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“A vibrant, fair, and regenerative future is possible — not when thousands of people do climate justice activism perfectly but when millions of people do the best they can.”
Xiye Bastida
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Dear Friends of The Corbett Foundation,
We are delighted to present to you the first newsletter of 2024. Over the past three months, TCF teams spanning diverse landscapes have been engaged in a multitude of activities, from conducting vital ecological and biodiversity assessments to successfully eradicating invasive
Lantana camara from extensive areas of land. Additionally, our efforts have included the establishment of community-led enterprises and the provision of essential healthcare support. This period has been marked by numerous awards and achievements, reflecting the tireless commitment of TCF teams nationwide.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partners for their generous support, as well as to the Board of Trustees for their invaluable guidance. To our esteemed readers, we express sincere gratitude for your unwavering trust and confidence in TCF.
We invite you to delve into the details of our endeavors over the past quarter in this newsletter.
With profound gratitude,
The Corbett Foundation.
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TCF wins the HCL Tech Grant Edition IX in the 'Environment' Category
We are delighted to share that The Corbett Foundation was adjudged the winner at the HCL Tech Grant Edition IX in the 'Environment' category for the project titled "‘
Guardians of Grasslands: Empowering communities to safeguard pastures for the long-term conservation of Critically Endangered bustards and associated species in Kutch, Gujarat’. This grant will provide much-needed support to revive the grasslands in the bustard landscape of Abdasa taluka in Kutch district of Gujarat.
TCF expresses its deepest gratitude to HCL Foundation and HCLTech for supporting this project. |
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Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Eco-restoration in buffer and corridor areas of Satpura Tiger Reserve
With funding support from The Nature Conservancy, TCF team in Satpura Landscape has been implementing a multifaceted Eco-restoration project in buffer and corridor areas of Satpura Tiger Reserve.
As a continued effort since March 2023, TCF has drafted 36 microplans for JFMCs of villages located across five forest ranges in the buffer of STR so far.
With the beginning of new year, TCF Satpura also kick started working on overall habitat improvement within the corridor areas of Satpura-Melaghat corridor. Two forest patches of 100 hectares each were taken up for the removal of invasive species in Harda Forest Division, Rehetgaon Range. Additionally, 215 hectare of heavily
Lantana infested forest in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Pachmarhi, has also been taken up for eco-restoration. With this, total expanse of land freed from lantana invasion in Pachmarhi under the present project has reached 353 hectares.
Another exciting update from this landscape is the beginning of livelihood training programs. A total of 45 participants have been enrolled in two distinct skill development components focusing on sewing and driving. These initiatives are poised to substantially enhance livelihoods and increase earning capacity within the local community.
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Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Mitigating negative human wildlife interactions in Bandhavgarh
In the Bandhavgarh landscape, dedicated teams are actively addressing negative human-wildlife interactions through the Tiger Habitat Project, generously supported by the Exodus Travels Foundation.
A total of 16 solar streetlights have been strategically installed across five villages within the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR). These villages are particularly vulnerable to human-wildlife conflicts, especially those involving tigers. By illuminating human settlements and pathways during the night using solar streetlights, the TCF aims to enhance visibility and foster a safer environment for both humans and wildlife. These lights serve as a deterrent for wild animals, dissuading them from encroaching into village areas. Moreover, improved visibility empowers villagers to spot wildlife presence from a distance, granting them valuable time to take necessary precautions and avert unfortunate incidents.
Additionally, thanks to funding from Big Cat Rescue, the TCF has also installed a total of four solar water pumps and one hand pump. These initiatives collectively demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigating conflicts and promoting coexistence between communities and wildlife in the Bandhavgarh landscape. |
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Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Holistic Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, Green Livelihoods and Ecological Restoration in Kanha
TCF in Kanha landscape is implementing a Holistic Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation project and Green Livelihoods and Ecological Restoration project with funding from Born Free Foundation (BFF) and PwC India Foundation. Under the Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation project supported by BFF, we have leased over 10-acre private land for cultivation of high quality fodder to encourage and support stall feeding in the project villages. Between October 23 and March 24, around 280 cattle have benefited from this project from two villages Sarasdol and Baherakhar. The cattle owners have not only reported a better milk yield but have also confirmed that the energy level in the cattle has also increased from earlier.
