The ‘Van Rakshak’ Training Programme was conducted by Last Wilderness Foundation in association with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department from 3-5 December, 2011, at the Biodiversity Training Center, in Tala Village, near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to enhance the knowledge base of the staff of the Forest Department vis-à-vis biodiversity and wildlife of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This programme was attended by 49 participants, which included Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), Forest Rangers, Foresters and Forest Guards.
The programme was divided into three components, with each aspect being addressed by a competent authority in that field. The sessions were as follows:
December 3, 2011- ‘Snake Rescue, Identification, First Aid and Prevention of Waterborne Diseases’ by Mr. Kedar Bhide (a snake expert who also runs a Mumbai-based NGO, Reptile Rescue and Study Centre)
December 4, 2011- ‘Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve- The Habitat and Ecosystem’ by Dr. Parvish Pandya (Associate Zoology Professor, Bhavan’s College, Mumbai)
December 5, 2011-
(i) ‘Tiger Behaviour and Identification’ by Sachin Rai (Award winning wildlife photographer)
(ii) ‘Role & importance of the frontline staff’- C.K. Patil, (Field Director, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve)
The programme was gracefully concluded by a felicitation ceremony wherein the participants were awarded certificates by Mr. Patil.