South Carolina

I start a different phase of my experiential learning beginning the week Nov 3, 2008. I would connect with the South Carolina University, the DNR, the refuges of the US Fish and wildlife and the NPS the US Forest Service and the Nicholas Institute of the Duke University.

South Carolina is a beautiful place living is a bit laid back. The town is smaller as compared to the cities I have visited. I find the place interesting.

I am working on the integrated model for tiger conservation that was developed in the workshop conducted at Concordia University Saint Paul Minnesota which I present to the Global Tiger Initiative at the World Bank.

This eventful time I would spend learning about current initiatives and giving the finishing touches to the final reports of my Fulbright Program.

September 18, 2008

Today met with Dr David Smith a tiger expert at the University of Minnesota and discussed protocols for regular monitoring of tigers. The need for an adaptive management model for tiger conservation in view of the acute threats faced was discussed and it was felt that the best way forward is to plan for this model and test it out on a pilot level.

Also met conservation officers of the DNR and discussed protection issues. Planned out a field trip on saturday.

Attended University and sent out mail to TNC and Al Gore.

September 17 2008

Today was a very interesting day did not know that this much could be compressed in a single day. Had a breakfast welcome meeting hosted by the President Concordia University and attended by the Executive Council and the Deans Council. Two Fulbright fellows- from China and me from India. Interestingly two countries that are in the very center of action in this age of globalisation.So much to learn about and so much to learn from.An important part of the timing of our program is that we get to see the Presidential election form close-up.

Then met Dr Dean Current from the UOM and discussed about collaborations on developing protocols for NTFP collections to ensure sustainability. This was followed by a visit to the Library and then to the Northern Forest Research station of the US Forest Service. I must mention the warm welcome from Shirley at the reception which was matched by the Asst Director Dr Tom who heads the center. I was informed about the focus areas of research- social sciences, climate change. We discussed mutual matters and the participation of US Forest Service at the Seminar at Kerala. Thereafter met with Dr Peter Cutter and discussed about his tiger research and the protocols developed.Dr Cutter promised to forward information on the Thailand Tiger Action Plan, the MIST program, the work done by him at Thailand and the cluster approach followed in those countries.

This was followed by a visit to the Raptor center met with a dedicated Dr Redig the founder of the center and discussed the various issues after which had a guided tour of the center.

Met with Bhim Gurung from the tiger research center and the proceeded to meet Dr Thomas Halbach and discussed about compost. Also met with Dr Gupta working on soils and climate.

Did a bit of driving getting used to driving on the right and adhering to the US rules.

A hectic but highly interesting and informative day.

The day today

After an exciting ALANA Green Summit yesterday it was time for stock taking and moving further. I planned for my period at New York and Washington by connecting with the various organizations and finalizing my plans for travel and stay.

I went to the Chapel at Concordia University and attended a simple prayer service. I was delighted to see a good gathering of students who were active participants and received well the message for the day.

I discussed my program at South Carolina University with the Dean of the School of Environment Dr Madilyn Fletcher.

I discussed with the Minnesota league of conservative voters their green scorecard of politicians. This is an excellent accountability initiative which is of important significance in a democracy. I think that this is a good model to replicate in India.