Hi everyone,
I hope you enjoyed watching Milking the Rhino. This film received several awards for the way it portrays the complex issue of poverty and environmental conservation. We thought the film might help us begin to think about and discuss this issue in preparation for the Community Based Forest Resources Management module of the STS course.
We ask each of you to post at least one comment on this forum with thoughts, concerns or questions resulting from the film. We will visit the forum regularly and also participate, and we will bring up some of your comments when we work with you in the classroom.
Cheers, Erin and Duarte
The documentary suggests that tourism, which already accounts for a significant portion of a country’s GDP, can also lead to a sustainable development. As depicted in the movie, the local people are the owners and the beneficiaries of the lodge. The tourist activities that take place in the villages of Kenya and Namibia helps the local communities economically but there is still confusion about whether these activities will take there culture and traditions into account or not. Exposure to an external world may lead to the extinction of their culture but it may also promote their culture through their uniqueness as the traditional dance forms and other such activities may induce tourists to visit these places.
ReplyDeleteAs shown in the movie, the revenues generated from these activities are being invested in the establishments of schools and the education of local people; is a very good example of sustainable development, which enhances the human capital and is a very valuable asset to any country. Therefore, in my opinion this movie shows a very important dimension to sustainable development which still is less explored and can give huge returns for development of any country.
The Man-Wildlife conflict depicted in the film seems multifaceted. When a tribal says that a Rhino is of no use to him, he cannot kill it for its meat, it shows that in times where people have to struggle for their survival on a daily basis, conservation of The BIG FIVE is not an utmost priority, but the same people have now started enjoying the benefits of tourism ,which is direct impact of the conservation of the BIG FIVE. Now some might argue that introducing Conventional tourism in such places is nothing but an aspect of Coca-Colonization. Personally speaking I feel it creates a Win-Win situation , as it preserves their culture , Conserves the BIG FIVE and betters the financial prospects of the tribals , Thus in my view it is very sustainable.
ReplyDeleteThe video has highlighted some of the development issues on conservations viz a vis human wild life conflicts
ReplyDeleteI being a Kenyan and having experienced first hand those issues,i have something i would like to highlight:-
1)The conservation alone has not been very beneficial to all,the quantum of benefits are more aligned to the rich and not the local community,so at the end the poor who suffer the burden of crops being attacked and do the hard work,get the minority benefits.
2)With increase of population of 1 million annually as experienced in the last 10 years this noble idea may come to nothing so the we should focus the energies towards tackling that explosive population increase.
3)The tourism also has a positive impact on eliminating some backward cultural practices like FGM among others...but at the commercialization its taking,even the the maasai culture which we are proud of ,soon may be extinct.
4)On the case of Namibia,i believe the local have a say on what they need to do rather than be dictated by the managers who construct those lavish hotels for tourists,and to minimize the grudges,the share of money gotten from the tourism should be equitably divided.
Aman...
ReplyDeleteRhino to us is a meat, a delicacy..the Maasai man is just wondering why he shouldn't be allowed to kill the rhino because at first the rhino has no value to him..it has more harm as it attacks his crops,and competes with herd of cattle for pasture.
Well and also on the preservation of culture,i doubt may be call it commercialization of the culture because apart from the tourists seeing the big five they also enjoy the traditional maasai dance which if you pay me handsomely ill perform to you!!
The documentary, ‘Milking the Rhino’, unlike many other documentaries on Africa which either focus only on the wildlife or only on the tribal communities (giving the idea that both exist independent of each other), seems to show more of a realistic picture where both exist in the same ‘frame’.
ReplyDeleteIn my head, the romanticized images of wild Africa have been replaced by an attempt to ‘create’ an illusion of the same (as was evident in the scene where one of the resort owners asked the locals not to sell their goods since it would spoil the image that tourists have in their heads of Africa). “If it feels like a set up, they won’t come.” Ironically, the area was being “set up”, but in tune with what the tourists expected it to be.
However, as Aman posted above, it does seem like a “win-win situation”. Tackling a problem in a way that benefits the community financially, by giving them incentives to protect wildlife not only leads to economic development, but also towards a changing mindset. The documentary begins with a local describing the animals as “dangerous” but as the film unfolds, the changing perceptions of the locals are noticeable. I think that though such an approach of community based forest conservation as shown in the film tackles the question of environmental protection while providing economic development quite effectively, but, it does not really deal with the issue of social equity.
