India Awards 2014 Recognizing excellence in biodiversity governance Biodiversity Awards 2014

© UNDP India 2014. All rights reserved. Published in India. Cover photo © Sharbendu De/UNDP India

2 India Biodiversity Awards 2014

India Biodiversity Awards 2014

India’s biodiversity sustains the livelihood of millions. Many of the poorest households derive income, food, shelter and much more from the country’s wealth of biodiversity. Rapid degradation of the ecosystem and biodiversity is challenging this relationship. Across India, people, communities, governments and conservation agencies are demonstrating that the intrinsic value of biodiversity can be conserved and indeed harnessed, to sustain livelihoods and secure the futures of local communities.

The 2014 India Biodiversity Awards announced by the Ministry of Environment and , Government of India and UNDP recognizes outstanding models of biodiversity governance. The finalists this year represent good practices from across the country. They include community-run institutions, local self-governance bodies, joint management committees and protected area management agencies engaged in preserving designated protected areas. Importantly, they recognize the central role played by communities that are at the heart of any effort to conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity governance models are recognized in four categories:

• Community stewardship: Biodiversity governance driven by community institutions • Decentralized governance: Biodiversity governance practices led by local self-governments • Co-management: Biodiversity governance undertaken jointly by communities and the government • Protected areas: Effective and innovative biodiversity governance practices demonstrated by management agencies of designated protected areas.

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The Finalists Community Stewardship Van Suraksha Samiti, Baripada

DHULE DISTRICT,

thousands of mahuwa and mango saplings in the village, resulting in rich forest undergrowth and a dramatically improved ground water table – an increase of 10 metres was marked. This concerted effort of two decades has resulted in an increase in flora and fauna, which is evident in the biodiversity register maintained since 2003; 300 species of flora and fauna have been documented here.

The Kokani and Beels of Baripada have always © Soumen India Nath/UNDP followed traditional cultivation practices, and they have successfully experimented with Chaitram Pawar, a young resident of Baripada, a multiple food and fruit plants. Every year, the village in Maharashtra southeast of the Satpura village proudly holds a Forest Food Festival where range, started the Forest Protection Committee these plants and fruits are collected. A recipe (Van Suraksha Samiti) of Baripada in 1991 to contest is held, helping transmit their ancestral conserve the surrounding forest area, totalling 445 and intuitive knowledge of local flora to the next hectares. The primary purpose of the committee generation. The winner last year exhibited an was to regenerate the forest cover and water table astounding 38 recipes! around the village; excessive felling of had taken its toll, and a third of the 35 wells have dried Baripada has successfully mobilized the community up. To do this, it framed important rules; to regulate to work together to create a sustainable way of life. usage of forest produce they tackled illegal felling In doing so, it has reinvented the traditional agro- of trees, built bunds to stop soil erosion and planted forestry of a bygone era.

Pawar’s partnership with Dr Anand Phatak, MD, the highly motivated executive committee and a proactive action plan (eg: plantation of keshar mangoes as insurance against draught situation) are noteworthy aspects of this efforts. This meant a near halt in distress migration, and has been supported by continued links with outstation village youth and professionals; nearby areas are also adopting forest regeneration models. Baripada has also received the prestigious IFAD (International © Soumen India Nath/UNDP Fund for Agricultural Development) prize. 4 India Biodiversity Awards 2014 © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP India © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP

Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust

KHURDA DISTRICT,

Located on the marshy shores of Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi is the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world and a Ramsar site; thus a haven for thousands of waterfowl, both resident and migrant. It has witnessed a remarkable change, replacing poaching with responsible eco-tourism. Five years ago, some of the residents of the village, once known for their hunting practices, underwent a change of heart and decided to protect the birds. They set up an informal institution, patrolled the marsh regularly and apprehended scores India © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP of poachers. Over the years, the institution was formalized as the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust. In 2000, when poaching was at its peak, a bird census counted a mere 5000 birds. Now, in the Trust members took the lead in organizing tourism winter months, about 300,000 birds can be sighted. in Mangalajodi, and with support from the RBS The numbers of birdwatchers and the resultant Foundation and the Indian Grameen Services set up revenue have since been steadily increasing; in the a small, eco-friendly campus with accommodation last four years tourists have increased from 350 to and dining facilities. Combining their native 1126, and the Trust’s revenue has increased from Rs boating and bird spotting skills (including training 85,000 to Rs 10 lakhs. Today, Mangalajodi is a fine in English bird names), the members of the Trust example of how conservation and the earning of a have carved out a niche in the ecotourism market. livelihood can co-exist in harmony.

