Past experience and govt. conviction has made it clear that wildlife conservation can never be successful in the country with the cooperation and involvement of local communities. STR has been following this philosophy and introduced a wide range of confidence building initiatives to orient local communities to wildlife conservation in the protected area. While there are still a few villages inside the core zone, STR also has quite a few villages in the buffer zone whose interest and cooperation in conservation is very important. There are also 49 relocated villages outside. These populations have also contributed to the success of STR as one of the finest protected area in the country. As there was no special opportunity for these people, the STR management also took some important initiatives for their livelihood. The STR management also entered into agreements with some NGOs and companies to train these youths for assured employment. Besides, STR also occupies a place in the local economy through its management and tourism. The tiger reserve, through habitat management, employment generating trainings, and ecotourism management, provides employment for guides, gypsy drivers, and local people engaged in hotels/ resorts, besides creating other small economic activities.
Bestowed with so many unique features, Satpura has something to offer to all kind of tourists according to their individual interests and therefore attracts large number of tourists each year. Keeping the prime objective of conservation and protection of the area in mind, the ecotourism plan aims to tap this large visitation, with controlled and regulated mechanism, for Interpretation and conservation education, while generating additional income for local population and involve them in conservation.
Ecological benefits of involving the community in the eco-tourism activities are as below:
• Strengthened protection
• Increased man-power for protection
• Improved livelihood benefits to community
• Reduced pressure on forest
• Improved detection of illegal activities
• Improved conservation awareness among visitors
• More documentation of wildlife sightings