In a first, two tribal representatives included in State Wildlife Board

For the first time, two tribal representatives have been inducted into the State Wildlife Board, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said on Tuesday. Interacting with tribal people as part of ‘Oorunarvu’ — a Forest department initiative launched at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady to improve tribal living conditions while drawing on traditional knowledge for forest conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation — the Minister highlighted that the Chief Minister serves as the Board’s Chairman. He noted that the State government appointed the two community representatives to ensure tribal participation and integrate their traditional wisdom into forest management.