5 India Biodiversity Awards 2014 © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP India © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee

BALANGIR DISTRICT, ODISHA © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP India © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP India © Shashank Jayaprasad/UNDP

The Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee wood theft by the mafia and helped protect the (GSAC) was set up as a people’s federation, to forests from fire. sensitize local people in Balangir District, Odisha about the ecological degradation caused by The committee also maintains a biodiversity the extractive industry set up in 1982. GSAC has register which has documented 148 rare species of successfully increased community awareness in plants with their uses and habitation. The People’s over 200 neighbouring villages and is both directly Biodiversity Registers also show 137 types of Rare, and indirectly responsible for conserving 4500 Endangered and Threatened species. hectares of eco-sensitive land. It has succeeded in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Thus, GSAC has succeeded in developing a surrounding reserve forest and multiple perennial harmonious relationship between the people streams which provide critical ecosystem services and the forest in the Gandhmardan hill areas, responsible for the sustenance of surrounding reflecting their deep bond with the forest and their communities. Sensitization has led to reduction in understanding of the importance of biodiversity.

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Sunehra Kal Kalyanpura Jalgrahan Vikas Samiti

BHILWARA DISTRICT,

A unique partnership between ITC , the Water storage in the region has increased by 7.3 lakh Government of Rajasthan and Foundation cubic meters due to the construction of 77 water for Ecological Security was initiated in 2007 conservation structures. Soil erosion has been reduced to restore the degraded lands of Kalyanpura from 11.1 tons per hectare per year to 4.4 tons per through watershed development. The Kalyanpura hectare per year. Due to the increase in pasture lands, watershed area consists of 5 panchayats, 16 the milk yield has gone up by 700%. Additionally, revenue villages and 7 hamlets, with 1473 over the last five years, tree density has increased by households. To ensure participatory conservation 357% and 20 more floral species have been added to and monitoring of the biodiversity of the 1141 the watershed area, resulting in the doubling of bird hectares of common land, 17 pasture committees species and breeding migratory birds, as well as the were brought under the umbrella organization return of the vulture, an endangered species. Average Sunehra Kal Kalyanpura Jalgrahan Vikas Samiti. household income has increased by 43%, especially The committees have been successful in that of marginalized and landless groups. mobilizing communities from 16 villages to prevent overgrazing, loss of biodiversity and Villagers undertake the participatory biodiversity associated ecosystem services. Their unique assessment of the catchment every year, post- ’Ora‘ system - consisting of participatory and monsoon, and community members have been voluntary monitoring of common pasture lands trained in conducting surveys and mapmaking, - has resulted in the restoration of degraded using established scientific measures and GIS biodiversity in this area. (Geographic Information System) tools. © Soumen India Nath/UNDP

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Decentralized Governance Gram Sabha Payvihir

AMRAVATI DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA © Sharbendu De/UNDP India © Sharbendu De/UNDP India

The Korkus of Payvihir village in Amravati district, Furthermore, the Gram Sabha maintains a custard Maharashtra have watched their forests vanish apple plantation and youth groups manage its entire around them over the last few decades. As forest process, from harvesting to sale in the open market; people, they have experienced extreme hardship. this resulted in a profit of Rs 70,000 in 2013. A revenue Interactions with an NGO, the Payvihir Gram Sabha, campaign in the four villages of Gram Panchayat has rekindled their interest in eco-restoration of a ensured over 2000 people received caste certificates, valley adjacent to the village. The village was then land documents and other essentials, proving that granted Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the working with the system can actual benefit them. Forest Rights Act, 2006 in June 2012. This spurred the native Korku tribe to conserve the surrounding Due to Gram Sabha’s efforts, wildlife is at last forest area of 192 hectares and seek greater control returning to the area, the forest is regenerating and over its produce. Now, the village youth actively the community is empowered to derive benefits in participate in the conservation initiative and show a sustainable manner. Payvihir is home to around great innovation in the management of their 110 families, almost 85% tribals and the rest Balais. forest land. People control fuel wood extraction for example, using small twigs instead of abundant Most noteworthy is that the effort of Payvihir logs for Holi fires. With extensive catchment area village has created a ripple effect in the adjoining treatments, the planting of 2000 saplings of various areas; now, more and more villages want to forest species and stringent grazing control, there is strengthen their conservation and livelihood visible transformation. What was earlier a denuded efforts. Development works best by example and it landscape is now green. is contagious, this effort has proven.

