http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080229-ecotourism-video-ap.html
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This video cites the example of couple of poachers, in west bengal, Kolkata, who have given up the unethical and risky business of poaching wild animals in Sunderbans tiger reserve and have chosen to live an ethical and a satisfying livelihood as naturalists instead.
The Tiger reserve and the tourists benefit from the detailed knowledge of these poacher turned naturalists, resulting in a win-win situation for the wildlife, reserve and tourists.
As of now, these are one-off cases where the impoverished individuals have had a change of heart and have resorted to a legal occupation instead of illegal ways to earn money through tiger trade. But these select few good samaritans also serve as an excellent role model, an opportunity for the Govt., where they can identify poachers and urge them to give up poaching, by promising them a sustainable and a civil life as a park guide or naturalist in the same reserve/ forest.
The poachers' expertise in animal trapping and their knowledge of the topography can also be utilized in conservation exercises.
They don't say it for nothing...Where there is a will, there is a way.
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