Born out of a simple ecological principle of the interdependence of natural systems, Keystone Foundation’s work has focused on the socio-ecological growth of all life on the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). Over time, the scope of our work has transcended boundaries to include the tribal population in other parts of the country and to work with other organisations, both national and international, that share our ethos and vision.Â
Our research and action centres around livelihoods of indigenous communities, agriculture and food security, land and community rights, community health and development and conservation of biodiversity.
Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life and the environment. By working on issues of natural resource and rural development we address the challenges of conservation, livelihoods, and enterprise development, through appropriate knowledge and action, technologies, socio-economic innovations and institutions.
With indigenous people and local communities as our primary stakeholders, our work extends to various aspects of socio-ecological development and are categorised under Community Wellbeing, Biodiversity Conservation, and People and Nature Collectives.
Keystone Foundation was established on November 19, 1993, with its base in Kotagiri in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. What started as the organisation’s four core member’s survey of apiculture in the state of Tamil Nadu widened in scope over time to enhance the lives and livelihoods in the NBR and beyond.Â
Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life and the environment. By working on issues of natural resource and rural development we address the challenges of conservation, livelihoods, and enterprise development, through appropriate knowledge and action, technologies, socio-economic innovations and institutions.
With indigenous people and local communities as our primary stakeholders, our work extends to various aspects of socio-ecological development and are categorised under Community Wellbeing, Biodiversity Conservation, and People and Nature Collectives.
Keystone Foundation was established on November 19, 1993, with its base in Kotagiri in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. What started as the organisation’s four core member’s survey of apiculture in the state of Tamil Nadu widened in scope over time to enhance the lives and livelihoods in the NBR and beyond.Â
Our work creates considerable impacts on the ground. Here are some stories of resilience, challenges and opportunities from the field.
Our core programmes are designed to complement each other and collectively address the organisations mission.
For almost three decades now Keystone foundation has carried out people and ecology centric initiatives largely impacting communities and the environment they depend upon. Addressing ecological issues compounding climate change; enhancing gender equality through women’s empowerment, generating traditional livelihood opportunities while facilitating indigenous rights, and knowledge management is the cornerstone of our work.