8 India Biodiversity Awards 2014 © Sharbendu De/UNDP India

Gram Sabha Narotichak

GADCHIROLI DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

The lush, green forest cover which was present a set up individual biogas plants to reduce fuel wood stone’s throw away from the Narotichak village four demand. decades ago was long subjected to the intense pressures of economic imperatives. However, this Supported by an NGO, Narotichak villagers formed situation started to change when a Joint Forest a Joint Forest Management Committee and started Management Committee was formed in 2005 protecting the forest area around their village and Community Forest Rights (CFR) were granted. from 2006 onwards through a variety of initiatives. The villagers enforced stringent grazing rules to Through their continuous struggle, the villagers protect the forest and regulate its produce. Also, also managed to keep an area of 108 hectares the forest department has helped the villagers to free from encroachment. The Tendu leaves of Narotichak forest became a resource, fetching one of the highest rates for produce of this kind in Maharashtra; at Rs 3500 for every standard bag consisting of 70,000 leaves. Appreciating their conservation efforts, the forest department has supported the villagers in their availing of individual biogas plants to reduce fuel wood demand.

A heightened sense of belonging and ownership, in relation to the forest, is evident in the people. By making the forest a significant contributor to the villagers’ livelihood, the Gram Sabha has spurred © Sharbendu De/UNDP India the community to continue protecting their forest.

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Gram Sabha Ghisar

PUNE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

The local community in Ghisar village, situated in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, has been informally protecting a sacred grove. Here, a natural spring originates and culminates in a river – which possesses a sacred stretch. The grove consists of a tall forest and a wildlife refuge for beautiful birds like the Crimson Backed Sunbird and Oriental Scops Owl. It also supports 3 Rare, Endangered and Threatened medicinal plant species and 9 endemic species. The forest is a stark contrast to the surrounding denuded hills, which are heavily grazed and whose trees are decimated for fuel wood.

In the absence of any formal institutional arrangement, the community has relied on its belief system to manage and protect its sacred natural sites. The Western Ghats have been blessed with thousands of small but crucial sacred groves supporting significant biodiversity and ecosystem services. Such community managed areas, protected by spiritual initiatives, provide a refreshing hope for conservation - particularly as young people in this area prefer to work in nearby towns and need increased incentives to sustain their © Sharbendu De/UNDP India environmental heritage.

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Co-Management

Old Jalukie Joint Forest Management Committee

PEREN DISTRICT,

The Old Jalukie village has conserved 308 hectares nurture indigenous plants in the village nursery. of forest land as a community reserve since 1986. Animals such as the Slow Loris have been rescued There are five river streams that flow through these from hunters and reintroduced into the reserve. forests. These northern sub-tropical broad-leaved Forty-three households have been provided LPG hill forests contain Vandana sp. , Paris polyphylla, connections with a 50% subsidy to reduce demand Panax pseudoginseng etc. and lots of other for fuel wood, successfully reducing drudgery and species of trees. Jhum cultivation was a common simplifying life. practice before the constitution of the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), and it caused The JFMC has seamlessly integrated with the tremendous ecological loss. community to take forward its conservation efforts and has initiated a chain of policy change The Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) in the neighbouring villages. Today, this conserved acts as the bridge between the village council, area is like an island of good habitat – and is still the local community and the forest department. surrounded by degraded land that must also be Since 2012, the committee has planted around rescued. Many villages now set aside some area for 8000 seedlings to regenerate the forest and conservation; the beginning of more beginnings.

11 © Benjamin Sugathan/UNDP India© Benjamin Sugathan/UNDP India Biodiversity Awards 2014 © Sharbendu De/UNDP India

Whale Shark Conservation Effort

GIR SOMNATH DISTRICT,

A multi-stakeholder partnership is underway along the Saurashtra shores, where the fishing community from Sutrapada, Veraval, Somnath and Dhamlej villages have come together to conserve a majestic animal: the whale shark or Vhali (local dialect). In May 2001, the whale shark was declared a Schedule 1 Protected Species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and its hunting was declared illegal. The ban was prompted due to the large numbers in which whale sharks were hunted for their fins, blubber and meat, which fetch a good © Sharbendu De/UNDP India price in the market. Now, the fishing community believes that the This joint venture of the Gujarat Forest Department, whale shark visits the Saurashtra coast to give Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL), Wildlife Trust of birth. This aspect has been personalized in India (WTI) and the local community focuses on campaigns by comparing the visiting shark to the the release of the accidentally captured sharks. daughter who has come to her maternal home The fishing community has been provided Rs to give birth. It has found an instant connection 60 lakhs in total as compensation by the Forest with the fishermen and sermons delivered by a Department for saving over 350 whale sharks. local spiritual leader, Morari Bapu, have further All activities are implemented and monitored persuaded the community to avoid hunting the in a participatory manner, in the presence of sharks. The community has responded amazingly community heads or Patels. to the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders.

