Tue Dec 30 12:49:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
Summary:
The Hasanur Forest Division, part of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, India, held an orientation program on December 29, 2025, for forest-dependent communities. The program, under the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Governance Programme (TBGP), aimed to promote sustainable livelihoods and participatory conservation by providing training and facilitating loans. Over 100 local residents attended, learning about the TBGP and exploring opportunities in trades like tailoring, floriculture, and dairy farming. Forest officials emphasized the benefits of collective enterprises and pledged comprehensive support for skill development, credit, and market access. Community members were encouraged to collaborate with the Forest Department in conservation efforts.
News Article:
Hasanur Forest Division Boosts Sustainable Livelihoods for Forest Communities
Erode, India – December 30, 2025 – The Hasanur Forest Division of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu conducted a vital orientation program yesterday focused on empowering forest-dependent communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The initiative, operating under the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Governance Programme (TBGP), aims to promote participatory conservation by providing essential training and facilitating access to livelihood enhancement loans.
More than 100 local residents, including women and youth, participated in the event, led by Yogesh Kumar Garg, Deputy Director of STR and District Forest Officer of Hasanur Division. Representatives from non-governmental organizations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), were also in attendance.
The orientation detailed the objectives and benefits of the TBGP scheme. Participants explored potential income-generating activities such as tailoring, aari embroidery, plumbing, electrical work, retail businesses, floriculture, handicrafts, and dairy farming. Forest officials highlighted the advantages of forming cluster- and group-based enterprises, noting that it would enhance bargaining power, reduce input costs, and improve market access for local entrepreneurs.
“We are committed to providing comprehensive support to these communities,” stated Yogesh Kumar Garg. “This includes skill development, credit facilitation, market linkages, and branding assistance. Our goal is to create a sustainable economic model that also fosters a sense of responsibility towards forest conservation.”
Community members were encouraged to collaborate with the Forest Department in protecting wildlife, conserving forests, and maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The program represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term well-being of both the local communities and the valuable natural resources they depend on.
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