The film also touches upon the aspect of preservation of local culture. As one of the interviewees said, “Soon our traditions may die out…” Culture, which has been termed as the fourth pillar of sustainable development, seems to take a backseat. I believe that viewing “sustainability” without taking into account cultural diversity is like viewing it through a narrow restrictive lens.
Also, the documentary raises some ethical questions when a tribal says, “Imagine somebody around your home just clicking pictures pictures!” It makes me wonder about what the difference is between the ‘rhino’ and the human inhabitants?
Towards the end of the film, there is a conversation between a westerner and a Kenyan. While the camera moves back and forth between the protagonists, their relative seating arrangement (with the woman sitting on a higher bench) seems like a metaphor for the relationship between the west and Africa - between a ‘white’ and a ‘black’ (I apologize for being politically incorrect.) … probably indicative of the hierarchical relationship between the two (as was also depicted in some of the scenes).
Lastly, one of the statements in the documentary - “God will not change the current style of raining… Do we manage the water already here? Or keep digging holes?” I think this statement takes the relevance of the documentary beyond just Kenya and Namibia to a global level.
The documentary 'Milking The Rhino'clearly vindicates that conservation is not sacrifice,rather it is a resource in itself.
ReplyDeleteThe documentary starts with the most legitimate question:if we conserve the rhinos then what do we eat?,and ends with a convincing answer that how consevation can lead to a win-win situation and become a permanent source of income for the local community.
The upshot of the documentary is to illustrate the fact that the solution to the challenges of depleting resources and plummeting wildlife species lies not in heavy investments or Herculian efforts but the right approach at the local level.
“Milking of Rhino” video has many dimensions en carved within it. It touches some core issues of need for development and conservation of wildlife as well as environment, as development and environment need to be seen as complementary to each other.
ReplyDeleteToday when we are facing harsh effects of global warming, depletion of resources we have realised the need for conservation of these resources. Video also touches the fact of mismanagement of resources which is very true and is restricted not just for Africa but for whole of the world as we people believe in current consumption rather than preserving for future. Consequences of what has given the birth for the terms like conservation and sustainable development.
In developing countries conservation of environment has become a matter of paramount importance as environment degradation drastically offsets improvements achieved by economic prosperity.
Film shows a good example of community based conservation not only of wildlife and environment but also preservation of culture by setting up of lodge for tourist attraction and serving tourists with their culture. It sets a good example of sustaining of culture and also improving livelihood but on the same track it also raises ethical issues in terms of commercialising on culture and way of living of tribal community.
Development is the need of all but it should be on holistic ground, giving sustainable livelihood to whole of the community.
Milking the rhino-
ReplyDeleteIt examines the relationship between the locals who live amongst the wildlife and the conservationists who look at tourism as a revenue generating activity.
The two tribes, the Maasai of Kenya and the Himba of Namibia have spent centuries as cattle farmers but the constant fear of losing their cattle to wildlife and drought has pushed them to look at alternative income sources. The conservationists are of the idea of milking wildlife like cow because drought kills cow but the ‘big five’ animals survive drought and the tribal’s see ecotourism as means of survival.
The two communities grapple the problems of human-wildlife conflict, grazing, community conservation and land usage.
Maasai ‘s have set up a lodge where the westerners come to see the region’s abundant wildlife. Earlier, wildlife was killed because they harmed the cattle and crops but now the tribes have adapted to tourism. The change in attitude towards wildlife, as compared to the earlier resentment is positive.
The cultural difference between the westerners and colonial descendants was evident. For example, the tribes thought the white people were skinless. The film gives a glimpse of cultural conflict, as a local said that it is not in the custom of Maasai men to cook food for women but in the lodges men are required to cook for white women. Also, the westerners who come to visit and experience the wildlife and cultural heritage of Africa are willing to experience a modified version, which is equipped with basic comforts that they are accustomed to (such as comfortable beds).
Ecotourism groups are being brought to these lands with the hope that the increased traffic will “benefit the local community more than disrupt it.”
