THE PLAN: I have decided to settle near Kanha Tiger Reserve. This placement will be ideal to be supportive, in all respects, to Tribal communities, while simultaneously encouraging a concerted effort to block out the accessibility of poachers around Kanha. For without the determination and collective will of tribal communities around Kahna the Tigers will certainly not have the chance of survival, resulting in the demise of this vital jungle and all that depends on it.

Re-forestation: Our first priority is to high light the urgent need to re-green the areas around each and every village that abuts Kanha’s sanctity. This will eventually stem the requirement to enter and plunder forest products from the core area of Kanha Tiger Reserve, illegally. It will hopefully also stop opportunities, or temptations, to poach any of the animals in Kanha.

An indigenous tree nursery: Forest department guides and many local residents of villages around Kanha Tiger Reserve have whole heartedly agreed to help us gather indigenous seeds to plant a nursery of saplings in one reserved area of the land. We will then annually set out to pre-defined areas of the outer buffer zone to re-forest individual village environments, eventually making available to them all the bamboo, trees and fruits that were plentiful & theirs before their world was invaded by modern man. Most of the concerned people are themselves Tribals, and think the ideas put forward thus far to take the pressure off Kanha, its trees and the wildlife are very achievable. They also feel the higher level of interest in strengthening Tribal community’s future and the activities planned will be very well received.

Health & social issues: Tribal health & social issues around this most vital national park area are also of concern. So we wish to revive the spirit of Tribals through health programs and self-help schemes, while they lend a helpful hand in the preservation of the jungles, and water conservation projects, while amassing the collective will of these tribesmen & women to protect the wildlife therein.

Along with tree planting, traditional medicine techniques are going to be re-taught by the elders of local & invited experts in this field. A growing dissatisfaction with the side effects of allopathic medicines has reiterated the importance of natural medicinal plants.

Malaria Clinic: It is also planned that we build and equip an emergency malaria clinic at the entrance to “Shanti Bagh”, with invited doctors & pathologists coming either to stay for a month or so, or visit us regularly from the nearby towns to minimize deaths caused so frequently by lack of medical advice/medication. Neem trees are to be planted in each village to help combat malaria & cancer.

Water conservation: A terrible problem for Tribal communities and all the animals in Kanha National Park, which has to be addressed immediately.

Sustainability: Obviously this project and all the activities we have planned has to be self-sustaining, and for a long duration. Therefore I intend to establish a small, yet very personalized guest accommodation facility at the foundation’s headquarters, which will also be known as “SHANTI BAGH”, meaning Garden of Peace.

The accommodation is to comprise of a main building, with kitchen, lounge/dining hall, along with 5 guest cottages. In time, and as we gather support, we would like to increase the guest facilities to a maximum of 9 cottages. All nine guest cottages will have a high degree of independence and privacy.

Eco-tourism as it should be operated: To support our projects for Tribes & Tigers we want to offer jungle experiences of the highest quality, along with introductions to the wonders of India’s natural heritage in Kanha Tiger Reserve. We would invite interested parties to choose projects to participate in that will help Baiga & Gond Tribes in constructive ways, e.g. medical camps, arts & crafts assistance, reforestation of their own environments; bee keeping; educational programs etc., while simultaneously introducing them to the natural beauty and majestic wildlife species Kanha shelters.

Please note that our Baiga & Gond friends of 13 years at Sarodadadar/Bhoremdeo fall into the southern limits of the buffer zone of Kanha. So my very fond association with the extended families of my late guru, Bakru Baiga, and the ever active Jungle Singh can resume, filling a void separation made extremely painful.

Now comes the difficult aspect to our dreams to protect Tribals from being lured into illegal activities, such as aiding and abetting in poaching activities; deforestation for a pittance of an income; malnutrition and all that comes with abject poverty and ultimately ensuring the Tigers, the natural lords & protectors of India’s jungles survive.

I walked away from Kawardha with very little, but I am happy I was able to place Kawardha & its environs on the international tourism map, for everyone’s sake. So basically, I have to start from scratch and raise the necessary funds and support to start up this project. Those of you who know me know that I find it difficult to ask for anything that I can not immediately return in a tangible and value filled form. After much thought, friends came up with an idea that gives any supporters the Foundation attracts to crucial project an instant re-payment proposal.

The thought that struck as being viable for all concerned is as follows:-

AN ADVANCE BOOKING OPTION OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENCE ACTIVITIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF TIGERS & THE OUTER BUFFER ZONE OF KANHA TIGER RESERVE, WHILE SIMILTANEOUSLY ASSISTING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES TO LEAD HEALTHIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE AND INCLUSIVE LIVES.

This proposed fund raising exercise means participant unit holders, (a maximum of 30 unit holders), would pay in advance for the cost ive night’s accommodation & meals charges from a minimum stay of 4 nights, twice, over a 3 years period to a maximum of 22 nights, (others old friends have asked for long stay options), with seven visits over 12 years. Obviously if our supporters want to bring family and friends on one single occasion to avoid repeat visits, that too can be would be agreed to.

If you are interested in continuing your support of Baiga Tribals and want to know more, please see the attached specified details.

We do hope you will see value in what we are trying to achieve for these simple and forgotten first men/women of these central Indian jungles, and the majestic Tigers of India, and hope for your continued support, in any form, for their sake.

All Mail should temporarily be addressed to: MARGIE WATTS-CARTER C/o Royal Tiger Resort, Kanha National Park, P.O. Mukki via Baihar, Distt. Balaghat, MP – 481 111, INDIA.
My current phone number is 0091 7637 226 028. All this is very hush, hush at the moment, and so please do keep this secret closely guarded.

Please address all correspondence as PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL. THANK YOU.
With seasonal greetings & my very best wishes, and thank you for taking the time to read these pages.
Yours sincerely,

MARGIE WATTS-CARTER
For & on behalf of “SHANTI BAGH” Kanha’s Tree, Tribe & Tiger Foundation