TCF has been striving to save the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and its habitat in Abdasa taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat. The region of Abdasa also serves as an important habitat for 22 other threatened species of birds. To ensure long-term conservation of these avian species, TCF has launched the #GoOrganic campaign with the active involvement of local farmers. In 2017, TCF supported two farmers to grow 750 kg of Green Gram by using only biopesticides and without the use of inorganic fertilisers on 5-acre farmland. TCF also ensured marketing and sale of this organically grown Green Gram. The response was encouraging and the entire yield was sold out in few days time at double the market price of inorganically grown Green Gram. The income generated has been directly credited to the farmers' bank accounts. Based on the success of this venture, several local farmers have come forward to join the Go Organic campaign. TCF plans to scale up this model in Abdasa and other important grassland habitats of Gujarat in 2018. Such efforts and local community participation can go a long way in conserving the threatened birds and other denizens of the ecosystem.

The uncontrolled and excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides not only affects fertility of the soil, but is also a grave threat to the biodiversity and health of local communities. To make people aware about this fact and motivate them to opt for the organic farming, TCF, in collaboration with Kutch (West) Forest Division, had jointly organised a three days skill development workshop for the farmers of Abdasa. Total 47 farmers from 7 different villages participated in this training.

In this workshop, the theoretical sessions on 'organic farming and management' were conducted by agricultural experts and experienced farmers on the first two days and a field visit was organised for detailed process exposure on the last day. All the farmers were taken to different organic farming fields in Kutch and practice ally demonstrated the preparation of natural fertilizers and bio pesticides. At the end of this program a starting kit comprising of three - 200 Ltrs capacity barrels, 150 Kgs of organic fertilizer, 10 Ltrs of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers along with the literature was provided to each farmer.

Kutch Forest Division and TCF jointly sponsored the training, accommodation, food, logistics, transportation and start-up kit for the farmers.  

This October, TCF’s wild-life week celebrations focused on awareness creation & mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict. TCF through its solar initiatives is trying to address apparent causes of these conflicts. TCF distributed solar lights for house-hold use, solar lanterns with blink option for crop fields & installed solar street lights in the villages situated around Kanha & Corbett tiger reserves where there are no electricity connections. The solar lights are extremely helpful to the villagers to be alert of the predator movements during dark. This is ultimately helping to reduce the intensity of community resentment towards wild-life thus aiding to the overall wild-life conservation efforts.

To connect young minds with nature by unfolding experiences of beauty & diversity, TCF arranged a nature trail for select 20 students & teachers of Government Higher Secondary School. 

The students indulged in nature & were familiarized with basic bird watching & identifying techniques. The school appreciated this initiative & hopes for more such programs that can change youngster’s perspective towards nature & its conservation.