Greens See Red Over Fund Allocations

On the eve of the first ever meet of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) assembly, environmentalists have voiced resentment against the meagre allotments to Indian environmental projects.

They are particularly critical of the quantum of funds earmarked for the pilot eco-development project, which is meant to benefit the local population living around seven national parks.

The GEF and the World Bank has earmarked $ 68 million (Rs 265 crore). Environmentalists say this is a paltry amount as the allocation is for a three-year period.

They say the target beneficiaries will receive Rs 10,000 per year. This is a ridiculous amount in lieu of the fact that will be giving up their right on the minor forest produce, their only source of livelihood, they add.

According to The Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based non-government organisation, the project is impractical and expensive and goes against the basic rights of indigenous communities.

The fund thus works out to Rs 10,000 a year in terms of the target beneficiaries. This is a ridiculous amount because in lieu therefore the people will have to give up their rights on the minor forest produce which is their only source of livelihood.

The Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based non-government organisation (NGO) goes as far as to say that the eco-development project is impractical and expensive, going against the basic rights of the indigenous communities in India.

Environmentalists are outraged over the fact that neither the GEF, World Bank or the government has come forward to react to their grievances on the issue.

In fact, they say, the issue went unanswered during a meeting on Sunday, when representatives from over 100 international and national NGOs, the GEF secretariat, GEF council, and implementing agencies were present.

They say the plight of the local communities in other countries is no different, as revealed during the meet.

According to them, Grace Akumu from the Climate Action Network, Nairobi, referred to the forced resettlement of the Pokamo people living inside the Tana Forest Reserve.