collaboration with the forest department is done. Feedback from children as well as school management are collected.

This initiative does not have a video yet