| Project Name:
Hilly Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest - Species and Habitat - Conservation, at Arunachala Hill, Tamil Nadu |
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| Project Brief:
This project aims to scale-up the restoration efforts (a 19-year project) on the Arunachala hill that has developed a pioneer canopy and is ready for introduction of deeper forest evergreen species. The Forest Way also intends to begin restoration efforts in the neighbouring large, though degraded, forest of Kavuthi Mountain RF that is being ravaged by fires every year. These can be restored by replicating the work on the Arunachala hill such as making firebreaks, grazing protection and restoration planting — challenges that The Forest Way experienced and overcame on the Arunachala 20 years ago. Efforts to nurture vegetation and wildlife with improved soil, canopy cover and increased tree diversity will create a micro-habitat for endangered/endemic species. The return of the forest has encouraged new species of vulnerable bird, butterfly and mammalian species to make their home here. The restored lands could serve as habitats and seed banks of threatened/endangered species. The organisation hopes this restoration will create fragmented forest corridors between old growth forests, a web of bio-diverse hubs aiding vegetation propagation and wildlife migration. |
Project objectives:
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Highlights from field:
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This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.