Gerry Martin

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’t 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 ‘doing their bit’ 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’ve 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’re working on right now. We’ve been trying to categorise the venoms regionally and we’re 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’re 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’t follow the rules that I otherwise do. Having said that, danger is relative — 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’re 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 ‘travel’ play?

Gerry Martin: Our work takes us to very interesting places. That accounts for a great part of the allure. Also, we’ve now opened our expeditions to people who want to experience our work; and their participation supports our work. It’s 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’s a lot more to conservation than wildlife biology and science — we need individuals with people skills, accountants, engineers, systems specialists and even good cooks!