Job opportunities

1. Coordinator – Fund Raising - [posted on 01-04-2011]2. Faculty positions at ATREE - [posted on 15-02-2011]

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore India, invites nominations and applications for the following positions.

1. Coordinator – Fund Raising

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a research organization with a focus on the application of science in conservation of nature, management of natural resources and sustainable development. It is fast emerging as one of South Asia's leading conservation, environment and development organizations with branches in Delhi, Gangtok and Darjeeling and field offices in several states.

Requirements and responsibilities: 3-5 years experience in communications, public relations, or as an executive secretary in a reputed institution. We are looking for a dynamic self-motivated person to coordinate all aspects of fund raising including communications for institutional development, and donor relations at ATREE. The candidate will work closely with the President and Director in exploring and translating funding opportunities into grants for the institution. The candidate should strongly identify with ATREE's mission. S/he should necessarily be a very organized, a good communicator, with excellent writing and interpersonal skills. Persons having experience in writing large institutional grants would be preferred. The position will be located in Bangalore.

Emoluments: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with demonstrated experience. Preference will be given to full-time option, but we are open to a part-time position as well. ATREE offers a professional, yet flexible working environment.

Applications: To apply, submit your detailed curriculum vitae mentioning the position name in the subject head of your mail. The position will be filled once we find a suitable candidate. Please send your applications immediately by email to hr@atree.org with subject head “Fund Raising Coordinator”. Our address: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur P.O. Bangalore 560 064. Tel: +91 (80) 2363-5555, Fax: 2353-0070. www.atree.org

2. Faculty positions at ATREE

ATREE invites applications for two faculty positions described below:1. Faculty position in Environment & Development: Person may be trained either in the social or natural/physical/engineering sciences or both. Research interests must complement existing programmes in land and water resources or forests and governance

2. Faculty position in the Social Sciences: Person must be trained primarily in the social sciences. Research interests must complement existing programmes in land & water resources, forests & governance, or biodiversity & conservation.

Common Qualifications: Candidates must be dynamic and highly motivated scholars, with a Ph.D. and one or more years of post-doctoral experience, and a strong track record of academically rigorous but socially relevant research in the areas indicated above. Applicants must have a strong interest in applied research, working in multi-disciplinary teams, and teaching on environmental issues.

Responsibilities: Core faculty members will participate in long-term academic, policy and action-oriented research programmes that address important issues in sustainable development. They will participate in Ph. D. teaching, advising and short-term training programmes. Faculty members are also expected to share institutional responsibilities.

Appointments and Emoluments: Appointments will be at the level of Fellow (equivalent to Assistant Professor) or Senior Fellow (mid-level Associate Professor) depending upon candidate's experience. The positions are long-term, supported by endowments. Salaries at ATREE are competitive and at par with other academic institutions in India. The positions will be based in the main office in Bangalore.

ATREE fosters autonomy, professional growth, diversity and gender equity at the work place. Women and persons from underprivileged groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Application process: To apply, submit detailed curriculum vitae, list of publications, copies of key publications, names and contact information of three references, and an outline of proposed future research. Please use 'Faculty position in E&D' or 'Faculty position in Social Science' in the subject head of your e-mail. There is no separate application form. Electronic submissions of applications strongly preferred. Send complete set of documents to hr@atree.org. The deadline for receiving applications is April 30th, 2011. Any questions or clarifications may also be addressed to this e-mail ID.

Postal Address:The HR Officer,Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the EnvironmentRoyal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur P.O. Bangalore 560 064, INDIATel: +91 (80) 2363-5555, Fax: 2353-0070

Purpose

ATREE's mission is to promote socially just environmental conservation and sustainable development by generating rigorous interdisciplinary knowledge that engages actively with academia, policy makers, practitioners, activists, students and wider public audiences.

Our notion of socially just is grounded in the following values:

that both material and non-material quality of life are important that this quality of life needs to be sustained across future generations as well as

distributed equitably within current generations that the rights and needs of people also need to be balanced with those of all other life

forms that societal decisions about socio-environmental issues must be taken in a democratic

manner

ATREE envisions a society committed to environmental conservation and sustainable and socially just development, in which ATREE plays the role of a model knowledge-generating organization for catalyzing the transition to such a society.

ATREE values

professional integrity and rigour academic freedom increasing ownership at all levels in the institution fairness and transparency accountability to society cultural and ethnic diversity collaboration and partnerships

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Structure

ATREE's organisational structure is designed to promote creative interdisciplinary approaches that integrate research with policy and action in addressing key environmental problems. Two centres, four current programmes, and an Academy provide ATREE the necessary structure to conduct innovative research that fuels its 'think-tank' and drives its capacity building activities.

The Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation and Centre for Environment and Development represent two broad thematic areas nesting four cohesive inter-linked programmes, to which a fifth programme, 'Energy and Sustainability' may be added in the near future. Each programme envisions integrating research with an active engagement with society and contributing to the pedagogic activities of the Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies. The Academy has a strong presence in the field through its six field academies which champion reciprocal learning that advances sound environmental governance

in the local landscapes. The field academies are a resource to students and faculty to enable rigorous field-driven research. The Academy houses a vibrant Ph D programme, but also aims to provide certificate courses, training modules and workshops for a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Climate Change and governance are seen as broad and essential cross-cutting themes.

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Governing board

Page Content

Trustees Executive board Advisory board

Trustees

1. Dr. K. S. Bawa , Distinguished Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA. 2. Dr. K. N. Ganeshaiah, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. 3. Dr. R. Uma Shaanker, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.

Executive board

1. Dr. K. S. Bawa , Distinguished Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA. 2. Dr. K. N. Ganeshaiah, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. 3. Dr. R. Uma Shaanker, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.

rus(at)vsnl(dot)com4. Mr. Darshan Shankar, Director, Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore,

India. darshan.shankar(at)frlht(dot)org(dot)in5. Dr. Surinder M. Sehgal, President, Sehgal Family Foundation, Iowa, USA, Suri76(at)aol(dot)com6. Dr. S. N. Rai, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Forest Department, Bangalore,

India. raisn(at)vsnl.net7. Ms. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Arghyam Foundation, Bangalore, India, rohini(at)arghyam.org8. Ms. Seema Paul, Program Director for India Energy Initiative, The Climate Works Foundation, New Delhi,

San Francisco, seemapg(at)aol(dot)com9. Dr.Jeta Sankrityayana, Reader in Economics, PO North Bengal University, Darjeeling, India,

Jeta_eco(at)rediffmail(dot)com10. Ms. Pheroza J. Godrej, Founder, Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai, India. pjgodrej(at)godrej(dot)com11. Prof. K. S. Jagadish, Retired Professor of Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science,

Bangalore, ksjagadish(at)gmail(dot)com12. Dr. Nandini Sundar, Professor of Sociology at the Delhi School of Economics,

nandinisundar(at)yahoo(dot)com13. Mr. A. N. Singh, Managing Trustee, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

14. Dr.Ganesan Balachander, Former Representative, Ford Foundation, New Delhi.15. Dr. Gladwin Joseph , Director, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore,

India.

Advisory board

1. Dr. Dan Martin, Conservation International, Washington DC., USA2. Dr. Jagmohan Maini, Former Coordinator, United Nations Inter-Governmental Panel on Forests, New

York, and Former Chairman, Board of Trustees, Centre for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia.

3. Dr. Peter Raven, President, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA4. Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India, and Former

Director General, CSIR, New Delhi, India

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Collaborations

Academic and Research Institutions

Centre for the Study of Institutions, Population, and Environmental Change, Indiana University, USACollege of Fisheries, Panangad, Ernakulam, KeralaCollege of Forestry, UAS Dharwad, Sirsi, KarnatakaConservation Research Group, Albert’s College, Cochin, KeralaDepartment of Industrial Fishes and Fisheries, Cochin University for Science and Technology, Cochin, KeralaGujarat Institute of Development Research, Ahmedabad, GujaratIndian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun, UttarakhandIndian Institute of Science, Bangalore, KarnatakaIndian plywood Research and Training Institute, Bangalore, KarnatakaInstitute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore, KarnatakaLand Care Research Institute, Auckland, New ZealandLand Economics Institute, The Hague, NetherlandsLand Use and Environmental Change Institute, University of Florida, USAMahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, KeralaManipal University, Manipal, KarnatakaNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bangalore, KarnatakaKerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaNational Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, KarnatakaNational Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, KarnatakaNational Institute of Hydrology, Regional Centre, Belgaum, KarnatakaNational Research Council of Canada, CanadaNepal Forestry Resources and Institutions, Kathmandu, NepalNorwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, NorwayNorwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Norway

