Biodiversity Conservation at Keystone

To strengthen resilience of species and landscapes in the context of changing climate and increasing human use. This is critical for all natural areas in the tropics as they continue to provide ecological services and perform ecosystem functions.

Components

We aim to conserve biodiversity through research, action and advocacy in partnership with people and places. Our work is focused mainly on but not limited to Bees, Climate Change, Communities in Conservation, Ecological Restoration, and Wildlife Interactions.

Bees

Understanding wild bee ecology and traditional knowledge of indigenous communities. Documenting pollinators and insects that provide essential ecosystem services in forests and agriculture landscapes. Promoting conservation of Apis cerana bees through scientifically managed appropriate apiculture practices.

Ecological Restoration

Raising, propagating and outplanting native species appropriate to the habitat and landscape. Mapping and managing invasive species. Enhancing access for wildlife and human beings to wetlands and springs. Restoring and rejuvenating streams and river banks. Conserving, protecting and advocating for endangered trees and plants.

Wildlife Interactions

Understanding wildlife diversity and interactions in human-modified landscapes like hill towns, plantations and public spaces. Monitoring impacts of linear infrastructure through road kill surveys and camera traps. Creating awareness for rescue and rehabilitation of animals in distress through partnership with authorities and citizens.

Communities in Conservation

Defining and developing a sustainable, inclusive and participatory conservation model through programmes like Barefoot Ecologists, Seed Keepers, Village Elders and Indigenous Women for Conservation. Nature education at village schools, citizen science with indigenous people and village-level nurseries for restoration of native habitats.

Current Projects

We work through local, national and global networks to advocate for sustainable use, conservation of endangered species, community-based natural resource management, invasive alien species, mitigating human wildlife interactions, saving pollinators, and promoting native species.

We offer Field Courses in ecology and society through our collaborations with academic institutions and NGO partners. The office of the Chair of the Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group of the IUCN/SSC is held at Keystone Foundation under the Biodiversity Conservation programme. The Nilgiri Natural History Society was founded by us and is managed by a group of dedicated citizens of the Nilgiris.

Strengthening Conservation Action for Selected Endangered Native Tree Species of the Western Ghats, India

To raise, plant, monitor and protect endangered native trees, in order to build evidence for scientifically managed ecological restoration along the Western Ghats. This project is funded by Fondation Franklina. The duration of the project is from 2021-2024.

Building Lifetime Relationship with the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve

To work on identified important issues for the ecology and livelihoods in the NBR along 3 focal themes: (1) Restoring the biosphere through ecological restoration and strengthening ecosystem services (2) Managing wildlife interactions through rescue, research and community participation (3) Strengthening biodiversity conservation through publications, nature centre and other outreach activities. This project is funded by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The duration of the project is from 2020-2022.

Youth Leadership for Coexistence

Returning to four settlements where we have worked on improving water and sanitation access and combatting human-wildlife conflict, our team is engaging with children and youth in nature awareness and education. With the support of Synchronoss Technologies, youth will be trained to monitor wildlife presence and to make improvements to their surroundings to reduce wildlife presence. We will also involve youth in our work with the forest department to support the rescue work done by the latter.

Training of Trainers in Beekeeping for Strengthening Livelihoods in the Nilgiris

In an effort to promote the local and traditional practice of beekeeping as a viable source of livelihood, we have been working with veteran beekeepers from Indigenous communities while facilitating knowledge exchange of this practice to the younger generation of beekeepers. This project is supported by Bees for Development, and ends in September 2023.

Infographics & Posters

Our team regularly creates open source awareness materials for distribution and use. Feel free to download and print for educational purposes.

Past Projects

Hill Waters and Wetlands for Communities and Wildlife

The main objective of the project is to achieve water equity and water security for human and wildlife populations. This project is funded by HCL foundation. The duration of the project is from 2018 -2023.

Status of LTM in forests of Nilambur in NBR

To assess status of the species in protected forests (Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary) and non -forest areas along highways, plantations and agriculture lands from where they are being reported. Also together with government agencies, indigenous and local communities awareness about the species’ conservation needs will be promoted. This project is funded by Bird Life International. The duration of this projetc is from 2021-2022.