According to me, the term “rhino” symbolizes wildlife, and the documentary explores the experiences and views of the indigenous African tribes regarding the solutions provided to them to address the human-wildlife conflict they struggle with in their daily life. It portrayed an “insider –perspective” of the impacts of wildlife conservation and the act of “milking” it, i.e capitalizing on it. One of the participants of the movie comments that cattle perish during times of drought but lions and elephants survive. This highlights the fact that the conservation of forests and wildlife ensures a steady flow of income for the tribes even during difficult times through the tourists it attracts. The movie brings to attention how linking conservation of wildlife and forests to economic incentives can (as Aman pointed out) create a win-win situation as it changes the way in which the tribes depend on (and perceive) forests for livelihood. However another participant compares their investment in the tourist lodges to “keeping all the eggs in one basket, if the basket falls all the eggs crumble”. This reminds us that tourism industry is sensitive to many influences, and fluctuations in the influx of tourists would impact the income and livelihood of the communities as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe movie brings out issues the tribes have to deal with in the process of conserving the forest. For instance, it becomes difficult for them to sustain their dedication to this goal during times of drought when the availability of grass used both by the wildlife and their cattle, becomes scarce. Due to these problems a promoter of the conservation programme faces attitudes of doubt and mistrust expressed by some local women, who are skeptical about the extent to which this project would benefit them. The movie also portrays how the entry of tourists into their region is contributing to changes in their culture and attitudes. They are mainly the result of efforts to help ensure that the “basic” standards of comfort and enjoyment of the white tourists are met. Such factors tend to be ignored while designing and implementing a development project.
“Milking the rhino” raises certain issues that are coming to the forefront as tribes in Africa, and elsewhere in the world are gradually being exposed to the world beyond. The changes that have been brought about as a result of this exposure have led to conflicting views within and outside the communities. Whether it is a question of encouraging people to move away from the traditional ways of living (cattle grazing) and adopting new ways (caretaking of the lodge), or the issue raised by restrictions on the hunting of the animals and the increased area under protection, all are events that have emerged with the advent of increasing contact of these communities with the outside world.
ReplyDeleteIs it wise to encourage the tribes to take up income generating activities which they are not essentially comfortable with (cooking for foreigners in the lodge)? Granted that tribes are finding it difficult to sustain themselves in their traditional ways, with the depleting grass cover and increased drought occurrence, however, if we have to intervene, can’t our intervention also be directed towards coming up with solutions for the depleting resources with the current advances in technology?
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteGreat comments - you are helping me see new issues and perspectives on this rich film - even after watching it several other times.
As you all pointed out, development that addresses improved livelihoods and environmental conservation is difficult to see. We are excited to see that you appreciate the complexity of this problem and are looking forward to continue these discussions.
Please continue entering comments - we're excited to read them.
Best,
I will have to agree with Paul that the Maasai people view the rhino as food and a nuisance to their agricultural endeavours, rather than an animal that should be protected. Their primary objective is to ensure the survival of their family and their people. So, if a rhino is impeding that in anyway, why should it be allowed to live?
ReplyDeleteBalancing economic development for marginalised groups and environmental protection is a key dilemma in developmental efforts being conducted today.
The Maasai group that started the lodge marrying nature, culture, conservation and income generation are a inspiring model for areas where such a situation is viable. However, the logical question that follows is: What about areas where indigenous people are faced with similar issues concerning the environment, where the Maasai lodge model is not economically feasible?
The preservation of culture becomes essential (in the worst case scenario) only because of the economic benefits associated with it. This throws up yet another of development's fundamental problems.
P.S. : Paul, i would really like to see that dance.. but i can only offer copious amounts of tea... Interested? :)
In this documentary Milking the Rhino what i examine is the deepening conflict between humans and animals in an ever-shrinking world and
ReplyDeletecommunity-based conservation, in which impoverished tribes living in threatened ecosystems replace unsustainable agricultural practices with ecotourism as a tool for economic development and the preservation of endangered species.
The Maasai and the Himba have introduced community-based conservation, managing wildlife populations for the benefit of the humans with whom they coexist, with the hope of drawing tourist trade and sustainable income and the revenue generated is further utilized for public welfare,community and schools.
It is the fascinating story of a relatively recent development in African conservation, the community conservancy...The task of conserving wildlife on a continent still struggling with widespread poverty, developing government infrastructure, and growing human populations is a formidable challenge for an underdeveloped state .
The documentary illustrates two levels of conflict. The first being conflict of interest in institutionalizing the values of wildlife conservation among community members, so as reap benefits by “milking the rhino.” It is difficult to ascertain a successful conservation model, but the one initiated by the Maasai’s themselves is a good example of how alternative sources of income can harmonize human-wildlife coexistence. However, i am with opinion that this model does not generate optimal solutions regarding the long-term sustainability of tourism based conservation models. This is where the second level of conflict comes into the picture, the presence of inter-cultural conflict. Tourism promotion in sensitive ecological zones brings along key ethical concerns as with over exposing communities to tourist. In the longer run this may lead to various degrees of cultural alienation and change in intra-cultural values, bringing forward the case of identity crisis.
ReplyDeleteAs for the solution everyone here has said the idea is to bring about a win-win situation, but such that it encompasses both today and tomorrow. After all, it is very easy for a tourist to say that landscape based tourism in Namibia is not real anymore and walk away to Tanzania; after all it is the wildlife, the community and the culture that has to withstand time.
the film "Milking The Rhino", all the way from Kenya and Namibia, gave to me a picture of transition of those masai herders of the olden times which we studied in our high school geography and the masai people of today. the human animal conflict on one side and the interdependence on the other side is very much to be understood from the movie. The movie also conveys dangers of losing masai and namibia culture due to increasing tourism.
ReplyDeleteit was a great learning watching the film
A Beautiful video!
ReplyDelete“Milking the Rhino” stirs in us both the argument – tourism as a tool that can promote sustainable communities and tourism as a threat. It leaves many questions unanswered like the debate between tribe women and the NGO representative and the argument about selling of crafts and its impact on tribes – I believe this was the best part, the unanswered question that made us think! For any developing country tourism is a necessary tool, but without proper precautions and planning it can be complete disaster. I liked the segment where the old lady laments about not being able to benefit much. This part present to us a question about who is really milking the Rhino – is its milk equally/equitably distributed? Also, how long will the people of such place resort to village based tourism – will they aspire for a western lifestyle that the tourist might infuse. Where and how and for what is the income being used? Are supportive institutions in areas of health and education being invested? Thanks for tons of questions to pounder upon!
Oh! Do the tribes get to use the swimming pool????
-Samrat Katwal
The MTR is a nice piece of film. It portrays the conflict of cultural dilution, poverty elevation, shifting from Maasai grazing practice to environment conservation, tourism and wildlife protection. When the marginalized communities are exposed to another way of life (grazing to conservation), it is difficult to make them believe. Overgrazing caused loss of vegetation so alternatives were sought. Eco-tourism, wildlife protection and environmental conservation were alternatives shown. The communities were a bit resistant due to fear of loss of their culture. That is true! It will be difficult but possible. We could see in the film: the forest back, wildlife animals around, tourist interested and economic gain to community (poverty elevation).
ReplyDeleteWell, milking the Rhino depicts the communities of Kenya and Namania where life primarily revolves around the cattle in a desert and there is acute shortage of water brought by war and the droughts in early 1980s. The communities use modern technology like water pumps to meet their daily water needs for consumption and for their livestock. However, there is a strong human-wild life conflict and the communities resort to many ways to do away with that which later on turns out to be a true blessing in disguise by this very wild life by way of tourism.
ReplyDeleteI felt that the communities were also skeptical at the same time fearing that with tourism and the development in their small village, it may either erode away or further enhance their age old culture and traditions.
The NGO is also involved in sensitizing community the importance of conserving the biodiversity and safe guarding the wild life. They blame the NGO people working there responsible for bringing up the lodge for tourists taking away their grazing land which have been used for ages although they are benefitted by tourism.
The grazing land used for ages by this particular community for their sole livelihood has been taken away and turned into cozy lodge just for tourists and I ask you one thing: “Should this type of thing happen every where?”
The documentary film talks about
ReplyDelete1. Bringing development into the remote areas through tourism
2. The question to be asked is can it solve some of the economic problems that the country is facing by increase its GDP. Or simply we can: whether it has fulfilled in giving the basic needs (food, clothing etc) to the villagers.
3. Has the village community has accepted this new method of development. What they think about it. ( conflicts of community interests- culture)
4. Problems of grazing with increase in wildlife and increase in cattle. Who should be given more importance?
5. Can this development can bring balance in ecology and protect the environment?
6. Mind set, expectations of the tourists who come to these places?
7. Finally, if this method is successful can it be implemented in other parts of Africa?
According to me, I do agree tourism is one of the major methods of increasing income in the economy. And I fully support that this method should be replicated by other village communities because it solves their basic needs and increase the standard of living of the people. Its can protect the environment because when any country wants to develop their tourism there first priority is preservation of its natural surroundings. Through this they can even solve the problem of grazing.