Oregon State University, USAParamakalyani College, Alwarkurchi, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduS.D College, Alappuzha, KeralaSociety for Promoting Participative Ecosystem Management, Pune, MaharashtraSt Albert’s College, Department of Aquaculture, Cochin, KeralaSt Joseph’s College for Women, Alappuzha, KeralaStockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm, SwedenStockholm University, Stockholm, SwedenThe Natural History Museum, London, UKThe Teachers Foundation, Bangalore, KarnatakaTilak Vidyalaya, Kallidaikurichi, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduUniversity of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, KarnatakaUniversity of Gottingen, Gottingen, GermanyUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, USAUniversity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USAUniversity of Massachusetts, Boston, USAVembanad Nature Club, Mohamma, Alappuzha, Kerala

Government Organisations

All India Radio, Vazhuthycad, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaAssam Forest Department, Guwahati, AssamCommunity Medicine Department, Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha, KeralaDistrict Collectors of Alleppey and Kottayam, KeralaEnvironmental Management Agency Kerala, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaGeneral Education Department, Government of Kerala, KeralaKarnataka Biodiversity Board, Bangalore, KarnatakaKarnataka Forest Department, Chamrajanagara, KarnatakaKarnataka State Council for Science and Technology, Bangalore, KarnatakaKerala Forest Department, Vazhuthycad, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaKerala State Biodiversity Board, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaKerala State Land Use Board, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaKerala State Pollution Control board, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaKerala State Tourism Promotion Council, Alappuzha, KeralaKuttanad Development Package Project, Mankombu, Alappuzha, KeralaMatsyafed, Kamaleshwaram, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaNational Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, Tamil NaduOffice of the Director, Kaziranga National Park, Bokakhat, Assam, IndiaOffice of the Field Director, Manas Tiger Project, Barpeta Road, AssamOrissa Forest Department, Bhubaneshwar, OrissaRegional Agriculture Research Station, Kumarakom, KeralaRice Research Station, Mancombu, Alappuzha, KeralaTamil Nadu Electricity Board, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduDistrict Collector, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduOffice of the Field Director, Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunvelveli, Tamil NaduTamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Chennai, Tamil NaduTribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited, Bangalore, KarnatakaWest Bengal Forest Department, Darjeeling, West BengalWetland Cell, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthrabhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Community-based Organisations

All Kerala House Boat Owners’ Association, Alleppey, KeralaCGH Earth Group, Alleppey, KeralaClam Cooperative Societies, Muhamma, Alappuzha, KeralaDivyajyothi Federation, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, KarnatakaFarmers’ Cooperative Societies in Aymanam Grama Panchayat and Kainakary Grama Panchayat, KeralaFederation of the Lake Protection Forums, Vembanad, KeralaKrishikoota, Sringeri, KarnatakaLarge Scale Adivasi Multipurpose Societies, Hannur, Yelandur and Chamrajnagar, KarnatakaManas Agrang Society, Baksa, AssamManas Bhuyanpara Conservation and Ecotourism Society, Baksa, AssamManas Ever Welfare Society, Baksa, AssamManas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society, Kokilabari, AssamPanbari Manas National Park Protection and Ecotourism Society, Chirang, AssamSoliga Abirudhi Sangha,Yelandur, Kollegal and Chamrajanagar, Karnataka

Non-government Organisations

Aaranyak, Guwahati, AssamAct India Foundation, Kodaikanal, Tamil NaduAgumbe Rainforest Research Station, Agumbe, KarnatakaBangalore Environment Trust, Bangalore, KarnatakaCentre for Environmental Development, Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaCentre for Environment Education (CEE – NE), Guwahati, AssamCentre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, KarnatakaCovenant Centre for Development, Madurai, Tamil NaduDarjeeling Association of Social Organisations, Darjeeling, West BengalDarjeeling Prerna, Darjeeling, West BengalDiocesan Social Service Society, Imphal, ManipurDolphin Foundation, Guwahati, AssamDolphin Foundation, Guwahati, AssamEco Systems-India, Guwahati, AssamFoundation for Ecological Research and Learning, PuducherryFoundation for Ecological Security, Anand, GujaratFoundation for Revitalisation of Local Health and Traditions, Bangalore, KarnatakaGreen Foundation, Thalli and Bangalore, KarnatakaHimalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, Dehradun, UttarakhandIFAD, Ukhrul Branch, Manipur

Junglescapes Charitable Trust, BangaloreKalpavriksh, Pune, MaharashtraKerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishath, KeralaKeystone Foundation, Kotagiri, Tamil NaduKodagu Model Forest Trust, Kodagu, KarnatakaKottayam Nature Society, Kottayam, KeralaKudumbasree Units, Alleppey, KeralaKuttanad Vikasana Samithy, Alappuzha, KeralaM.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil NaduMaitreya Amar Bazaar Kendriya Samiti, Dhemaji, AssamNature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, KarnatakaOrganic Ekta, Darjeeling, West BengalPeriyar Foundation, Thekkadi, KeralaPitchandikulam Forest Consultant-Auroville Foundation, Puducherry, Tamil NaduPrayas, Pune, MaharashtraPriscilla Centre, Guwahati, AssamRiver Research Centre, Ollur, Thrissur, KeralaSHODH: The Institute for Research and Development, Nagpur, MaharashtraSisterhood Network, Dimapur, NagalandSocial Development Council, Khangshim, ManipurSocio Economic unit foundation, Alappuzha, KeralaSwami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Saragur, KarnatakaThe Energy and Resource Institute, DelhiTree Trust, Kallidaikurichi, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduVanastree – The Malnad Forest Garden and Seedkeepers' Collective, Sirsi, KarnatakaVembanad Nature Club, Muhamma, Alleppey, KeralaVivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, KarnatakaVoluntary Health Association of Sikkim, Gangtok, SikkimWildlife Conservation Society-India Programme, Bangalore, KarnatakaWildlife Trust of India, Guwahati, AssamWorld Wildlife Fund – India Program, Guwahati, AssamWWF Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

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Funding Partners

Albert Ludwigs Unversitat Freiburg, Germany Blue Moon Fund, Virginia, USA British High Commission, New Delhi, India Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India Conservation International Foundation, California, USA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Darwin Initiative, London, UK Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, India

Earthwatch Institute, Oxford, UK European Commission/Land Economics Institute, The Hague, Netherlands Food and Agriculture Organisation, New Delhi, India Ford Foundation, New Delhi, India Foundation for Ecological Security, Anand, Gujarat, India Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, Tamil Nadu, India Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, India Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, New Delhi, India Institute of International Education, New York, USA Institute of Silviculture, Albert Ludwigs Unversitat Freiburg, Germany International Foundation for Science, Stockholm, Sweden International Sea Turtle Society, California, USA International Union for Conservation of Nature, Netherlands Jamsetji Tata Trust, Mumbai, India JRS Biodiversity Foundation, Philadelphia, USA Kumari Shibulal, Bangalore, India MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, USA Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi, India Ministry of Environment, Govt of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, India National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington DC, USA National Geographic Society, Washington DC, USA Natural Environment Research Council, University of Liverpool, UK Natural Research Limited, Scotland, UK Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway Rainforest Concern, London, UK Rohini Nilekani, Bangalore, India Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi, India Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, London, UK Sehgal Family Foundation, Iowa, USA Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai, India Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, USA The Schlinger Foundation, California, USA The Stockholm Resilience Centre, Sweden The World Bank, Washington DC, USA United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, New Delhi, India United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia, USA University of Hawaii, Hawaii, USA Wipro Limited, Bangalore, India World Wide Fund for Nature, New Delhi, India World Wildlife Fund, Kathmandu, Nepal

ATREE Education Fund

Beginning...

While interacting with forest-fringe communities at Community-based Conservation Centres (CCC), ATREE observed that financial problems were one of the main reasons for dropouts among tribal students. ATREE’s close relationship with the community emboldened a few families to approach ATREE to support their children’s education. This was the beginning of the ATREE education fund to support such requests. This gives ATREE an additional opportunity to give back to the communities it has been working with in a small way.

Who are we helping?

20 students have received financial help from ATREE education fund in three years. Basavaraju, Rangamadappa and Sharada from Soliga tribal community are pursuing Masters in Forestry, diploma in Education and Bachelor degree in Agriculture, respectively. ATREE Natham CCC near Madurai provided lodging and boarding facilities for 45 students as their villages are in the forest. Staying at CCC made convenient for them to continue their studies. ATREE aims to increase the number of students it supports, and ensure a positive outcome.

Funds

The ATREE education fund was started three years ago and we have raised a corpus of Rs 4 lakhs (aprox. $10,000) through generous contributions by individuals and ATREE staff. Only the interest is used to fund educational needs of poor students. Our goal is to raise the corpus to Rs 15 lakhs in next two years.

How can you contribute?

Contribution from individuals will go to the corpus fund to make this a sustainable activity. Your contribution can reach ATREE in the form of cheque or DD in favour of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru. Donations to ATREE in India are 100 per cent tax-exempted under sections 35 (i) & (ii) of the Indian Income Tax Act. Donations can also be sent to ATREE office at Boston, which is a 501(c) tax-exempt organisation in the US.

CommitteeDr Siddappa Setty (Chair), Dr SiddharthaKrishnan, Kavitha A.

