While the success of Project tiger brought an increase in tiger numbers, it also brought new challenges in its wake. The forest corridors which were victims of growing human population were now also sheltering more tigers. The farmer’s plight of reduced agricultural output, coupled with increased wildlife movement in their land made them despise the same animal that they historically lived in harmony with. Stories of man-animal conflict, animal electrocution, carcass poisoning, etc. started making the rounds more often. The solution lay in providing alternate means of livelihood for the farmers and thereby allowing these farm lands to re-wild and to transform the tigers from being the “deprivers to providers” for the local villages adjoining the National Parks. Hence we are proud to report that we are the pioneers in launching the very innovative model of “Community Owned Community Operated Nature Conservancy’s ( COCOONs)”, wherein we have been able transform the farm lands, falling on the migratory routes of the wild animals, to re-wild, and have from own CSR funds built high end , low impact eco-wildlife tourism home stays for the farmers ( who shall continue to own the land and tourism infrastructure on it), and are assisting them in running these home stays with training, marketing back-up and financial assistance. Camp Alizanza provides an impactful experience of being close to wilderness for the guests camping overnight at Alijhanjha, a village at the periphery of the CTH of Tadoba – Andhari Tiger Reserve.