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Biodiversity Tourism and Community Advancement

KULLU DISTRICT,

An NGO, Biodiversity Tourism Community Advancement (BTCA), was set up in 2000 by the Park Administration of Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) to address the economic needs of 2400 poor households living in the Park’s Buffer Zone. GHNP supports a unique biota of many distinct altitude-sensitive ecosystems and is home to a number of IUCN listed species.

BTCA works with 70 Women’s Saving and Credit Groups (WSCG) to generate alternate livelihoods -such as vermicomposting, apricot oil production, ecotourism, handicraft skills and organic farming - to reduce pressure on the alpine meadows and other ecosystems in the park. Bans on livestock grazing and NTFP (Non- timber forest product) collection have further increased density of rare herbs and herbivores such as ghoral, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and blue sheep along with pheasants. Through these activities, the WSCGs earn more than fifteen lakh rupees annually, which to some extent compensates for the loss to the villagers due to the creation of the Park.

BTCA is now working on second generation issues of linking local produce to external markets and establishing sustainable eco-tourism in the area. The joint effort has empowered the community socially, economically and intellectually.

13 Sood/UNDP India© Panki India Biodiversity Awards 2014 © UNDP India Protected Areas Kanha Reserve

MANDLA DISTRICT,

Spread over an area of 2074 sq. km, the Kanha Tiger Members of the community are the primary reserve supports Hard Ground , Royal beneficiaries for all the employment generated and multiple carnivorous animal species. through park activity. These EDCs prepare It belongs to the Maikal hill ranges of central India. micro-development plans for their villages in a The park also houses over 300 species of birds, 18 democratic fashion. Technical as well as financial species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles and a wide inputs for implementation of those plans are range of moths, butterflies and insects. , sloth extended by the tiger reserve. Around 500 daily , swamp deer, sambar, four-horned antelopes, wagers from the communities are employed by smooth- coated otters and green muniyas are some park management and nearly three million days of the important species of fauna observed in Kanha. of employment were generated in 2013 through With 13 forest villages in the protected area and 161 conservation work. Thus, Kanha has shown that revenue villages in its buffer area, the tiger reserve modern technology combined with community presented a challenging case: the need to sustain livelihood improvement results in the successful human needs for livelihood as well as preserve protection of flora and fauna. It also makes Kanha biodiversity conservation with keynote species. an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers.

To support the livelihood needs of the populations and Due to the successful management practices of to reduce anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity, the Park, the population of the endangered and the regeneration of Sal was taken up. This effort endemic hard ground barasingha has gone up has imparted beauty to the forest and helped the - from 66 in 1970 to 575 in 2014 - and according communities fulfill their household needs in the short to the Wildlife Institute of India data, there were term - such as furniture, firewood etc. The Reserve approximately 96 in the reserve in 2013. This Management has also helped develop 165 Eco- is the best example of potential survival for all, not Development Committees (EDCs) in the Buffer Zone. just the fittest.

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Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

PALAKKAD DISTRICT, Department/UNDP India Forest © Kerala

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve straddles the Western Ghats landscape of Anamalai-Nellyampathy hills. It supports a veritable mosaic of habitats – evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, montane forests, and extensive marshy grasslands. In fact, 473 species of flowering plants endemic © Kerala Forest Department/UNDP India Forest © Kerala Department/UNDP India Forest © Kerala to the Western Ghats are found in the reserve. There are 11 tribal settlements in the tiger reserve: Muduva, Kadar, Malayan and Malasar tribes. Parambikulam was earlier plagued by the threat of invasive species, excessive cattle grazing and uncontrollable fires. In the last ten years, however, the reserve has witnessed improved ecological stability and a steady flow of ecosystem services to the local community.