Contact detailsATREE Royal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur post,Bengaluru, 560 064, Karnataka.91-80-23635555 (EPABX), Fax : +91-80-23530070.Email: siddappa@atree.orgMobile: 09980299595

Press

2011

Slender lorises sighted on Kalakshetra campus , The Hindu, 13 April 2011. In Kalakad forests, a project to bring out amphibian ecology , The Hindu, 20 March 2011. Snakes poster by ATREE , Citizen Matters, 16 March 2011. For sizzling City, the drizzle is still a long way away , Deccan Herald, Vacation Training at ATREE ,Citizen Matters, 14 March 2011 Vacations need not be structured , The Hindu. 11 Mar. Schools impress with eco projects , The Hindu. 2 Mar. School kids lead the way in managing waste smartly, Bangalore Mirror. 1 Mar. 10 lakes perish in city, Bangalore Mirror. 23 Feb. Lakes that no one can visit , The Hindu. 18 Feb. ATREE's Holistic Approach to Promoting Biodiversity Stewardship in Darjeeling ,

Nourishing The Planet. 21 Feb. HC steps in to save trees , Bangalore Mirror. 21 Feb. Tirunelveli, Tuticorin tanks, wetlands attract migratory birds , The Hindu. 2 Feb. An account of frequent human-elephant conflicts in and around Mysore area , Prajavani Urban trees undervalued, says study DNA. 22 Jan. 10,000 trees to replace 911 The Times of India. 4 Jan.

2010

Visual treat on Vembanand Lake, The Hindu. Dec. 1,223 trees face the axe, Deccan Herald. 29 Dec. Losing homes, Frontline, 18-31 Dec. Vaagaikulam lake yet to be declared a bird sanctuary, The Hindu. 17 Dec. Bangalore needs the right kind of trees, DNA. 10 Dec.

Coverage on the panel discussion and the Rohini Nilekanifelicitation

o Citizens need to work more for environment o Simplify complex issues o Rs5 crore gift for the cause of ecology

Soliga tribes and tigers know each other. Udayavani, 25 Oct. Unesco mission to Western Ghats runs into obstacles , DNA, 20 Oct. World tourism day celebration at Chamarajanagara Evaluation of Western Ghats to begin this week , The Hindu, 18 Oct, 2010. No entry for researchers in forests , The Bangalore Mirror, 18 Oct, 2010. IUCN team begins 13-day India visit today Times of India, 13 Oct 2010. New report raises hope for Bangalore's lakes , Citizen Matters, 15 Sept. Thinning green is thick with exotica , DNA, 11 Sept. Budding environmentalists can vie for this award The Hindu, 8 Sept. Panel to push for inclusion of Western Ghat sites on heritage list, Sites Spread Across

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, The Times Of India, Pune, Sep 2, 2010; Section: Times City; Page: 9.

On a wild trail , Frontline, Volume 27 - Issue 18: Aug. 28-Sep. 10, 2010. Kids carnival has green activities , Citizen Matters, 2 Sep 2010. Rare cactus being destroyed by pilgrims Times of India, Chennai, 26 Aug 2010. UTB-TSC students to study India's monsoon forests The Brownsville Herald, 8 Aug

2010. Officials to confiscate plastic products within forest area The Hindu, 5 Aug 2010 Prolonged stay in forest affects ecosystem: Scientist The Indian Express, 4 Aug, 2010 Minimise stay in forest to reduce pollution levels The Hindu, 4 Aug 2010 Panel to consider Manas danger tag

- National park’s fate to be decided at World Heritage Committee meet The Telegraph, 31 July 2010

Tree is company Deccan Herald, 27 July Attention, young eco champs! Deccan Herald, 22 July Whither giant trees? Deccan Herald, 8 July Changes in inland fishery Bill sought The Hindu, 21 June Experts doubt BDA’s lake revival technique Deccan Herald, 15 June Call for amendments to Inland Fisheries Bill The Hindu, 9 June Report of the Participatory Fish Resources Surveys of Vembanad Lake (Kerala) done in

2008 and 2009 by ATREE - India Water portal Fish count reveals alarming facts - The Hindu Upscale energy efficient programmes - TImes of India Khoshoo awards for energy efficiency, cutting waste - Indian Express Policy Advocacy and Grassroots Action Recognized at the TN Khoshoo Memorial

Award and Lecture 2010 - Press release TN Khoshoo Memorial Lecture on 'The Scientific and Ethical Dimensions of Climate

Change' in New Delhi on May 11 Reports on Science article by Dr. Kamaljit Bawa

o India-China cooperation vital to save environment: report o India and China to partner to fight environmental problems o New report suggest India and China to cooperate to save environment o China, India, and the Environment

Lecture tours in India as new scheme is launched University of Cambridge >> News and Events, 24 March 2010.

Kashmira Kakati finds 7 cat species in Eastern Himalayas - National Geographic News

Nature Guide release at KMTR , 4 March 2010 Media coverage of talk by Harini Nagendra at CiSTUP, IISc, on Urban issues:

- Drive in Bangalore to choke on poisonous air- City swelters: 10º hotter without trees

The lantana advantage - Sinndhuja Ramprasad Benefits of forests, direct and indirect Seema Purushothaman and Seema Hegde, Deccan

Herald Wetland day celebration in Vembanad The Hindu Trees help in temperature reduction, pollutants’ - Deccan Herald India's 'miracle' biofuel crop: too good to be true? (Article based on research by Pere

Ariza-Montobbio, student, Univ. of Barcelona) 'Endangered: UMass biology professor explores biodiversity in the Sahyadri range' -

Online copy of article on Dr. Bawa

2009

Conference on forest canopies The Hindu Meet on forest canopy Rapid changes in ecology Orchid farming in canopy forests stressed photo- Edward Morrell at the Canopy Conference Global forest canopy conference opens in Bangalore Calling attention to canopies

2008

ATREE to the rescue of Western Ghats , The Times of India, Dec 18, 2008 me › Research

Centres

Interdisciplinary research is organised under two Centres: Centre for Environment and Development (CED) and the Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation. The Centres house two programmes each, under which are nested projects or working groups. Programmes under CED include Forests and Governance and Land, Water and Livelihoods. Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing and Ecosystems and Global Change, comes under Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation. There are two cross-cutting themes: Climate change and governance that cut across all programmes since they are dynamics with disproportionately large effects on grassroot applications.

Both Centres deploy a holistic perspective that requires different disciplines to work together to resolve key research questions, reflected in programme taxonomy and scope, team compositions, issues addressed and research questions asked.

Centre for Environment and Development

Programmes under this Centre are Forests and Governance and Land, Water and Livelihoods.

Human use of earth's natural resources is placing unmatched pressure on the assimilative capacities of local and global ecosystems. Countries in South Asia face a double challenge. The subsistence needs of a large rural population and the demands of a growing industrial sector and consumer class on forests, water resources and agricultural lands are generating both resource degradation and conflict. At the same time, the conventional development paradigm of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, supposedly leading to poverty alleviation, is generating air, water and solid waste pollution and affecting human lives and ecosystem health at multiple scales.

The brunt of both resource degradation and pollution is most heavily felt by the urban and rural poor. How the process of development - economic, technological, socio-cultural and political - can lead to sustainable and equitable use of natural resources and containment of the pollution burden, and how sustainable resource management can contribute to poverty alleviation and human wellbeing are the broad questions that drive the work of the CED. Currently, most of the research and policy outreach activities of the centre are focused on two sectors - Forests and Land-and-Water systems. We have also begun to engage the challenge of containing green house gas (GHG) emissions while meeting developmental needs. We will also critically address the changes needed in environmental governance across sectors.

Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation

Programmes under this centre are Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing and Ecosystems and Global Change.

In South Asia, most ecosystems services are historically exploited by human beings for their own existence. In many cases, this has decimated biodiversity, and degraded the ability of these ecosystems to sustain critical ecosystem functions and support components of biodiversity. In other cases, limited human-use has been found to be compatible with the conservation of biodiversity. Accompanying this scenario is the state managed, top-down management system that is considered unviable for conservation of ecosystems such as rivers, marine areas, large wetlands and coastal areas. However, although strictly protected areas and areas with limited human-use and access managed by the state will continue to play a major role in conserving biodiversity, alternative models of conservation are essential to protect large areas such as forests, agro-ecosystems, wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems, which lie outside protected areas.

Maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem functions and associated ecosystem services in a changing environment is a challenging issue, as is identifying the scale and intensity of human use compatible with conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is imperative to develop governance models that enable participatory management and a more equitable, just and sustainable approach to conservation. However, our understanding of the complex web of social, political, economic and environmental change, the forces underlying these changes and the impact of these changes on biodiversity, local communities and humanity at large remains poorly understood.

