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Knowledge Hub at Keystone

A socio-ecological gateway to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 

Components

Knowledge Hub is a platform for strengthening knowledge management, capacity building, and communications while building a socio-ecological gateway to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Through its three verticals, Organisational Information Systems, Training & Outreach, and Radio & Communications, the programme connects people, knowledge, and technology to support community-led conservation, learning, and sustainable development.

Communications & Radio

Communications & Radio

The Radio & Communications vertical amplifies community voices, environmental knowledge, and Keystone’s work through diverse media platforms. Through Radio Kotagiri 90.4 FM, websites, social media, newsletters, strategic communications partnerships, and collaborations with media organisations, the vertical creates accessible and engaging content that connects communities, promotes Indigenous perspectives, and strengthens public awareness of conservation and sustainability issues across the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Training and Field Courses

Training and Field Courses

The Training & Outreach vertical develops learning opportunities that transform Keystone’s field experience and knowledge into practical courses, workshops, and capacity-building programmes. Through internal staff training, knowledge mapping, educational outreach, and initiatives such as the NBR-IPLC Media Project, the vertical supports skill development, collaborative learning, Indigenous-led storytelling, and greater understanding of ecological and community-based approaches to conservation.
Information System

Information System

The Organisational Information Systems (OIS) vertical strengthens Keystone Foundation’s digital infrastructure and knowledge management practices. By modernising data storage, standardising documentation systems, and supporting the organisation’s transition to Microsoft 365, OIS enables efficient information sharing, secure data management, and improved organisational resilience. The team also builds staff capacity through training and support to foster a culture of effective digital collaboration.

Stories

 

 

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.

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.