HABITAT RESTORATION
"Care of the Earth is not an environmental issue, it is a spiritual responsibility" Satish Kumar, Spiritual ecologist and activist
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Today, as forests degrade, wetlands shrink, and climate patterns shift, restoration is not just about fixing ecosystems—it is about rebuilding our relationship with nature. Across many landscapes, the loss of forests, and biodiversity reflects a deeper imbalance between human activity and the natural world.
Rooted in Indian ideas like Ṛta (the balance that sustains life) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family), this approach sees humans and nature as deeply connected. It focuses on helping ecosystems heal naturally, by strengthening processes that support native vegetation, improve soil health, and restore water cycles. These processes strengthen biodiversity (wildlife) and make landscapes more resilient to climate change.
An important part of this work is the role of local communities. For generations, communities have cared for forests and natural resources through shared practices and cultural values. Supporting and strengthening this stewardship ensures that restoration efforts last over time.
Aligned with global efforts like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, this approach improves water security, supports livelihoods, and builds climate resilience, while reminding us that caring for the Earth is a shared and ongoing responsibility.
Dudhwa Conservation Project
Located in the Terai landscape along the Indo–Nepal border, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve spans 1,230 sq km across Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries, and supports iconic species such as Bengal tigers, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, swamp deer, and the Bengal florican. The reserve holds one of Asia’s largest swamp deer populations, with herds exceeding 800 recorded at Jhadi Tal. Our interventions focused on strengthening water security and habitat resilience through the creation of over 12,00,00,000 litres of water-holding capacity, restoration of 25 water bodies (over 15 hectares), and installation of 21 solar-powered and other borewells at critical waterholes. These efforts have ensured year-round water availability, improved wetland health, enhanced access for wildlife, reduced forest fire risks, supported migratory bird habitats, and minimized wildlife movement outside the park—thereby lowering risks of poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
Simultaneously, efforts were made to enhance frontline staff wellbeing and protection by equipping 150 forest watchers with winter jackets, high-powered torches, and caps, significantly improving morale and patrolling efficiency. This was complemented by the Forest Karmayogi Workshop (11–15 March 2024), conducted in collaboration with Wildlife Trust of India, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The five-day programme integrated mindfulness, yoga, leadership, and teamwork training, resulting in a marked reduction in negative self-perception (69% to 34%), significant declines in anxiety and stress indicators, and improved motivation and team cohesion. Additional outcomes included distribution of essential equipment, yoga resources, honoraria for temporary staff, and sports kits—collectively strengthening both conservation outcomes and the human capacity that sustains them.
Awards were also given to deserving forest staff showing exemplary work.
Rhinoceroes at the DNP
21 Solar powered and stand alone borewells installed at Dudhwa National Park, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary to ensure availability of water for wildlife
Restored wetland at Dudhwa Tiger ReserveÂ
Assisted Natural Regeneration, Uttarakhand
The mid-Himalayan landscapes of Uttarakhand are facing a growing convergence of ecological and livelihood challenges, including forest degradation, recurrent fires, declining groundwater, drying springs, soil erosion, and increasing stress on agriculture and livestock systems. These pressures—intensified by climate change, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and unplanned development—have disrupted the natural balance between forests, water, and rural livelihoods. Frequent forest fires in chir pine-dominated areas have reduced soil fertility and water retention, while weakening aquifers have caused many springs to become seasonal or dry up entirely, particularly in regions like Nainital. This has directly affected farming, livestock, and household water access, placing a disproportionate burden on women. At the same time, the weakening of traditional institutions like Van Panchayats and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge have reduced communities’ ability to sustainably manage these landscapes, highlighting the urgent need for an integrated, community-led restoration approach.
In response, this project aims to restore forest and water systems through a community-led, women-centred, and regenerative model that integrates forest restoration, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the revival of traditional ecological knowledge. Working through Van Panchayats, it strengthens local governance and long-term stewardship while promoting oak-based forest regeneration, soil and water conservation, and the revival of natural springs through traditional water-harvesting systems such as chaals and khals. Supported by research, baseline assessments, and continuous monitoring, the initiative is designed as a scalable model that enhances biodiversity, improves groundwater recharge and water availability, strengthens agricultural and livestock resilience, and builds community institutions—offering a sustainable pathway for climate resilience, water security, and rural livelihoods across Himalayan landscapes.