Women are finally getting recognition in the field of forest conservation, with Chief Conservator of Forests, N. R. Praveen, stating that women make up about 50% of the workforce in the forest department. The first Jungle Belles award for wildlife conservation was recently presented to conservationist Bhavna Menon in Pune, with a cash prize of rupees 50 thousand. The award was instituted by Hemangi Vartak and Sanjay Deshpande, who received over 30 entries from all over the country.
Praveen highlighted the importance of women in jungle tourism, noting that they are equally skilled as their male counterparts, if not better. He emphasized the need for society to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women in this field. Menon, the first recipient of the award, expressed her gratitude and shared her plans to work on conservation outreach and ecotourism.
She urged urban tourists to go beyond jungle safaris and support local communities by purchasing their handicrafts and supporting small local entrepreneurs. Sanjay Deshpande and Hemangi Vartak shared the objectives of the award and the various awareness activities conducted by Jungle Belles. Madhulika Tijare concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
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