The goal of this centre is to build a critical body of knowledge about India's biodiversity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services of natural and managed ecosystems in the context of global, regional and local change and challenges. Understanding the role of biodiversity in sustaining human welfare is crucial to galvanising conservation awareness and eliciting civil society support for conservation. Recognising the structure, function, and value of biodiversity will enable us to prioritise outreach activities and natural resource management initiatives.

Forests and  governance

Primary faculty: Nitin Rai, Siddappa Setty, Swati Shresth, Subhrajit Saha, Sharachchandra Lele (Programme leader, also Centre Convenor)

Programme goal Research

The Forests and Governance programme will analyse existing forest governance in India, including policy on joint forest management (JFM), non-timber forest products (NTFPs), the forest land 'encroachment' question, net present value, and protected area policy, and collaborate with various groups to offer alternative approaches. The effort will be to bring back into the forest policy debate the changing socio-economic context of local communities, the importance of historically-situated and locally nuanced forest rights arrangements, and the need for institutional arrangements that link local and global stakeholders in a fair manner.

Background

Forests and common lands generate products and services that benefit stakeholders at many scales – local, regional and global. What is the form and nature of these stakes? How do the stakes change depending upon the socio-ecological and economic context, history and framing of the problem? How may they be compared and prioritized? How are current attempts to define stakes, decentralize institutional arrangements and regulate forest loss actually playing out? And how could forest governance better reconcile competing claims and multiple stakes? The Forests and Governance programme at ATREE focuses on these questions in the context of the forests of south Asia.

Specifically, the programme will carry out research on the ecology of sustainable forest use and extraction by local communities, the ethnography of traditional ecological knowledge, the economics of forest dependence and impacts of different forest governance regimes and economic contexts, and the institutional and legal analysis of different existing and proposed changes in forest management in the region. Our effort will be to bring back into the forest policy debate the changing socio-economic context of local communities, the importance of

historically situated and locally nuanced forest rights arrangements, and the need for institutional arrangements that link local and global stakeholders in a fair manner.

Issues addressed

Form and nature of multiholder stakes How stakes change depending upon the socio-ecological and economic context, history and

framing of the problem Comparison and prioritization of stakes Long view of historical attempts to define stakes, modify policies, decentralise institutional

arrangements and regulate forest loss Institutional arrangements to reconcile competing claims and multiple stakes

Research undertaken reflects engagement with the issues addressed. It combines ATREE and CISED histories and can be categorized under three main heads:

Analysing rights, institutions and governance mechanisms Understanding and enabling ecologically sustainable use Estimating economic dependence and cultural importance, changes, and trade-offs

Analysing rights, institutions and governance mechanisms

Current research

Mapping historical forest use patterns and sacred sites in tribal communities, to see how they influence perceptions of forest rights and claims in the context of the Tribal Forest Rights Act (TFRA)

Monitoring (and also building capacity for) the implementation of the TFRA in southern Karnataka

Mapping resource use patterns and claims stemming from them in a non-TFRA context (in Kanakapura) to see what lessons it may hold for community-based rights and forest governance in a larger (non-tribal) context

Anticipating and studying the impacts of payments based approaches on forest governance, including the upcoming REDD+ scheme

Completed Research

History of forest rights in the Western Ghats Analysed conceptually and empirically the Joint Forest Management programme, and other

attempts at co-management and regulated resource use such as NTFP cooperatives and community-based NRM programmes

Analysed the complexities of forest law and policy in India in the light of the Godavarman case, changing economic dependence on forests, increasing developmental pressures

Understanding and enabling ecologically sustainable use

Current research

Continuing monitoring of certain NTFP species to understand long-term trends after the sudden stoppage of NTFP collection, and also examining the possible influence of climate change on NTFP productivity and regeneration,

Understanding traditional ecological knowledge of the Soligas in terms of their forest classification methods vis-à-vis modern classifications, and how their knowledge can be used in forest conservation

Studying the impact of firewood collection on forest cover and growth in the surroundings of MM Hills temple

Completed research

Studied ecological impacts of harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), grazing and firewood collection, agro-forestry, and conversion to coffee

Mapped forest cover change and its relationship with cropping systems, property rights regimes, and historical settlements

Devised methods of participatory resource monitoring in collaboration with forest-dependent communities.

Estimating economic dependence and cultural importance, changes, and trade-offs

Current research

Studying eco-tourism activities in BRT within the politico-ecological context of multiple actors (state agencies, private entrepreneurs, NGOs, and local communities) and their power dynamics, and examining how the participation of the local Soligas in eco-tourism and the distribution of benefits across different actors is shaped by the this context and dynamic.

Assessing the process and impact of NREGA implementation in BRT wildlife sanctuary, looking at both perceptions and socio-economic impacts, the realignment of state-community relations, and the implications of curtailed NTFP access for this programme.

Completed research

Estimated the contribution of forests to local incomes and monitored their change in the presence of forest-based enterprises (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple WLS and other Conservation and Livelihoods project sites)

Examined trends and conceptual issues in common lands dependence in Karnataka and across India

Quantified the economic implications of hydrological change induced by forest cover change on local communities in different contexts,

Estimated the economic benefits and costs of forest conservation and their distribution across different stakeholders

Research, policy and community interfaces

There has been intense and long-term collaboration with local communities in specific sites, organizing training programmes and research and policy workshops, building networks with various NGO and activist groups, and speaking and writing to public and policy audiences. Activities organized in the past include:

Workshops to build awareness about and facilitate implementation of the FRA for Soliga and other tribal communities in Karnataka with collaboration of local NGOs, Zilla Panchayat, and Karnataka Forest Department.

Training programmes at ECONET (Bhimanshankar Wildlife Sanctuary) and Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (Kohima) on ecological monitoring of Terminalia chebula and honey respectively.

A national workshop on forest policy in Delhi, in collaboration with Winrock International India.

Land, water and livelihoods

Primary faculty: Shrinivas Badiger, Mohan Seetharam, Bejoy K. Thomas, Seema Purushothaman, Siddhartha Krishnan (Programme leader)Secondary affiliations: Sharachchandra Lele

Programme goal Research

To understand the trajectory and drivers of change occurring in land and water resources stressed regions with respect to water availability, water quality, land degradation, food security and provision of environmental services for and by the agricultural systems; and identify appropriate practical/ policy strategies to achieve environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.

Background

Since the early 1990s, rapid increases in irrigated agriculture and industrial production have subjected South Asia’s land and water resources to immense stress. Subsequently, conflicts over access to water, as an irrigation and household resource have intensified. Reducing such stress and resolving conflicts require an understanding of the linkages between the state of land and water resource, sectoral use and demand, and socio-cultural, economic and political contexts. In the prevailing economic contexts of increasing growth, for instance, national and international policies recognize the increasing industrial demands for water that compete with agricultural and domestic demands. Thus, although the National Water Policy, 2002, lists both drinking water and irrigation as priorities during planning and operations, it privileges the former by mandating that drinking water ‘should be the first charge of any water’. Irrigation on the other hand is required to ‘optimise water use efficiency’ even as water and land use policies need to be closely integrated. Equity and social justice need to be given due regard in water allocation. Fresh water– surface and ground– needs to be sustainably managed so that all have access to safe and sufficient water to drink and stay healthy; and food producers have access to sufficient supply to meet growing needs of an increasing population.

The broad goal of the Land, Water and Livelihoods programme is to explore interactions between agricultural, domestic and industrial land and water practices, related policies, and livelihood systems in resource-stressed agricultural regions. It will focus on understanding the direction and drivers of change in water availability, water quality, land degradation and food security in land and water-stressed regions. It will also address the provision of environmental services for and by agricultural systems, and identify appropriate practical and policy strategies to achieve environmental sustainability and human wellbeing. Emergent climate change scenarios that influence such land, water and livelihood interactions will be an important aspect of research and analysis.

Issues addressed

Water scarcity: decline in quantity and quality of water for human wellbeing, sustaining economic activities and ecosystem functioning (dry season river flows and groundwater depletion)

Changes in agricultural practices Diversion to high-value uses (cash crops, industry and urban drinking water) Climate variability and change Land degradation: reduction in net cultivable area increasing pressure on land for more intense

uses Salinity and waterlogging in large irrigation schemes Land-use management of areas prone to water and wind erosion (arid, semi-arid, high rainfall

and steep slopes) Climate change impacts: increased wind draft, reduced rainy days, high rainfall intensities

Research questions

Research questions are formed towards:

Generating knowledge concerning water utilization, access and availability, both spatially and temporally in resource-stressed regions in the context of changing land-use and water-use practices, and climate.

Identifying the role and importance of multiple uses of water in agriculture, livestock rearing for subsistence in various livelihood systems and their synergies.

Investigating issues of resource accessibility by local communities and vulnerable/ marginal groups; and identifying socio-institutional structures that hinder/ facilitate their participation in decision making processes.

Identifying risks to human health, food production/security and the environment from land degradation, water scarcity and decline in water quality.

Identifying policy, regulatory and socio-institutional options that facilitate equitable distribution/sharing and environmentally benign use of land and water resources.

Completed research

Includes research carried out by fellows at ATREE and CISED:

Watershed Development Review: Issues and Prospects (Joy and Paranjape) Long-term Impacts of Watershed Development in Arid and Semi-arid India (Lele and Badiger) Understanding Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in South Asia (Lele

with Menon, Shah, Joy and Paranjape) Valuation of Ecological Impacts in Forest Ecosystems (Purushottaman)

Review of Right to Water: Human Rights, State Legislation, and Civil Society Initiatives in India (Sangameswaran)

Colonial State, Zamindars and the Politics of Flood Control in North Bihar (P. Singh) Land-use Change, Hydrologic Regimes and Water Conflicts in Malaprabha (Badiger) Emerging Water Regulatory Frameworks and Related Reforms in Water Governance in

Karnataka (Rao and Badiger)

Ongoing Research

Land Use Policies and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries –LUPIS project Socio-economic vulnerability and livelihoods in Kuttanad/ Vembanad Analysis of the scope that the Kerala Panchayathi Raj Act holds for decentralized conservation in

the region around Vembanad wetlands Vulnerability mapping

The programme is also expanding its research activities in two agro-ecological regions/sites where ATREE faculty have established prior field presence:

Malaprabha river basin in Karnataka Vembanad lake and wetland ecosystem in Kerala

The research approach in these two contrasting socio-economic and ecological contexts will be to understand the bio-physical and socio-economic characteristics of the resource crisis and social conflict under changing agricultural practices and climate conditions.

Research, policy and community interfaces

Consultations with Parthasarthy Committee – policy gaps on issues of participation, equity, legal frameworks and investments to achieve long term impacts (learnings from first and second generation watershed development projects)

National workshop involving the NRAA: on rainfed area development – post second generation of watershed development projects (issues of distributional impacts of projects, environmental and livelihood sustainability of vulnerable groups)

Engagement with ministries in Karnataka (KWRA) on emerging water reforms (inter-sectoral engagement, water rights, allocation, equity, pricing and resource sustainability)

Partner workshops with NGOs and stakeholders in watershed development projects: distributional impacts, participation

Comprehensive GIS-based database on watershed development projects (areal extent and expenditure)

Stakeholder meeting in Malaprabha sub-basin: discussions among competing users of water: intensive agriculture and domestic water users

Consultative meeting on water reforms and the role of emerging Independent Regulatory Authorities/ Agencies (IRA) in Karnataka: water rights, depolitization of water governance and water markets

Citizens reader on water governance, emerging issue of IRA, water rights and participation (bilingual)

Gram Panchayats in Vembanad/ Kuttanad region: understanding issues of conflict between paddy growers and fishing communities: sustainable use and regulation of freshwater and tidal waters

Stakeholder meetings (along with CERC*, Vembanad)

e › Outreach › Action

Action

While ATREE is primarily a research institution, its engagement with local communities at sites of field research have resulted in direct interventions and influences in governance, livelihoods enhancement, education and awareness, and skill and livelihoods crafts trainings.

Darjeeling Assam CCC Conservation education Khoshoo award

Conservation and Livelihood Security in the Eastern Himalayas

India’s rural poor is vitally dependent on daily inputs and services from local ecosystems, both for subsistence farming and for supplementary harvest of various ecosystem products and services. Therefore, we face the dual challenge of conserving biodiversity on the one hand and enhancing the livelihood security of those who rely on elements of this biodiversity on the other.

The most critical and contested areas are those around protected forest areas. ATREE’s work on reconciling conservation and livelihoods has been carried out in forest fringe villages of protected or reserved areas of the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats (see MM Hills CCC and Conservation and Livelihoods). The project in Eastern Himalaya region covers villages in the vicinity of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and near the two protected areas of Singalila National Park and Neora Valley National Park. This project is supported by the Blue Moon Fund. (Also see grants available for work in the Eastern Himalayas).

The Northeast project goal has been to build models of natural resource management to enhance livelihoods and ecological services. The approach to accomplishing this has been through:

Empowering local communities so they may exercise their rights to judiciously manage local ecosystem resources

Bringing together institutions to drive changes in governance and policies concerning the use and management of ecosystem services

Improving value chains, developing new products and services and establishing new market linkages to enhance returns on micro enterprises; and creating a gateway for marketable developmental and ecosystem services through a new

Monitoring biodiversity changes as a result of social and economic interventions

community-owned organization

Community-based Conservation Centres

Field academies play a diverse role in developing conservation-literate human capital at ATREE, with a varied mix of stakeholders, so that they exist by several names in ATREE lexicon. Community-based Conservation Centre (CCC) - is reference to the rich community and local interface these field academies provide; Community Environmental Resource Centre (CERC - in Vembanad) - reference to its function as resource centre to communities; field academies - to learning outside classroom and textbook; field research station - to observations and research questions they may address.

ATREE has six field academies, which also serve as community-based conservation centres and field research stations:

Male Mahadeshwara Hills

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple WLS

Kanakpura

     Agasthyamalai (Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve)

Natham Vembanad Community Environmental Resource Centre

ATREE envisioned the concept of CCCs to provide a two-way interface for local communities and local institutions to evolve practical strategies for sustainable governance and co-management of forest and other natural resources. The CCCs or field academies are integral to the reach, productivity and effectiveness of the Academy. These field facilities provide ATREE staff the needed field presence to generate rigorous ground-based knowledge relevant to addressing local problems. They provide pertinent information that shapes public policy and serve as field research stations, besides providing various stakeholders physical space for networking and training.

ATREE Small Grants Programme 2010

Call for proposals

ATREE, Bangalore invites project proposals on conservation from civil society organizations such as NGOs, community based organizations, academic organizations and individual researchers..

Grant detailsAshoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)’s small Grants Programme recognizes that there is a wealth of information and expertise at small scales that can be drawn upon for more effective conservation. The small grant will support 7 – 8 proposals in each of the two areas of focus. The topics under each focal area are only an indicative list.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Endangered and threatened Species and its habitat Gaps in taxonomic work and monographs Studies on lesser known or lesser studied species of wildlife Critical areas of biodiversity conservation Climate change and conservation Innovative approaches and tools for conservation education

Environment and development

Enabling communities and other stakeholders to address local environmental concerns Analysis and monitoring of policies and institutions for their socio-economic and environmental

impact Payments for eco-system services and poverty reduction Incentives for agro-forestry systems and sustainable farming practices Gender perspective in conservation/ Natural resource management Environmental degradation and impact on women

Each research grant is up to Rs 1 lakh, is available for duration of 1 year, will be considered under the current call. Grants can be used for fieldwork, research writing, or internships with ATREE faculty. The selected applicant will be assigned an advisor for the research activity at ATREE, and can pursue independent research as per the proposal submitted to the committee.

Expected outputs

progress report at the end of first six months complete written report in a given format towards the end of the year (for ATREE website) notable research or popular article based on the report

Individuals not affiliated with any institution are eligible to use about up to 20% of the grant as honorarium and may request use of ATREE facilities at one of its locations, if needed.

Proposals must follow the prescribed format and be accompanied by updated resume and one reference letter. Download the prescribed format. Proposals should be sent preferably in electronic format to madhavi(at)atree(dot)org, or addressed to Madhavi Latha, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore-560064, Karnataka, India.

Last date for submission is 15 September, 2010.

Click here for format for ATREE Small Grants Program

Click here for list of grantees during 2009 and 2010

CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants

Open till 28th February 2010We are accepting applications for the second round of the CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants from Feb 2010. Kindly click here for details or browse to http://www.atree.org/wgcall.Deadline: on or before 28th February 2010, 6 pm.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global programme that works towards safeguarding biodiversity hotspots by providing strategic assistance to non-governmental organizations, community groups and other civil society partners. The CEPF's conservation action is guided by a region-specific investment strategy developed with inputs and in consultation with diverse stakeholders. ATREE's role in this partnership is that of a Regional Implementation Team, and as the screening organization for the CEPF small grants in the Western Ghats.

Purpose of the CEPF grantThe area of focus for this CEPF grant is the Western Ghats. The purpose of the grant is to bring together civil society organizations, build relevant partnerships and networks, and enhance partner capacity so as to implement conservation plans and action for globally threatened species and their habitats. The objectives of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund grant are to:

»  Enable action by communities and partnerships to ensure conservation and enhance connectivity in corridors.»  Improve conservation of globally threatened species of the Western Ghats through systematic conservation planning and action.

CEPF and ATREEAn Ecosystem Profile for the Western Ghats was developed by Indian conservation and scientific institutions with inputs from civil society to guide the strategic and catalytic conservation investment in the Western Ghats. Based on this profile, the council of donors that governs CEPF approved a $ 4.5-million, 5-year investment strategy for the Western Ghats in April 2007. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment was selected as the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) to implement the conservation strategy outlined in the Western Ghats Ecosystem Profile, in partnership with CEPF.