Green Livelihoods and Ecological Restoration project supported by PwC India Foundation focuses on building capacities and diversifying income and livelihood opportunities for local community members. Under this project, TCF has established Self Help Groups (SHG) in various project villages and provided training for different livlihoods. In Pandhrapani, Manoharpur and Sareipatera villages, SHGs have been trained to raise bees and harvest honey in a sustainable manner. The SHGs have successfully harvested 89kg of honey from 49 boxes and reported profit of around Rs. 60,000 from the 1st harvest. TCF in addition to the equipment and training support has also provided assistance for packaging and is striving to build market linkages. (If you are interested in purchasing this sustainably harvested honey and support the communities we work with, please reach out to us at pdas@corbettfoundation.org).
TCF is also getting a dam constructed in village Devgaon to retain water during the dry season. It is anticipated that this will help the villagers to harvest crops for at least twice in a year. |
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Rajmachi & Lonavala conservation reserve, Maharashtra
Human-wildlife coexistence to ensure long-term conservation in the Western Ghats
With funding from HDFC Bank Parivartan, TCF implemented a holistic human-wildlife coexistence project under which we undertook a series of impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing community well-being and promoting wildlife conservation in 16 villages of Rajmachi and Lonavla conservation reserves in Pune district of Maharashtra. From strengthening school infrastructure by installing tiles, wall fencing, and enhancing sanitation facilities in all project schools for improving academic performance and reduce dropout rates to distributing K-YAN learning machines and conducted workshops to facilitate interactive learning experiences for students, TCF ensured better delivery of education and nourishment services for young children.
Moreover, TCF conducted awareness sessions in schools and villages to educate students and communities about wildlife conservation and safety measures. These sessions covered topics such as snake awareness, leopard attack risks, and the significance of wildlife conservation days. TCF also empowered women through the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), providing training in various enterprises such as Chikki-ladoos and cloth bags making. In parallel, farmers' groups were formed to modernize agricultural practices and improve livelihoods. Other key interventions included the distribution of crop-raiding-prevention torches, construction of farm and forest ponds for water conservation, ecological surveys to assess biodiversity, and initiatives to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts like open well fencing and cattle vaccination. Capacity building sessions for frontline staff and senior officials of the Forest Department further enhanced wildlife conservation efforts.
Overall, through these diverse activities, we successfully promoted sustainable development and human-wildlife coexistence in this landscape.
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Kutch, Gujarat
Conserving the grasslands of Kutch
Since the colonial era, grasslands have been considered
wastelands. This unfortunate label has resulted in the degradation and fragmentation of the grassland ecosystem. Kutch, a drought-prone region known for its vast, pristine grasslands, supports the pastoralists communities. However, due to rapid changes in land use, these grasslands have been either been converted to croplands or diverted for infrastructure development.
Grasslands play a crucial role in Kutch, as the majority of the rural population depends on pastoralism for their livelihood. The doubling of livestock numbers against the significant loss (20 million hectares) of grasslands has led to an alarming situation. Additionally, grasslands are also vital habitats for Critically Endangered species like the
Ardeotis nigriceps Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and
Sypheotides indicus Lesser Florican (LF).
TCF is tirelessly working to address the issues related to grassland conservation. With funding support from the Dharamsi Morarji Chemical Co. Ltd., Bombay Gow Rakshak Trust (BGT) and The Habitats Trust (THT), TCF has successfully restored ~52 acres of
Prosopis juliflora-infested community grazing land the support of community. This was achieved through implementation of a ‘
Rotational and Controlled Grazing System’ (RCGS) in the Abdasa tehsil of Kutch, Gujarat. These restored grassland plots yield around 2,000 kg of indigenous grass per hectare annually, servingas an exemplary model of sustainable grassland management.