Milking the Rhino is set in the localities of the Maasai and Himba tribes of Kenya and Namibia, respectively. Towards the beginning of the documentary, a line spoken by a member of the Maasai tribe (I think) really struck me : “Cattle belong here, not wildlife”. Even once the documentary ended, this line resonated with me, and caused me to think, who does belong to that land, or rather, sadly as we have come to see most things these days, who does that land belong to?
ReplyDeleteWatching this documentary, gave me a glimpse into the complex interface between the needs of the wildlife, the needs of the indigenous people, and the needs of the modern world, all occurring in conjunction. But whose needs are most important? The indigenous people who are desperately looking to other sources of income as the ecosystem they depend on withers around them? Or the wildlife, who have survived in a precarious peace with the villagers for so many years? Or are the beings of priority in fact the tourists? Before the tourists’ drive to the villages, the sand is swept clear of previous tyre tracks, to give them the feeling of entering uncharted territory. They are instructed to act however they wish- shake hands with the villagers, hand out ball point pens, while the villagers are reprimanded for trying to make the best of the situation and sell some souvenirs. I really appreciated the irony portrayed in giving the tourists an authentic experience of the tribal villages, minus of course the messy parts of the authenticity.
In addition to fitting into the tourist-local paradigm, it also falls upon the villagers to balance their needs with the needs of the wildlife. Due to the Community Based Conservation movement that they are now part of, they are required to compromise on the grazing land available to their cattle, and the safety of their crops from the wildlife, even in times of drought. Whether conservation is their priority or not- a global priority is thrust on them, without helping them sort out their local problems.
It really makes me think, why is it that they are not helped through the real drought, instead of only being assisted in their “drought of tourism”? And what happens to the villagers, and for that matter, to the rhinos/wildlife, once the rhinos can be milked no more?
'Milking the Rhino' raises some of the most valuable questions related to the field of sustainable development. What should be done?
ReplyDeleteA. We strictly need to go for wildlife conservation and there should be zero tolerance.
B. We should leave the African wildlife issues to the indigenous communities. Let them do what they want to do with the wildlife.
C. Or, we should go for a community based wildlife conservation linked with some business model.
If we go for the third option, encouraging safari tourism may bring many unwanted dirty things to the society of indigenous communities. Building consensus within the community will be a big challenge. We noticed how the old lady expressed her annoyance.
The answers are upto the interpretation of the audience. But one thing is for sure that it will persuade every audience to think.
This movie has really helped us to gain insight into wildlife conservation and indigenous community. Although it was shown on the introductory day of the STS, I feel this film helped us understand the subject of "Key Concepts in Cultural & Political Ecology" better.
Aditya,
ReplyDeleteAllow me to say that,tourism in Kenya is one of the main contributors to the economy so conservation is not only by the individual communities but by the government even in Kenya we do have a government college offering degrees for the tourism sector called "UTALII COLLEGE"so the success of such initiative i will mostly likely think its benefit driven for the selected few not the community.
Therefore before u borrow such initiatives alot of research has to be done,and remember development is always specific to certain areas.
Anarb i beg to disagree with you on leaving the conservation issues to the local alone,there are complex situations that they face like poverty among others and hence,unless a control mechanism is put in place,no one will die for lack of food when the rhino is grazing on the lands.
Rajat are you sure its culture conservation or culture commercialization??
I have been waiting for someone to raise ethical issue on those tourists who go taking photos to the locals yet no one,so i ask...is it nice for visitors to go taking photos without consent??
Paul,
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out a glaring typo in my sentence :"The preservation of culture becomes essential (in the worst case scenario) only because of the economic benefits associated with it. This throws up yet another of development's fundamental problems."
What i meant was that in the worst case scenario, the Maasai's culture may exist as a shadow of its former glory in the future purely because it rakes in the tourists... and that culture conservation is another one of development's fundamental problems
The great discussion continues. I noticed that some of you have made references to the background readings. That's great. If you have the opportunity, please make that shift and post a comment reflecting on how the readings relate to the development/conservation issues you have been debating.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Must say- a very well shot video!
ReplyDeleteThe documentary rakes up the old debate of tourism and conservation ironically for the better. Although tourism has given an incentive to the masaai and the tribes of Namibia to conserve and earn extra income, there are a lot of issues as mentioned by everyone that still need to be debated. The uncertainty in tourism in the context of long term sustainability (also profitability) and seasonal variations in the influx of tourists expose these communities to financial risks (remember they need money to keep the lodge up and running). Another issue here is the question or rather the doubts about sharing benefits, especially evident in the case of the Namibian tribes.