The role of the RIT is to lead implementation of the CEPF investment strategy for conservation. The RIT works in collaboration with civil society partners to achieve the conservation goals identified in the Ecosystem Profile. It assists partners in designing, implementing, and replicating successful conservation activities; reviews grant applications; and directly awards small grants.

Under the first call for proposal (December 2008), 36 small grant applications were received and reviewed, of which 22 have been approved for funding. The approved small grants range in size from $3,080 to $19,721. All approved small grants were made to local groups and individual researchers.

Eligibility»  Non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities, private enterprises, and individuals may apply for funding. Organizations that promote capacity of civil society and community groups are encouraged to apply. Individuals can apply for grants, but are encouraged to work with civil society organizations and communities to develop joint applications, rather than applying directly.»  Projects must be located in one or more of the following states of the Western Ghats region: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Projects must support a strategic direction and investment strategy as outlined in the Ecosystem Profile.»  Grant applicants must have their own bank account and PAN numbers.»  Government-run institutions are eligible only if they can demonstrate that the institution  »  Is a legal personality independent of any government agency  »  Has the authority to apply for and receive private funds  »  May not assert a claim of sovereign immunity.

GuidelinesGrants will typically range from US $5000 to US $10,000, disbursed in the form of Indian Rupees. Applications for Small Grants have to be submitted in prescribed format in electronic version (MSWord) to cepfwghats(at)atree(dot)org. Completed applications (containing questionnaire, proposal and budget) should be emailed to cepfwghats(at)atree(dot)org. An email acknowledging receipt of the application will be sent, and the application will be forwarded to the appropriate member of the RIT. As part of the review process, the submitted proposals will be reviewed by RIT and subsequently by Technical Review Team of experts. Based on merit and the applicant's comparative advantage in helping to implement the strategic directions, the proposal will get approved. Approval of a proposal will be followed by signing of agreement between the applicant and the RIT. Queries or requests for clarifications during this stage can be addressed to cepfwghats(at)atree(dot)org. Application processing time can be expected to be one to two months.

CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants - List of projects granted

CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants - Map of project sites

Feedback/ queriesProject CoordinatorCEPF-Western Ghats RIT

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the EnvironmentRoyal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur Post, Bengaluru 560064, IndiaTel: (91) 80 23635555, Cell: 919008322664 Fax: (91) 80 23530070Email: cepfwghats(at)atree(dot)orghttp://www.atree.org/cepf_wghats

Useful links:CEPF - http://www.cepf.net/ATREE - http://www.atree.org/Western Ghats Ecosystem Profile: html, (1.9 MB)

Western Ghats Fact sheet: (136 KB)Western Ghats Conservation Priority Map: (2.8 MB)

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment

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o Community-based Conservation Centres ATREE at Agasthyamalai ATREE at Agasthyamalai

Art as a medium for biodiversity conservation Building Stewardship in the buffer zone to protect biodiversity - Clean

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ATREE SMALL GRANTS FOR RESEARCH IN NORTHEAST INDIA o CEPF Western Ghats small grants

CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Grants Program : Panel of Reviewers CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants - List of projects granted Call for Proposals 2nd round Western Ghats Small Grants Western Ghats Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Project

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Home › Opportunities › Internship

Internship

Internship opportunities at:

Vanastree: The Malnad Home Garden and Seed Collective, Sirsi, India.

Internship/ Traineeship opportunities

This page helps you to find information on Internship at ATREE.

Coordination contact person: Madhavi Lathaemail: internship(at)atree(dot)org

Internship at ATREE ATREE provides internship opportunities to interested individuals who may participate in a wide variety of capacities and projects, depending on their skills and interests. Various options of fieldwork and project work are available. Forest field research is discouraged if interns do not possess a permit.

Eligibility

Academic backgroundUndergraduate, Graduate or Post Graduate students with interest in areas such as sustainable development, community forestry, agronomy, ecology, biology, environmental education, rural development, conservation, ecological economics , environmental sociology, etc.

Skills and experienceFlexibility and willingness to work are key requirements for this internship. ATREE is involved in various projects and programs in the field of conservation and livelihoods. These are subject to change with little notice. ATREE would certainly facilitate in matching interests of the intern with the current projects, however an intern with varied interests can adapt better to the job profile. Other requirements include: organizational skills, writing and communication skills, computer skills, field experience relating to intern's academic interests (e.g. scientific, research, GIS, education) and ability to work independently.

Language requirementsThe candidate should be able to speak, read and write English

Requirements

Resume Application Letter of Purpose Reference Letter

Fellows and their areas of work

Conservation Genetics: species-specific research, genetic diversity maps of flora and fauna,evaluation of the socio-economic causes and consequences of genetic resource loss on thelivelihoods of forest communities (more...)

Conservation Planning: remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) analysisof the spatial distribution of biodiversity, land-use, forest cover and watersheds, natural resource planning and management, ecological economics. Interns are required who have knowledge of Web GIS application and programming. (more...)

Conservation and Livelihoods: forest-based community enterprises, women's self-help groups andmicro-enterprises, participatory resource management, initiation and development of sustainable agroforestry systems (more...)

Conservation Ecology and Management: research projects looking at regeneration and dynamics intropical dry forest ecosystems, especially the effects of anthropogenic fires, and of invasivespecies (e.g., mechanisms of invasive species success and barriers to restoration of nativespecies) (more...)

Urban Environmental Education: summer education programs and camps, school-year field trips andpresentations, curriculum development for hands-on conservation studies, teacher manuals (more...)

Rural Environmental Education: linking urban and rural schools, setting up school-yard livinglaboratories, such as a butterfly and medicinal plant gardens, useful and endangered tree gardens,etc., and developing educational modules to use this resource, teacher training, villagebiodiversity surveys, curriculum development for hands-on conservation studies (more...)

Additional Information

Internship Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Application Form

Contacts:

For all necessary information Please mail to: internship(at)atree(dot)org

Other information:

Useful information for foreign interns...

VANASTREE - The Malnad Forest Garden and Seed Keepers' Collective

Sirsi - 581 336, Karnataka, India

The internship opportunityATREE and Vanastree offer you an internship opportunity to spend time with a localseed collective in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats.

The collective

Vanastree began in the summer of 2001 in the hilly Malenadu region of the Western Ghats in Southern India, which is regarded as a biodiversity hot spot. Like other areas, this region too faces the problem of deforestation, and as a consequence the loss of biodiversity. The area has a large number of forest home gardens that are an intrinsic part of the mosaic of reserve forests, spice

orchards, paddy fields, and homesteads. The home garden is emphasized as a means to halt the downward spiral of deforestation andspecies loss. Home gardens are repositories of biological diversity and therefore a source of food security, nutrition, and medicine, with opportunities to generate a stable, alternative source of income.

The collective has a modest seed collection and is documenting home garden diversity of the area. It has also begun producing and marketing ecologically responsible products developed from Malnad garden produce both locally and in urban centres such as Pune and Bangalore, with a relative amount of success. The collective has also organized Seed Festivals that provide members with the opportunity to sell and exchange organic, local, open-pollinated seeds along with other products ranging from aromatic herbal hair oil and recycled-fabric patchwork bags to packaged local snacks and spices. Other like-minded local NGOs are invited to participate, including groups suchas Prakruti, Kalpavriksh, ATREE, The Concerned for Working Children and Sameeksha Ayurvedalaya (a medical centre).

The internship is based from a small farm in Karkolli Village northwest of Sirsi, Karnataka. The farm, “Huthina Betta” (Hill of Termite Mounds), is a 9 acre-plot of formerly derelict land that is actively being reforested, cultivated into biodiverse home garden plots with a small forest nursery and multiple ongoing projects in green architecture and design, and simple, yet comfortable, living.

Job description

Activities may include research, documentation and writing, field visits, practical work on the farm in the nursery, vegetable garden, tree planting, earth work, seed sorting and packing, graphic design/art work, manual work, specific help with festivals or workshops, and any other tasks that the intern has taken on.

There are always many projects underway and therefore a considerable amount of freedom to discuss and determine what type of work is most suitable for applicants.

A typical 3 month internship will include:

Arrival, and selection of work (2 weeks at the most) Internship work (Monday to Friday). At least 1-2 weekend homestays with

farmers’ families, who are part of the collective, will be arranged per month.This will be a good way to learn about and absorb local culture andinformation.

Concluding part including report submission/presentation of work done (2 wks) Longer internships can also be discussed as also internship openings for

graduate and doctoral students.

Start date: Internship opportunities are available throughout the year.

Winter/spring (October - March) is by far the best time for people from the temperate world. However, summers are not that bad especially if you stay indoors in the afternoon. Mangoes and jackfruit and other summer goodies are a treat only in this season. The monsoon will be a challenge unless you love the rain or are mad about frogs and mushrooms that abound in the area.

Qualifications: students with a background in any of the following fields areencouraged to apply

Tropical agro-forestry (including nursery and seed work)

Agriculture (including practical work) Ecology, environment and development issues Graphic design and Art (including computer skills) Marketing or social entrepreneurship Product and package design Carpentry, masonry, hands-on work (for our green architecture and design)

Language: English. Kannada is useful but not absolutely necessary. However, an enthusiasm to learn and preparation before leaving will go a long way in enabling better interactions with the people of the collective.

Other: It is important that students arrive at Vanastree - Malnad Forest Garden and Seed Keepers’ Collective, Sirsi, with enthusiasm and interest in the work of the collective, an open heart and mind, and a cheerful demeanour to complement the friendly, welcoming and active people of the region. General physical fitness and mental preparation to live and participate in the activities of the community are also necessary. Interns are expected to be highly motivated and work independently although the supervisor will also be closely involved in the planning and execution of the work taken on. Being able to cycle will be an asset.

Local activities: Weekends may be used to visit nearby areas. For big city thrills, Bangalore is an overnight bus ride away and Goa and Mangalore on the coast are 5 hours and 7 hours away, respectively.

Costs: Please check with Sunita Rao for the costs involved (contact details below).

ApplicationsPlease apply with your detailed CV, Statement of Purpose, details of your skill set and the areas you would like to work in, to:

Ms. Sunita RaoKarkolli VillageHulekal - 581 336Karnataka, Indiamalnadseeds(at)gmail(dot)com OR vanastree(at)gmail(dot)com

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment

Search this site:

Close

About o Purpose o Structure o Sites o Governing board o Partners o Annual report and brochures o Education fund o Newsletters o Press

People o Faculty o Students o Staff

Research o Centres o Forests and governance o Land, water and livelihoods o Ecosystem services and human wellbeing o Ecosystems and global change

Outreach o Policy advocacy o Action

Eastern Himalayas Assam

o Community-based Conservation Centres ATREE at Agasthyamalai ATREE at Agasthyamalai

Art as a medium for biodiversity conservation Building Stewardship in the buffer zone to protect biodiversity - Clean

KMTR Campaign Canopy science – emerging new area Community Reserve Landscape level quantification of plant bioresources Multi-use plant nursery Treasures on Tiger Tracks - A Bilingual Nature Guide to Kalakad

Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve ATREE at Biligiri Rangaswamy Wildlife Sanctuary

BRT CCC background ATREE at Kanakapura

Kanakpura CCC background

form-67dfe13120 search_block_for

MM Hills MM Hills background Report at MM Hills

o Khoshoo memorial award o Workshops and conferences

Academy o Overview o Ph D programme

Application for PhD program 2011 o Certificate courses o Conservation education

Conservation education at field academies DNA Club Upcoming Events

o Talks @ ATREE o Capacity building o Field academies o ATREE library

Publications o Books o Book chapters o Articles o Reports o Popular press o Manuals and guides

Labs o Ecoinformatics o Biosystematics o Conservation ecology and genetics

Opportunities o Small grants general o Small grants NE

ATREE SMALL GRANTS FOR RESEARCH IN NORTHEAST INDIA o CEPF Western Ghats small grants

CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Grants Program : Panel of Reviewers CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants - List of projects granted Call for Proposals 2nd round Western Ghats Small Grants Western Ghats Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Project

o Internship o Job vacancies

Contact

Small grants general Small grants NE CEPF Western Ghats small grants Internship Job vacancies

Home › Opportunities › Internship

Internship

Internship opportunities at:

Vanastree: The Malnad Home Garden and Seed Collective, Sirsi, India.

Internship/ Traineeship opportunities

This page helps you to find information on Internship at ATREE.

Coordination contact person: Madhavi Lathaemail: internship(at)atree(dot)org

Internship at ATREE ATREE provides internship opportunities to interested individuals who may participate in a wide variety of capacities and projects, depending on their skills and interests. Various options of fieldwork and project work are available. Forest field research is discouraged if interns do not possess a permit.

Eligibility

Academic backgroundUndergraduate, Graduate or Post Graduate students with interest in areas such as sustainable development, community forestry, agronomy, ecology, biology, environmental education, rural development, conservation, ecological economics , environmental sociology, etc.

Skills and experienceFlexibility and willingness to work are key requirements for this internship. ATREE is involved in various projects and programs in the field of conservation and livelihoods. These are subject to change with little notice. ATREE would certainly facilitate in matching interests of the intern with the current projects, however an intern with varied interests can adapt better to the job profile. Other requirements include: organizational skills, writing and communication skills, computer skills, field experience relating to intern's academic interests (e.g. scientific, research, GIS, education) and ability to work independently.

Language requirementsThe candidate should be able to speak, read and write English

Requirements

Resume Application Letter of Purpose Reference Letter

Fellows and their areas of work

Conservation Genetics: species-specific research, genetic diversity maps of flora and fauna,evaluation of the socio-economic causes and consequences of genetic resource loss on thelivelihoods of forest communities (more...)

Conservation Planning: remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) analysisof the spatial distribution of biodiversity, land-use, forest cover and watersheds, natural resource planning and management, ecological economics. Interns are required who have knowledge of Web GIS application and programming. (more...)

Conservation and Livelihoods: forest-based community enterprises, women's self-help groups andmicro-enterprises, participatory resource management, initiation and development of sustainable agroforestry systems (more...)

Conservation Ecology and Management: research projects looking at regeneration and dynamics intropical dry forest ecosystems, especially the effects of anthropogenic fires, and of invasivespecies (e.g., mechanisms of invasive species success and barriers to restoration of nativespecies) (more...)

Urban Environmental Education: summer education programs and camps, school-year field trips andpresentations, curriculum development for hands-on conservation studies, teacher manuals (more...)

Rural Environmental Education: linking urban and rural schools, setting up school-yard livinglaboratories, such as a butterfly and medicinal plant gardens, useful and endangered tree gardens,

etc., and developing educational modules to use this resource, teacher training, villagebiodiversity surveys, curriculum development for hands-on conservation studies (more...)

Additional Information

Internship Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Application Form

Contacts:

For all necessary information Please mail to: internship(at)atree(dot)org

Other information:

Useful information for foreign interns...

VANASTREE - The Malnad Forest Garden and Seed Keepers' Collective

Sirsi - 581 336, Karnataka, India

The internship opportunityATREE and Vanastree offer you an internship opportunity to spend time with a localseed collective in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats.

The collective

Vanastree began in the summer of 2001 in the hilly Malenadu region of the Western Ghats in Southern India, which is regarded as a biodiversity hot spot. Like other areas, this region too faces the problem of deforestation, and as a consequence the loss of biodiversity. The area has a large number of forest home gardens that are an intrinsic part of the mosaic of reserve forests, spiceorchards, paddy fields, and homesteads. The home garden is emphasized as a means to halt the downward spiral of deforestation andspecies loss. Home gardens are repositories of biological diversity and therefore a source of food security, nutrition, and medicine, with opportunities to generate a stable, alternative source of income.

The collective has a modest seed collection and is documenting home garden diversity of the area. It has also begun producing and marketing ecologically responsible products developed from Malnad garden produce both locally and in urban centres such as Pune and Bangalore, with a relative amount of success. The collective has also organized Seed Festivals that provide members with the opportunity to sell and exchange organic, local, open-pollinated seeds along

with other products ranging from aromatic herbal hair oil and recycled-fabric patchwork bags to packaged local snacks and spices. Other like-minded local NGOs are invited to participate, including groups suchas Prakruti, Kalpavriksh, ATREE, The Concerned for Working Children and Sameeksha Ayurvedalaya (a medical centre).

The internship is based from a small farm in Karkolli Village northwest of Sirsi, Karnataka. The farm, “Huthina Betta” (Hill of Termite Mounds), is a 9 acre-plot of formerly derelict land that is actively being reforested, cultivated into biodiverse home garden plots with a small forest nursery and multiple ongoing projects in green architecture and design, and simple, yet comfortable, living.

Job description

Activities may include research, documentation and writing, field visits, practical work on the farm in the nursery, vegetable garden, tree planting, earth work, seed sorting and packing, graphic design/art work, manual work, specific help with festivals or workshops, and any other tasks that the intern has taken on.

There are always many projects underway and therefore a considerable amount of freedom to discuss and determine what type of work is most suitable for applicants.

A typical 3 month internship will include:

Arrival, and selection of work (2 weeks at the most) Internship work (Monday to Friday). At least 1-2 weekend homestays with

farmers’ families, who are part of the collective, will be arranged per month.This will be a good way to learn about and absorb local culture andinformation.

Concluding part including report submission/presentation of work done (2 wks) Longer internships can also be discussed as also internship openings for

graduate and doctoral students.

Start date: Internship opportunities are available throughout the year.

Winter/spring (October - March) is by far the best time for people from the temperate world. However, summers are not that bad especially if you stay indoors in the afternoon. Mangoes and jackfruit and other summer goodies are a treat only in this season. The monsoon will be a challenge unless you love the rain or are mad about frogs and mushrooms that abound in the area.