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Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand
Project updates from Corbett Landscape
TCF in the Corbett Landscape has been engaged in a number of community empowerment initiatives for fostering harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife in the region. Two of our flagship projects in Corbett are the Rural Medical Outreach Programme (RMOP) and the Interim Relief Scheme (IRS). The goal of RMOP (started in 1994-95) is to establish a relationship of mutual trust between TCF and the people living in and around CTR by extending humanitarian assistance. Every month, TCF carries out OPD and field camps in addition to conducing awareness programmes. Between Jan and March - 2024, more than 150 patients were treated in camps and OPD by TCF and over 650 people were reached out to through awareness programmes related to woman health, hygiene and first aid.
Under the IRS project, co-funded by WWF-India, 66 cases of livestock depredation was addressed by TCF in January and February 2024.
TCF ensures timely support to all stakeholders is provided to futher conservation in the landscape and therefore in addition to the flagship projects, TCF Corbett team continues to provide support to forest department for wildlife monitoring, equipment support such as installation of solar lights, conducting awareness workshops, support for waterfowl census etc. |
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Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Enhancing conservation in Kaziranga through community engagement and education.
TCF implements a number of initiatives for mitigation of the negative interactions between humans and wildlife in Kaziranga landscape. One such initiative involves the installation of fences around cattle sheds near forest boundaries. These fences serve as a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of accidental encounters between large cats and livestock, thereby reducing the potential for conflict. With funding support from Dieren Park Amersfoort Wildlife Fund, TCF installed fences on 70 cattlesheds in the Bhandardubi village in Kaziranga between January and March 2024. In addition to this, for ensuring the health and welfare of cattle, TCF collaborated with the State Animal Husbandry Department for a comprehensive cattle immunisation drive in fringe villages of Hohora Range in Kaziranga NP. 150 households were directly impacted by the initiative, receiving essential veterinary care services for their livestock. The drive prioritized the vaccination of cattle, recognizing their significance as a vital asset for the livelihoods of the community members. By safeguarding the health of these animals, TCF aimed to mitigate the risks posed by various diseases, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and securing the economic well-being of the households.
TCF is also enhancing the scientific and technological knowledge of school students residing on the fringes of Kaziranga National Park through the Green School Project. In February, TCF facilitated an event by the Pandit Hamchandra Goswami Foundation and IIT Guwahati tailored for students from Kaziranga National Park High School, Kohora, with the participation of 120 enthusiastic learners.
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Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Creating an interface for human-cheetah coexistence in Kuno National Park, India
Since November 2022, TCF has been actively engaging with residents of approximately 50 nearby villages to address conservation challenges and promote coexistence between cheetahs and local communities. In the initial phase (November to May 2023) of the project, TCF distributed solar home light systems to 48 families in project villages, provided 30 water storage tanks to Kuno National Park camps, distributed 120 solar lighting systems and 20 solar street lights near the park facilitated effective night patrolling. TCF also collaborated with the MPFD, using radio collars to monitor cheetah movement. In the phase 2 of the project, TCF has been focused on capacity building within local communities, particularly targeting women and children for skills development and education. Specifically, in Mohan ki Patari village, a coaching program has been initiated to provide vocational education tailored for children aged 3 to 15 years, aiming for holistic development and skill-building opportunities.
In addressing challenges faced by tribal families in Mohan Ki Pitari village, TCF implemented a pilot project distributing energy-efficient smokeless chulhas to ten families to reduce smoke emissions from traditional clay stoves fueled by firewood. Moreover, TCF has empowered local community members to engage in artisanal crafts, promoting the sale of locally made handicrafts to tourists visiting Kuno National Park, thereby enhancing income opportunities.
TCF has also actively engaged local communities through awareness programs on wildlife conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving forests and wildlife as well as on importance of education and cleanliness for ecosystem health and human well-being.