On the conservation front, it’ll be interesting to debate how to achieve a balance between conserving the forest/grasslands to achieve wildlife and also the necessity of these tribes to graze their cattle on these lands, given the required resources are available and sufficient.
As mentioned by paul and rajat earlier, a rhino is a delicacy to the masaai and they would love to hunt it and for them to inculcate an attitude of conserving would require a change in their practices and culture, this is but an example of a lot of practices that need to change. Also increased interaction with the outside world would render these communities culturally vulnerable. Well, in the case of the Namibian tribes, it doesn’t go down well to see the entire show being orchestrated by the resort managers where-in the tribes are told what or what not to do, how or how not to be.
Many questions need answers. Lets see…
The documentary is an illustration of the various issues faced by the tribal communities all around the globe. As I see it, 'Milking the Rhino' specifically deals with the matters of conservation, tourism and the issues of loss of identity that the natives might face.The most tantalizing feature of the documentary was the inhabitants becoming cognizant of the need for conservation.As was rightly said by a tribesman, over-grazing led to a dearth of pasture lands, because of which a shift was made from rearing cattle to cultivation. This required the clearing of lands which resulted in the displacement of various animals.Thus,along with economic gains from tourism,the communities also recognized the benefits they themselves had from conservation.
ReplyDeleteThe promotion of tourism does bring in the question of identity crisis that these communities might face. Over exposure to the outside world could culminate in the extinction of such cultures due to the influence of the west. Thus, with a few unanswered questions in mind, this documentary proved to be a very thought provoking one!
'Milking The Rhino' was a good watch and what i best liked about the docu was that a debate was presented like a debate and not a sermonising narrative presenting the two cases.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite argument from the debate was "While drought kills cattle, elephants and lions live", this kind of silenced the opponents and made them think. I feel 'Conservation pays principle' is the new 'Polluter pays principle' :D as in trend wise ;)
Its a trend worth following.
The documentary showed how the environmental dominance in extreme climate exacerbates the condition of already scarce resources. In Kenya it manifests itself in the form of man-animal conflict, whereas in Namibia the conflict is in between development and cultural integrity. The way out seems to be in capacity building of community in utilising their local resources with external presence only in the supporting role most of the time.
ReplyDeleteMilking the Rhino examines ever increasing human-animal conflict on one hand and implications of development activities as a livelihood deterrent for the locals on the other. It throws light upon wildlife conservation from the perspective of people who live with wild animals. However, when the community strives to attain basic necessities of life it is very difficult to convince them with the idea of conservation. It also shows a kind of hatred somewhere towards animals because in times of drought there is an increase in the number of animals entering the fields for survival and it is the cattle that die. The life of the rural poor revolves around their cattle. Sharing scanty grass with animals by the community is a major challenge. The land is getting barren because of the over grazing patterns of cattle.
ReplyDeleteAnother challenge is to strike a balance between development and preservation of culture through community participation. The grazing lands have been taken over for developmental activities. Increase in tourism activities on one hand can lead to upliftment of the poor whereas on the other hand poses a constant threat to the indigenous people and their culture and traditions getting lost, by steadily adapting to ways of the outside world. Hence, it is inevitable to have a trade off between economic activities and preservation of culture to have cooperation of locals and minimizing conflict.
The documentary ‘Milking the Rhino’ has various dimensions to it. There is conflict within the community, different point of views are expressed by the community members regarding conservation of wildlife. Some say that conserving the forest is necessary as wildlife is their identity; it promotes tourism which in turn helps them increase their income and they also need to consider other sources of income as cattle die due to drought and are often even prey to the wild animals. Some say there should be ‘limited cattle’ so that there is no over-grazing, conserving pasture land. Others on the other hand, feel that cattle is an important source of food for them. All tribe members have different opinions; there are conflicting views within and outside the community.
ReplyDeleteThe film also touches upon the issue of preserving local culture. Cultural differences between westerners and tribals are effectively portrayed in the film. The tribe thought the westerner’s were skinless. There is also conflict in culture, for example in the tribal community men do not cook and feed the women but in the lodge they had to do so, this implies that in order to get money the tribe had to work as per the requirements keeping their cultural beliefs aside. The challenge which lies ahead of the community is to preserve their culture while trying to grow economically. The conflict for them would be how much of their way of living they are ready to alter due to the lodge. The video gave me an insightful view of the African tribes and about their livelihood patterns.
