

@mastersthesis {6326,
	title = {An assessment of {Seechewal} {Initiative} in the {State} of {Punjab}, {India}: {An} example of community-based conservation?},
	year = {2008},
	note = {MR36359},
	school = {University of Manitoba (Canada)},
	type = {phdM.{N}.{R}.{M}.},
	address = {Ann Arbor},
	abstract = {Community-based conservation (CBC) is a concept which can be described as the conservation of biological diversity, wildlife or any other natural resource based on the involvement of local communities in the decision-making process. As a step towards studying this phenomenon in-depth, research entitled "An Assessment of Seechewal Initiative in the State of Punjab, India: An example of Community-based-conservation?, was undertaken by me and examined in terms of a community-based conservation initiative. The main objectives of this research were to describe and understand the Seechewal initiative and to determine its participatory nature. The research also assessed the initiative in terms of environmental, economic and social dimensions, and examined the opportunity of extending the positive impacts of this initiative to other areas in Punjab. Further methods for scaling-up this initiative by other communities were also examined. The study concluded that a renewed focus on the management and conservation of natural resources by communities is emerging. Communities are being empowered directly or indirectly to manage their surroundings. The process could be self-initiated by the community or triggered by government, an NGO; or any other agency. The Seechewal movement is a religious and environmental movement with origins in the district of Jalandhar in the state of Punjab and it has spread to adjoining villages. The movement has multi-faceted components ranging from the construction of roads, laying of sewerage systems, provision of a water supply and cleaning the river Kali Rein. The environmental, economic and social impacts of the Seechewal initiative are visible, as they have not only helped improve the living conditions of the residents but also their general quality of life. In addition it has influenced on the social structure of the community, with community united into one whole unit where people are motivated, working together for one cause and overcoming their differences in terms of caste, creed, and economic status. Agriculture, being the backbone of the economy in the area, has benefited greatly due to an increase in the normal flow of the Kali Rein. The river is flowing effectively after it was cleaned up with the help of community efforts. The scaling-up of this initiative is demonstrated by having the principles, technologies and the processes that were first tested in village Seechewal, adopted elsewhere in the region. The Seechewal initiative has been mentioned in both local and international press and by the former president of India. Dr. A.P.J. Kalam has referred to it numerous times during his speeches on important occasions both within and outside of India. Certain limitations of this study have also been identified as its scope was limited to some extent. Areas of further research have also been identified.},
	keywords = {0768:Environmental science, Environmental science, Health and environmental sciences},
	url = {http://search.proquest.com/docview/304403096?accountid=14270},
	author = {Nigah, Manpreet}
}
