Governance, insecurity, and conservation in South Asian forests

There is no single defi nition of South Asia, which is also sometimes referred to as the Indian subcontinent. For this paper, we will consider it to include India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives are usually included in the region, but as they have only 1% forested area, they are not considered in this paper. Similarities among these nations are reinforced by the past tendency of their elites to be educated abroad; and a propensity among the young to seek training in the fi elds of forestry, law enforcement, and other fi elds at larger institutions in India. Diverse and ancient infl uences from major world cultures, including Hinduism, Islam, and Bhuddism still persist. Up to 1947, major portion of South Asia was infl uenced by British commercial penetration and colonial rule. As result, English continues to be widely spoken. In rural areas and the hills, hundreds of locally spoken languages persist. There are many instances of linguistic groups being cut in twain by international borders. Ancient sacred groves, held by institutions grounded in religion, community, and custom represent the longest-running conservation efforts in the world. But replicating such successes across other regions and nations has not been possible. This essay discusses the reasons behind the failure. In analysing forest policies and resource conditions, it is essential to have a realistic view of the implementability of such policies. In situations where institutions are weak, even the best policies cannot succeed. The nations of South Asia certainly illustrate this fact all too vividly. Of the six nations considered here, two have recently emerged from violent civil wars; two maintain large forces that are engaged with various groups of internal militants; one, while generally peaceful, is an unwilling sanctuary for armed groups; and only one seems to be generally placid. Even there, police presence inherited from past traditions remains widespread. As mentioned above, implementability of policy is critical to major national and global concerns. These include: