New research into the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) hills in Karnataka suggests that the traditional “fortress conservation” model—which prioritizes the exclusion of human populations from protected areas to preserve biodiversity—is fundamentally flawed. The study identifies the Soliga community, an Adivasi group with deep ancestral ties to the region, as a primary example of how indigenous knowledge and traditional forest management can coexist with, and even enhance, ecological preservation.
The findings advocate for a systemic shift in how governments and environmental agencies approach conservation, arguing that the integration of Adivasi skills and land rights is more effective for long-term environmental stability than state-mandated exclusion.
The Shift from Exclusion to Integration
For decades, the dominant paradigm in global conservation has been “fortress conservation.” This approach operates on the premise that nature is a pristine entity that must be protected from human interference. In practice, this has often led to the forced displacement of indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, the criminalization of traditional foraging and farming, and the establishment of heavily policed “core zones” where human presence is prohibited.
The study focusing on the Soligas challenges this narrative. By examining the relationship between the Soliga people and the BRT hills, researchers found that the community’s traditional practices do not degrade the forest but rather contribute to its health. The Soligas possess an intricate understanding of local flora and fauna, seasonal cycles, and sustainable harvesting techniques that have been passed down through generations.
The research demonstrates that when the Soligas are permitted to manage the forest according to their traditional knowledge, the results are often superior to those achieved through top-down, bureaucratic management. This evidence suggests that the “human-free” ideal of fortress conservation is not only socially unjust but ecologically counterproductive.
Why This Matters for Global Conservation
The implications of this study extend far beyond the borders of Karnataka. Globally, indigenous peoples manage or have tenure over significant portions of the world’s remaining biodiversity hotspots. However, they frequently face pressure from state actors and international NGOs to vacate these lands in the name of “protecting” the environment.
By framing the Soligas as a successful model, the research provides a factual basis for challenging the state-centric narrative that views human habitation in forests as inherently destructive. It posits that the expertise of Adivasi communities is a critical asset in the fight against climate change and species extinction.
Furthermore, the study highlights the intersection of human rights and environmentalism. The “fortress” approach has historically marginalized indigenous populations, stripping them of their livelihoods and cultural identities. Moving toward a community-led conservation model recognizes that ecological health is inextricably linked to the security and autonomy of the people who live within those ecosystems.
Background and Context: The Soligas and the BRT Hills
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple hills serve as a unique ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, making the region a critical corridor for wildlife, including tigers and elephants. The Soligas have inhabited this landscape for centuries, developing a symbiotic relationship with the forest.
Historically, the Soligas have utilized “non-timber forest products” (NTFPs) and practiced traditional forms of land management that prevent over-exploitation. Their knowledge systems include the identification of medicinal plants, the management of water sources, and the understanding of animal migration patterns.
Despite this, the Soligas, like many Adivasi groups in India, have faced systemic pressures from the Forest Department and state regulations that sought to restrict their movement and access to resources. The tension between the state’s desire for administrative control and the community’s right to ancestral land has been a defining feature of the region’s history. The current research serves as a scientific validation of the Soligas’ claims that their presence is beneficial to the forest, providing a counter-argument to the administrative preference for exclusionary zones.
Analysis:
The transition from fortress conservation to an indigenous-led model represents a significant shift in the power dynamics of environmental governance. For too long, the “expert” voice—usually represented by state foresters or international biologists—has been prioritized over the “lived” voice of the Adivasi. This hierarchy often ignores the fact that indigenous populations have maintained biodiversity over millennia through active management, not passive absence.
By institutionalizing Adivasi land rights and management roles, the state can move away from a policing-based model of conservation toward a partnership-based model. This shift reduces the conflict between forest dwellers and the state, potentially lowering the incidence of poaching and illegal logging, as the local community becomes the primary stakeholder in the forest’s survival. The Soliga case suggests that when people are given a legal and recognized role in conservation, they act as the most effective guardians of the land.
What to Watch Next
The primary question moving forward is whether these research findings will translate into policy changes. While academic studies can provide the evidence necessary to challenge fortress conservation, the implementation of community-led management requires a willingness from the state to relinquish absolute control.
Observers should monitor the following developments in the BRT hills and similar protected areas across India:
1. Land Tenure and Rights: Whether the government will expand the legal recognition of Soliga land rights and grant them greater autonomy in forest decision-making.
2. Policy Integration: Whether the Forest Department will formally integrate Adivasi traditional knowledge into official management plans, rather than treating it as a secondary or “informal” supplement.
3. Replication of the Model: Whether other protected areas in the Western and Eastern Ghats will adopt similar inclusive strategies, or if the Soliga example will remain an isolated case.
4. Conflict Resolution: Whether the shift toward inclusive conservation leads to a measurable decrease in tensions between indigenous communities and forest officials.
Conclusion
The study of the Soligas in the BRT hills provides a compelling evidence-based argument against the exclusionary practices of fortress conservation. It demonstrates that the preservation of biodiversity does not require the removal of humans, but rather the empowerment of the right humans—those with the ancestral knowledge and vested interest in the land’s longevity.
As the global community seeks more effective ways to combat ecological collapse, the Soliga model offers a blueprint for a more sustainable, equitable, and scientifically sound approach to conservation: one that views indigenous peoples not as threats to the wilderness, but as its most essential protectors.
Sources:
The Hindu – National: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/study-cites-soligas-of-biligiri-as-an-example-against-fortress-conservation-approach/article71275832.ece
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
