OT What does The Gerry Martin Project do
Gerry Martin The Gerry Martin Project (TGMP) is filling a void in conservation. At present, there are some incredibly skilled and dedicated researchers and conservationists who don&rsquot have the time, bandwidth or (sometimes) the inclination to connect with society at large. At the same time, there is an ever-growing group of people all over the country (and world) who are keen on &lsquodoing their bit&rsquo for conservation. TGMP is bridging that gap. We also focus on community-based education and awareness, action-oriented research and effective networking and liaising.
OT Why did you start the Project
Gerry Martin I decided to start it as a for-profit entity. I felt I needed to structure the work I was doing, and I am not a fan of charity. At TGMP, we believe there is value in conservation for everyone.
OT What were you doing before that
Gerry Martin I&rsquove been interested in reptiles and amphibians for as long as I can remember. I started my career in 1995 with Romulus Whitaker at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology. Between 1999 and 2005, I worked with National Geographic and iDiscoveri Education (with children) and dabbled in wildlife tourism and research work.
OT Your most ambitious project yet
Gerry Martin The one we&rsquore working on right now. We&rsquove been trying to categorise the venoms regionally and we&rsquore hoping to eventually have better protocols and treatments for snakebite. There are almost 50,000 snakebite deaths in India each year in addition to the number of people who suffer the loss of some life function or are affected economically. We&rsquore also working to raise awareness about snakes, snakebite and the most practical first aid and treatment.
OT Dangerous or amusing incidents on the field
Gerry Martin There are lots. Most of them would involve learning something new or being stupid I got bitten by a pit viper a couple of weeks ago in Arunachal Pradesh because I didn&rsquot follow the rules that I otherwise do. Having said that, danger is relative &mdash I feel a construction worker in Mumbai on an eight-storey-high bamboo scaffolding is in far greater danger than I.
OT You often work with kids. How do they react
Gerry Martin Children are incredibly open to wildlife. Sadly, many of them have been conditioned to fear nature and the outdoors. But when they&rsquore out there, experiencing it for themselves with guidance, they change. A lot of the concepts that seem irrelevant in the two dimensions of a textbook make sense under the open sky.
OT What role does &lsquotravel&rsquo play
Gerry Martin Our work takes us to very interesting places. That accounts for a great part of the allure. Also, we&rsquove now opened our expeditions to people who want to experience our work and their participation supports our work. It&rsquos a good example of what eco-tourism should be.
OT Can anyone volunteer for TGMP
Gerry Martin We try to find something for everyone to do. There&rsquos a lot more to conservation than wildlife biology and science &mdash we need individuals with people skills, accountants, engineers, systems specialists and even good cooks