Qualifications: students with a background in any of the following fields areencouraged to apply

Tropical agro-forestry (including nursery and seed work) Agriculture (including practical work) Ecology, environment and development issues Graphic design and Art (including computer skills) Marketing or social entrepreneurship Product and package design Carpentry, masonry, hands-on work (for our green architecture and design)

Language: English. Kannada is useful but not absolutely necessary. However, an enthusiasm to learn and preparation before leaving will go a long way in enabling better interactions with the people of the collective.

Other: It is important that students arrive at Vanastree - Malnad Forest Garden and Seed Keepers’ Collective, Sirsi, with enthusiasm and interest in the work of the collective, an open heart and mind, and a cheerful demeanour to complement the friendly, welcoming and active people of the region. General physical fitness and mental preparation to live and participate in the activities of the community are also necessary. Interns are expected to be highly motivated and work independently although the supervisor will also be closely involved in the planning and execution of the work taken on. Being able to cycle will be an asset.

Local activities: Weekends may be used to visit nearby areas. For big city thrills, Bangalore is an overnight bus ride away and Goa and Mangalore on the coast are 5 hours and 7 hours away, respectively.

Costs: Please check with Sunita Rao for the costs involved (contact details below).

ApplicationsPlease apply with your detailed CV, Statement of Purpose, details of your skill set and the areas you would like to work in, to:

Ms. Sunita RaoKarkolli VillageHulekal - 581 336Karnataka, Indiamalnadseeds(at)gmail(dot)com OR vanastree(at)gmail(dot)com

Contact

ATREE Offices

Academy queries

Ph D Madhavi LathaTel: 23635555 Extn: 121phd(at)atree(dot)org

InternshipMadhavi LathaTel: 23635555 Extn: 121internship(at)atree(dot)org

Certificate courseMadhavi LathaTel: 23635555 Extn: 121internship(at)atree(dot)org

GrantsMadhavi LathaTel: 23635555 Extn: 121madhavi(at)atree(dot)org

Research

Eco-informatics labKiran MCTel: (91) 80 23635555, Fax: (91) 80 23530070Email: kiran(at)atree(dot)org

Communication and Media

CommunicationsTel: 23635555 Extn: 214communications(at)atree(dot)org

Human Resource Officer

Rashmi R. ShetTel: 23635555 Extn: 203hr(at)atree(dot)org

Development queries

Donation

Partnershipinfo(at)atree(dot)org

Field academies

Bangalore (Main)Royal EnclaveSriramapura,Jakkur PostBangalore 560 064KarnatakaTelephone: +91-80-23635555 (EPABX)Fax : +91-80-23530070Email : info(at)atree(dot)orgATREE Route Map

New Delhi (Liaison and Development)2nd Floor, 1, K Block Commercial Complex,Birbal Road, Jangpura Extension,New Delhi 110 014Telefax: +91-11-2432 3133Email : infodelhi(at)atree(dot)org

Darjeeling: (Regional)ATREE - Eastern HimalayasE2, Second Floor,Golden Heights, Gandhi RoadDarjeeling 734 101, West BengalTel: +91-354-2259297Email: infoehp@atree.org

AssamHouse no. 62, Mother Teresa Road,Opp. Akoni Namghar,Zoo Narengi-Gitanagar,Guwahati 781 021,Assam

Biligiri Community-based Conservation Centre BR Hills, Chamrajanagara District, Karnataka 571 441Contact person: Sidappa Setty, C. MadegowdaTel: 91-958226-244076Email: siddappa(at)atree(dot)org or cmade(at)atree(dot)org

Agasthyamalai Community-based Conservation Centre 2/309, Jebba Illam, Vadakkumedu, Vairavikulam, Singampatti (near Kallidaikurichi)Tirunelveli 627 416, Tamil Nadu Contact person: MathivananTel.no: +91 4634 291809, 293387 Mob:+91 9488063750

Email: mathi(at)atree(dot)org

MM Hills Community-based Conservation Centre Near Gurudarshini Bhavana, MM Hills Post, MM hills, Kollegal Taluk, Chamrajanagara District, Karnataka 571 490Contact person: Ramesh KannanTel: 91-80-23635555 ext. 106Email: kannan(at)atree(dot)org

Kanakpura Community-based Conservation Centre Doddamaralwadi, Kanakapura Taluk, Ramanagara District, Karnataka 562 121Contact person: Kavitha ATel: 91-80-23635555 ext. 106Email: akavitha(at)atree(dot)org

Natham Community-based Conservation Centre Mangammal Salai, Kuttupatti PO, Natham Taluk, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu 624 401Contact person: P SaravananTel: 0944 3314306Email: saravanan(at)swcp(dot)com

Vembanad Community Environmental Resource Centre Ammankovil Street,Mullackal, Alapuzha,Kerala 688 001Contact person: Latha BhaskarTel: 0477 2251818, 9447073308Email: latha.bhaskar(at)atree(dot)org

In Kalakad forests, a project to bring out amphibian ecology P. Sudhakar

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A rare frog (Duttaphrynus beddomei) which was discover by the reasearchers at Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tirunelveli District after the gap of 136 years. Photo: Special Arrangement

Perhaps for the first time in the country, researchers of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment have initiated a project to monitor the presence of frogs and toads in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to preserve these endangered species serving as indicators of climate change.

The Ashoka Trust is based at the Agasthyamalai community conservation centre at Manimuthar.

The researchers plan to exploit the behaviour of frogs and toads by placing automated sound recorders and climate data loggers in the forests to record the calling of males at night to attract females for breeding. They will analyse the data in relation to climate and the frog species found in an area and discern the patterns after a few years of monitoring.

Among amphibians, frogs and toads are exceptions: they are without tails while being adults. They are collectively called anurans. India is a home to 277 species of anurans, and close to 150 species have been listed as ‘threatened.'

If the predictions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are to come true, many more anurans may be pushed to the brink of extinction. Sensitive to temperature and moisture in the atmosphere, amphibians also serve as indicators of climate change. This will be the first effort at monitoring the amphibians for long-term population dynamics.

“This study will throw light on the present status of anurans, and we will be able to understand the role of climate in the anuran population,” says K.S. Seshadri, who is heading the study team in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

The key components of the study are a pilot survey of anurans and documentation of calls of each species; setting up of equipment for seasonal and long-term monitoring in the mid-elevation evergreen forest of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve; an intensive study of the habitat of anurans; training of volunteers from urban and rural communities in the use of gadgets for long-term monitoring; and an analysis of the data gathered to predict the impact of climate change on anurans.

“With the backing of modern technology, we will be able to gather baseline data on the amphibian population. Long-term monitoring of the anuran population will help us better understand the drastic changes, which may indicate a decline in amphibian population,” says T. Ganesh, Senior Fellow at the Ashoka Trust and an adviser of the project.

Automated sound recorders, ‘Song Meter,' made by Wildlife Acoustics Inc., U.S., and Kestrel Pocket Weather Tracker, are used to record climate change. These gadgets allow for pre-set programming to record data for specified lengths of time.

Forest canopies experience a harsh environment as they are the first to interact with the atmosphere. There are many anurans living in this harsh environment. For a holistic understanding, sound recorders with climate data loggers will be placed on the forest floor as well as on the forest canopy at an altitude of 900-1,200 metres.

The success of the pilot project conducted by the Ashoka Trust helped its researchers bag the prestigious Future Conservationist Project, which is funded by the Canada-based Conservation Leadership Programme's Rs. 5.75 lakh-worth ‘Save Our Species Campaign.'

They faced a tough competition from more than 150 teams worldwide. Research scholars J. Allwin and M. Mathivanan of the Ashoka Trust will be involved in understanding the perceptions of the local communities of the amphibians and build the stewardship towards amphibian conservation. Mr. Seshadri and P. Mrugank will document the amphibians and the ecological aspects. A database of anuran photographs and calls will also be made available.

“Understanding the perception of the people, living both in and outside of the KMTR, of the amphibians will go a long way towards their conservation. People can easily relate to frogs and

toads as they are found even on paddy fields and in cities,” says Mr. Mathivanan, who has a long-standing association with local communities in conservation and now manages the Agasthyamalai community conservation centre.

“The project is well under way, and we have finished one field session during the northeast monsoon and got some interesting insights. We also sighted a rare toad, Duttaphrynus beddomei (Beddome's toad), after a decade. It was last sighted in 2001,” Mr. Seshadri says.

Rare green frog

A rare green frog, Raorchestes chalazodes, was recently rediscovered in the the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve by Dr. Ganesan and Mr. Seshadri, and Dr. S.D. Biju of Delhi University. The frog was not seen for 136 years, they claim, and nothing much is known about it.

This project is a significant step towards filling this gap in the knowledge.

“In the long run, we will be able to better understand the relationships and provide inputs for amphibian conservation,” Dr. Ganesh says.

Keywords: Western Ghats, ecological project, Ashoka Trust, monitoring amphibians

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