The wildlife conservation and tourism help tribes to generate revenue,which can be helpful for further investment in community activities.. thus more investment means more income in the economy..leading to increase in the standard of living,helping the state to achieve economic development.
ReplyDeletechallenges to development would be
- changing the mindset of the people to accept the new technique of development?
- Is economic development responsible for culture change?
(we see in the video during the marriage ceremoy people raising the question of culture change)
The documentary 'Milking the Rhino' gives us an insight into the multidimensional issues relating to sustainance of the indigenous communities, wildlife and conservation of both the wildlife and the culture of the communities. It highlights upon the aspects of man-animal conflict, the problems faced by the communities due to this and community based conservation of forest and wildlife, which can ensure them ways of sustainable livelihoods.
ReplyDeleteBy resolving the conflict with animals, the communities can benefit largely from their natural surrounding.The documentary shows a revolution that is turning poachers into preservationists and local people into the stewards of their land. This conservation approach can also encourage tourism, which can provide them with a means of income generation and an opportunity to get exposure to the world beyond their community, which may pose a little threat to their indigenous culture.
Thank you everyone for sharing your views. Before writing my actual views I will write what I could collect from the movie while watching.
ReplyDeleteIn the Masai tribe ...oldest cattle culture in the world : the community questioned "How are we going to benefit from the conservation of forest and wild animals ?" The also expressed their thoughts that the wild animals pose to them and a few examples were discussed in the documentary.
Namibia : again life revolves around the cattle.
So grazing and over grazing poses problem:
a) all grass gone
b) no perennial grass
c) you pull and the grass is out with roots which is not much deep.
d) wild and cattle both share the same grass
The documentary also expressed at times how important it is to identify key people who can help you best convey your message right and convey your message in right manner.
The manager also expressed the point that tourists and visitors want to see the natural complexities and not the set-up stage. But the community needs to earn something for living and then what is better than tourism.
As a tourist you can peep into and intrude into their living space and then walk away easy .
The discussions in the movies also expressed the fact that may be culture gets a mix or something new evolves and I could not understand whether that would be good or bad and what parameter will determine good or bad.
In a very short time the movie reflected the issues pertaining to human systems in tribal lands of Africa revolving around the wild and the cattle and their indigenous culture. The wild poses continuous threat but then , it can survive the droughts and other calamities which some domestic animals and the crops may fail to. Within the community it will always be difficult to bring everyone to a common understanding in one go on different issues of culture , wild-animal relations etc.
ReplyDeleteBut yes people do understand that the wild and their culture has brought them new means of earning a living. Then comes the point of sustainability. Sustainability of the culture, traditions , wild, sources of earning etc and how can mutually sharing and benefiting projects be designed that maintains a balance and promotes sustainability .
In the video James Kinyaga , from the Massai tribe also expresses that the revenue earned from the lodge is also spent on building public infrastructure and shared with the community. But the idea of lodge(new evolving ideas for earning from eco-tourism) owned/managed by the locals evolves a new organized means of living. The community based approach seems to be good for conservation of human , wild and the forests and their linkages. Until and unless you make the community part of your system you cannot derive the best results. This mutual sharing can prevent conflicts.
The video also reflects that the eldest(grandmother in village) in the community(Namibia) holds a command and you cannot bypass them you have to follow the channel and include them and inform them about your intentions.
In the video John Kasaona also helps understand how radically your point of view can change when you are the government's forest conservator walking with the loaded gun and then at later stage when you are more connected to the communities and you see and understand now both sides of the coin.
These Communities better understand the meaning of "WE and US and OUR" so let them live with their community linkages intact.
"Milking The Rhino" has showcased the relation of cultural economy and conservation of the traditional practices and nature.
ReplyDeletethe documentary has depicted how the inhabitants are somewhere convinced with the idea of preserving the nature, and then en-cashing the same for their livelihood. People realize the importance of the nature. The promotion of the Eco tourism is in a way helping them raise their economy and help them present and promote their culture which exist in the core villages. this could be counted as the most interesting bit of the documentary manifesting the adaptation of the tribes to eco-tourism.
we get to see the the relationship between human beings and animals, where we witness people living just next to wildlife.