around PAs. Systems approach was to bring together ‘technology providers’ and
‘technology user groups’ (partner agencies) to work and evolve workable field level
models for ecosystem services with customization and delivery of appropriate
technology for intended benefits involving community at large. The aim was to
demonstrate how effectively participatory technological appropriation and transfer
(PTAT) in network mode could help to enhance livelihood opportunities with
scalable solutions to address the problems of conservation as well as livelihood
issues together at the local level. Field partners were identified on the basis of their
long association with the region and local communities around PAs from diverse
ecosystems and those working on sustainable livelihoods and conservation-related
problems. WWF-India as a coordinating agency of the programme along with
SEED, DST facilitated in designing, implementation, and on site performance
review at field sites periodically to track the progress at each site. This process
involved consultative process to provide necessary guidance (technical back up
support with social engineering aspects) needed at 13 different project sites covering 50 villages around PAs to overcome local problems related to ecological,
social as well as livelihood issues involving community as well. To build technical
and innovative capacities at the users’ level, WWF-India alogwith SEED, DST also
organized capacity building trainings with field-based S and T institutions including
core groups
1 of DST like BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune and
Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, Dehradun and
many other such supporting agencies. Technological linkages support from nearby
S and T knowledge hubs helped in capacity building of NGO partners and community with hand-holding in technology adoption and usage under field conditions.
Besides, methods used in respect of outcome deliverables of the programme
included thematic and chronological analysis of projects progress reports, interviews with project partner agencies and community groups, collection of primary
data on the specific activities and focus groups discussions with different stakeholders of the programme about the adaptive capacity for various interventions
linked with technology use and appropriation. Both qualitative and quantitative data
were drawn up for better understanding of how technology interface with local
institutional arrangements can impact the prospects of conservation challenges visà-vis livelihood needs around PAs.
1
Core group: Core groups are Science based NGOs/field institutions supported by DST, GOI to
promote and nurture them as “S&T Incubators”/“Active Field Laboratories” in rural and other
disadvantaged areas of the country to work and provide technological solutions and effective
delivery of technologies for livelihood generation and societal benefits (Available at: https://www.
dsttara.in).
Emerging Model of Ecosystem Services and Effective Governance …
585
‘technology user groups’ (partner agencies) to work and evolve workable field level
models for ecosystem services with customization and delivery of appropriate
technology for intended benefits involving community at large. The aim was to
demonstrate how effectively participatory technological appropriation and transfer
(PTAT) in network mode could help to enhance livelihood opportunities with
scalable solutions to address the problems of conservation as well as livelihood
issues together at the local level. Field partners were identified on the basis of their
long association with the region and local communities around PAs from diverse
ecosystems and those working on sustainable livelihoods and conservation-related
problems. WWF-India as a coordinating agency of the programme along with
SEED, DST facilitated in designing, implementation, and on site performance
review at field sites periodically to track the progress at each site. This process
involved consultative process to provide necessary guidance (technical back up
support with social engineering aspects) needed at 13 different project sites covering 50 villages around PAs to overcome local problems related to ecological,
social as well as livelihood issues involving community as well. To build technical
and innovative capacities at the users’ level, WWF-India alogwith SEED, DST also
organized capacity building trainings with field-based S and T institutions including
core groups
1 of DST like BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune and
Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, Dehradun and
many other such supporting agencies. Technological linkages support from nearby
S and T knowledge hubs helped in capacity building of NGO partners and community with hand-holding in technology adoption and usage under field conditions.
Besides, methods used in respect of outcome deliverables of the programme
included thematic and chronological analysis of projects progress reports, interviews with project partner agencies and community groups, collection of primary
data on the specific activities and focus groups discussions with different stakeholders of the programme about the adaptive capacity for various interventions
linked with technology use and appropriation. Both qualitative and quantitative data
were drawn up for better understanding of how technology interface with local
institutional arrangements can impact the prospects of conservation challenges visà-vis livelihood needs around PAs.
1
Core group: Core groups are Science based NGOs/field institutions supported by DST, GOI to
promote and nurture them as “S&T Incubators”/“Active Field Laboratories” in rural and other
disadvantaged areas of the country to work and provide technological solutions and effective
delivery of technologies for livelihood generation and societal benefits (Available at: https://www.
dsttara.in).
Emerging Model of Ecosystem Services and Effective Governance …
585