In March 2024, TCF's Chairperson - Mrs. Rina D. Khatau visited the project villages and engaged with the children and other project beneficiaries. During her visit education supplies, smokeless chulahs, sewing machines and other livelihood support equipment were distributed.
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Satpura Landscape Tiger Partnership Meet, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
The Satpura Landscape Tiger Partnership Meet marks a significant annual event for SLTP, fostering direct dialogue on challenges, ideas, and best practices among partner teams, conservationists, and the forest department.
This year's gathering commemorated SLTP's 20 years of operation, offering partners a forum to review past efforts and chart future directions, with a particular emphasis on pioneering conservation strategies for lesser-known species.
The seminar drew substantial attendance from SLTP partner teams and select Bandhavgarh forest department officials. In addition to seasoned members, the event served as a valuable opportunity for younger field team members stationed across remote areas to engage, exchange insights, and showcase their work in person.
Read more about SLTP here
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World Pangolin Day 2024
TCF - Kaziranga celebrated World Pangolin Day by engaging students from two colleges with Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR). TCF in collaboration with the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve launched the informative poster on pangolins with the aim to educate students on pangolin conservation and research. Informational materials like posters and presentations covered pangolin morphology, threats, and conservation. Hands-on sessions introduced students to wildlife research tools such as camera traps, range finders, and GPS devices. By providing practical training, we aimed to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to actively contribute to wildlife research and conservation efforts.
The participation of 80 students from the two-degree colleges underscored the enthusiasm and commitment of the younger generation towards wildlife conservation. |
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World Wetlands Day 2024
TCF Corbett and Kaziranga Landscapes celebrated World Wetlands Day 2024 in collaboration with the respective forest departments. The celebrations involved awareness programmes that focused on the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. in line with the 2024 WWD theme 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing'. |
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Kedar Gore, Director - TCF and Dr. Anish Andheria, President & CEO, WCT were interviewed on Green Pulse podcast of The Starits Times by Nirmal Ghosh, former US Bureau Chief of The Straits Times and a Trustee of TCF. This episode highlighted about the increased human-wildlife negative interaction in Tiger Reserves.
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Kedar Gore, Director- TCF went live on Instagram with Bhavna Menon on 28th February 2024 and shared insights on TCFs work for community engagement, conservation work across protected areas in India and their association with PashooPakshee.
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Vidhi Modi, a Senior Research Fellow at The Corbett Foundation (Kutch Divison), shared valuable insights on TCF's work on grassland restoration and development project, and her PhD work, which focuses on the impact of overhead power lines on avian species in the Abdasa Tehsil of Kutch, Gujarat, at the ‘People of Nature Podcast’.
Listen here |
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TCF has been accredited by 'Credibility Alliance' under their Desirable Norms, affirming our commitment to transparency and accountability in the Voluntary Sector. This accreditation stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance. |
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Assam Environment minister Hon'ble Shri. Chandra Mohan Patowary visited TCFs stall at Kaziranga Bird Conservation Festival 2024 and expressed keen interest and appreciation for TCF's work in community conservation and livelihood activities. |
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TCF participated in the Second Regional Consultation Meeting on the upgrading of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, aligning with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, held in Kaziranga.
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If you follow us on any of our social media pages, you likely have encountered the numerous accolades and honors conferred upon The Corbett Foundation so far this year. We express profound gratitude for the unwavering support and confidence vested in us Our commitment remains steadfast in implementing meaningful conservation efforts across the diverse landscapes where we operate. |
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HCL Tech Grant, Environment Category
Awarded by HCL Foundation on 6th March 2024 for the project titled "‘
Guardians of Grasslands: Empowering communities to safeguard pastures for the long-term conservation of Critically Endangered bustards and associated species in Kutch, Gujarat’. |
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In September 2023, TCF submitted a proposal to the HCL Tech Grant Edition IX (Environment Category) to expand and replicate self-sustainable grassland models. The application process lasted almost 300 days with multiple rounds, including presentations and virtual online meetings with the on-field team members, the Board of Trustees, Scientific Advisors, and the HR team with visits to the administrative office. The HCL Tech team also visited the project sites in Kutch and interacted with team members and the beneficiaries to assess the impact and sustainability of the proposed project. As part of the final jury round, HCL Tech Grant produced a two-minute video clip highlighting the proposed project (Click here).
