Tadoba Festival: Uniting Communities for Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

by Priya Jadhav

Mumbai,  February, 2024: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra's oldest National Park created in 1955, and home to 93 Tigers, has today announced the inaugural Tadoba Festival, a three-day celebration to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism and local heritage in Maharashtra. This is the only National Park which has 93 tigers.

The Prime Minister's heartfelt message, advocating for the conservation and sustainable development of Tadoba Reserve will be shared to inaugurate the event, scheduled to take place from March 1-3, 2024. The festival will take place across various venues in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, offering an enriching experience for the attendees.

"The Tadoba Festival represents our collective effort to mobilize stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and ignite a passion for safeguarding our natural heritage," said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Through collaborative endeavours spanning various sectors, we aim to create a sustainable future where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony.

Shri Sudhir Sachchidanand Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries in Maharashtra Government states, “The Tadoba festival stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving our natural heritage while fostering sustainable development. This event not only highlights the importance of wildlife conservation but also underscores the integral role of local communities in coexisting harmoniously with wildlife. By promoting responsible tourism practices and engaging in conservation efforts, we not only safeguard our precious ecosystems but also create opportunities for economic growth and community empowerment. Together, we can build a healthier environment where wildlife thrives, and communities flourish.”

Under the leadership of Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, the initiative to establish an airport near Tadoba has been undertaken. This forward-thinking endeavour aims to stimulate tourism, bolster industrial development, and address naxalism, all while ensuring the preservation and safeguarding of wildlife habitats.

The Tadoba Festival aims to raise awareness about preserving India's biodiversity and promote responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities. In partnership with TOFTigers, the festival plays an important role in advocating for sustainable enterprises and providing viable long-term solutions that create real economic benefit for rural communities. “We believe in the power of collective action to safeguard our natural treasures, and the Tadoba Festival exemplifies this ethos by bringing together stakeholders from all walks of life to celebrate and protect India's rich biodiversity. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure a brighter future for Tadoba and its surrounding communities” says Vishal Singh, Director of TOFTigers India.

The holistic approach resonates in the diverse three-day itinerary, highlighting engagement, education, and celebration of our natural and cultural wealth. Each day offers a diverse itinerary, featuring interactive sessions in the mornings, deeper conversations and panel discussions in the afternoons, and cultural programs in the evenings.

On Day 1 of the event, attendees can expect a blend of technical sessions and exhibitions, starting with interactive morning sessions and a nature quiz. The evening witnesses a grand opening ceremony, complete with traditional dance performances, welcoming addresses, a short film presentation, and culminating in a cultural extravaganza, including a musical performance by Shreya Ghoshal.

EVENT	TIMING
Interactive Session
Man- Animal Conflict mitigation	11am – 1pm
Nature Quiz
Opening Ceremony
Traditional Dance	5pm – 10pm
Welcoming Dignitaries
Introductory address by field Director, TATR
Honourable Prime Minister’s Message
Short Film on Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve
Publication Releases
Address by Dignitaries
Vote of Thanks
Cultural Program
Sand Art Show by Shri. Sudharshan Patnaik	7pm – 10pm
Musical Concert by Smt. Shreya Ghoshal

Day 2 of the event promises a dynamic line up, featuring photography workshops, a charity run, engaging panel discussions, and a vibrant cultural program. The day's centrepiece is the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest potted sapling display. The cultural festivities will be enriched by performances from renowned artists like Rickey Kej and a Kavi Sammelan.

EVENT	TIMING
Interactive Session
Photo-walk and Photography Workshop	6am – 10am
Conservation Run
Largest Potted Sapling: A Guinness World Record Attempt	11am – 1pm
Panel Discussion
Public - Private Partnerships for Human-Wildlife Coexistence	12pm – 6pm
Sustainable Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife Safari Experiences
Wild Resorts Wilder Experiences
Impact of Pollution & Climate Change on Wildlife Habitats
Future with Digital Conservation Technologies
Cultural Program
Kavi Sammelan by Shri. Kumar Vishwas	6pm – 10pm
Performance by Ricky Kej

On Day 3 of the event, participants can look forward to a range of activities including a treasure hunt competition, Cyclothon, painting competition, Wildlife quiz competition, and a CSR Conclave. The day will culminate with the closing ceremony, featuring an Awards ceremony honouring conservation champions through awards such as the Eco-Development Committee Awards, Response Team Awards and Maharashtra Van Bhushan Puraskar. The captivating Cultural program will highlight the rivers of India: Ganga Ballet, presented by Smt. Hema Malini and troupe.

EVENT	TIMING
Interactive Session
Treasure Hunt Competition	7.30am – 10am
Cyclothon	6am – 10am
Painting Competition	8.30am – 11.30am
Roar and Explore: Tadoba Wildlife Quiz Competition	11am – 1pm
CSR Conclave: Collaboration for Conservation
Biodiversity Loss & Wildlife Conservation Challenges	12pm – 6pm
Corporate Initiatives in Wildlife Conservation
Funding Mechanisms for Wildlife Conservation Projects
Monitoring & Measuring Wildlife Conservation CSR Impact
Future of Wildlife Marketing
Blueprinting Future WWD & Wildlife Celebrations
Closing Ceremony
Lighting of Lamp	5pm – 10pm
Welcome of Dignitaries
Awards Ceremony
Cultural Program
Highlighting rivers of India: Ganga Ballet by Smt. Hema Malini and Troupe	5pm – 10pm
Closing Remarks

The event organized by Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve epitomizes a harmonious blend of conservation, community engagement, and cultural celebration. Through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including government bodies, conservation organizations, local communities, and enthusiastic participants, we aim to ignite a renewed passion for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices. As we embark on this journey together, let us forge a path towards a future where Tadoba's rich biodiversity thrives, and its communities prosper.

The festival is free and open to the public, with registration and additional information available at www.tadobafestival.com.