Out of a total of 16,904 NGO registrations and 1,147 completed applications, TCF is extremely honoured to be declared the winner of the HCL Tech Grant Edition IX in the Environment category in March 2024 (click here). With this grant, TCF aims to restore ~350 acres of degraded community grazing land (locally known as
Gauchar) as grasslands with predator-proof enclosures to ensure a sustainable fodder supply for livestock and provide safe breeding habitats for grassland-associated species in Abdasa tehsil of Kutch, Gujarat. Along with grassland restoration, the project also focuses on a) developing an indigenous grass seed nursery by involving village women, b) training the village youth (men & women) for biodiversity conservation, c) theme-based interactive classrooms and d) awareness and nature education programs to highlight the importance of grasslands and its associated biodiversity.
The HCL Tech Grant will play a crucial role in the conservation of India’s most threatened bird species – Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican – and their grassland habitat, which has deteriorated due to ignorance and apathy. Both these species are friends of the farmers and pastoralists, and this project will promote the model of human-wildlife harmonious coexistence and win-win situation that can be scaled up and replicated across other grassland landscapes in India. Development of sustainable grassland models will add substantially to the Bustard Recovery Programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and the State Government of Gujarat. Such a project will certainly pave the way for sustainable and wise use of grasslands.
Title of the HCL Tech Grant Project-
‘
Guardians of Grasslands: Empowering communities to safeguard pastures for the long-term conservation of Critically Endangered bustards and associated species in Kutch, Gujarat’.
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Best Wildlife Conservation Organization
Awarded by Wildlife Tourism Conclave & Awards 2024 at the first WTCA held at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai on 3rd March 2024. |
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NGO Leadership Award
Awarded by World Federation of CSR professionals during the World CSR Congress, 2024 held in Mumbai on 18th February 2024. |
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Recognition our grassroots initiatives in the Corbett Landscape
TCF was honoured for the dedication and impact in reaching marginalised fringe communities at the Annual CSR Meet, 2024, the Synergy and Sustainability Symposium III, organized by INDIAdonates on March 7, 2024 in New Delhi. Our commitment to engaging with remote fringe communities, implementing initiatives centered on sustainable livelihoods, and recognising the importance of supporting local communities for the long-term conservation of tigers and other wildlife in the Corbett Landscape. |
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Best Poster Presentation Award
Ms. Vidhi Modi, a Senior Research Fellow at The Corbett Foundation (Kutch Divison), was bestowed with the Best Poster Presentation Award titled ‘Avian Diversity of Abdasa Coastal Area’ at the “National Conference on Water and Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development”, held at the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar
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Mrs. Rina D. Khatau:
Chairperson
Mr. B. K. Goswami,
IAS
(Retd.)
Dr. M. K. Ranjitsinh,
IAS (Retd.)
Mr. Nirmal Ghosh
Mr. Sam Mistry
Mr. Akshobh Singh |
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Mr. Darius E. Udwadia
Mr. Prabhu Rajkotia
Mr. Laxmikumar N. Goculdas
Dr. Divyabhanusinh Chavda
Mr. Atul C. Kirloskar
Mr. Gautam D. Khatau |
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SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Dr. AJT Johnsingh and Dr. Asad R. Rahmani
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Contact Us At
Tel: +91 22 61466400 / 61466417
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The Corbett Foundation is a charitable trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. It is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 under registration number 231650853 and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for CSR under registration number CSR00000183. The donations to The Corbett Foundation are tax exempt u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Corbett Foundation is accredited by Credibility Alliance under the Desirable Norms prescribed for Good Governance of Voluntary Organisations.NITI Aayog ID: UA/2017/0179126 |
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