This wave of change has been brought about by the park management’s decision to pro-actively involve the community in various protection and management activities. Almost all the households Department/UNDP India Forest © Kerala living in the park are involved in conservation related activities such as enforcement, tourism, leveraged funds to get resources from monitoring and eco-development. To empower various government schemes, making it one of the local communities, 118 eco-development the key replicable biodiversity governance models committee members have been involved in various in protected area management. Community community-based tourism activities. Moreover, based tourism, value addition of NTFPs, organic 116 protection watchers from the local community certification and premium sale of agricultural have been placed with 65 front line staff, to keep products are some of the key community welfare vigil. Importantly, the Tiger Conservation Plan for initiatives undertaken by the park management. the Reserve has been prepared in consultation with the native tribes. Accommodating their concerns, The efforts have paid rich dividends; the number of it signifies their joint initiative for the protection of species of fauna have increased from 47 to 69 and forests. the population of tigers has increased too; from only 7 to 8 in 2006 to 26 tigers in 2014. Also, revenue Parambikulam Forest Development Agency is also amounting to Rs. 2,62,000 was generated through helping locals to earn their income through various various joint activities of the park management economic enterprises. The park authorities have and surrounding communities from 2012 to 2013.

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Satpura Tiger Reserve

HOSHANGABAD DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

Located in the Mahadeo hills, the is a prime example of central highlands ecosystem. Spread over 2200 sq km, the region is known for its mega biodiversity; it houses rare plants, including pteridophytes and bryophytes, and is known as a botanist’s paradise. Special species such as Moraya paniculata, Holmskildia senguines, Blumea lancelaria, Saphora interrupta are endemic to this reserve. The reserve, housing one national park and two sanctuaries, is also traditionally rich in wildlife, with 52 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, 254 species of birds and more than 50 species of butterflies. Of these, 14 species of mammals and reptiles and 16 species of birds are on the endangered red list. The habitat is critical for the survival of tigers, as it forms the largest tiger habitat in the world. Along with Chhindwara, , Betul, Harda, Khandwa, , and Satpura, this © Sharbendu De/UNDP India habitat extends to over 10,000 sq. km.

In 2013, the Reserve Management relocated nearly 700 families from 10 villages in the Core Zone and the reserve. Thus, 22 guides, 20 drivers and 100 reclaimed 100 square km of forest land. However, fire-watchers have been taken on board for the due to familiarity with the landscape, more than management of the park; creating a mutual win- 60% of the relocated villagers have been given win situation. This reallocation has significantly employment generated through the activities of reduced biotic disturbance and man-animal conflicts, and has contributed to the overall improvement of both rare and endangered plants and wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, , and .

This distinctive reserve’s good protection strategies have been tested by time and proven to work, through effective mobility and communication systems. Habitat interventions - especially in the case of anthropogenic grasslands, maintenance of waterholes and weed control have been appropriate; the institutions and processes are © Sharbendu De/UNDP India strong.

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Profile of Jury Members: India Biodiversity Awards, 2014

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, Chair Widely regarded as the “Father of Green Revolution in India”, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan has served as a Member of Parliament and Member of the National Advisory Council. He is the Founder and Chairman of the M. S, Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Dr. Swaminathan is an advocate of sustainable development, especially environmentally sustainable agriculture, sustainable food security and the preservation of biodiversity, which he calls an “evergreen revolution”. In 1999, Time magazine placed him in the Time 20 list of most influential Asian people of the 20th century.

Dr. Vishwas B. Sawarkar An ex-Indian Forest Services officer and Former Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Dr. Vishwas B. Sawarkar was also Member of the Expert Committee on Evaluation and Monitoring of Tiger Reserves.

Dr. Sawarkar is the author of numerous publications on biodiversity conservation and management, including A Manual for Planning Wildlife Management in Protected Areas and Managed Forests in 1995 and A Guide for Planning Wildlife Management in Protected Areas and Managed Landscapes in 2005.

Ms. Amarjeet Ahuja Ms. Amarjeet Ahuja is a retired IAS officer, Ms Amarjeet Ahuja worked as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forests in mid to late 90s and steered the process of formation of National Biodiversity Bill and several other innovative projects. She has worked to secure the interests of India and developing countries in multilateral negotiations on the Convention of Biological Diversity in collaboration with members of G77 and China. She has pursued the agenda to incorporate biodiversity concerns in decentralized governance in Panchayati Raj under the Ministry of Rural Development.

Currently she is a senior fellow at the Aravali Foundation for Environmental Education in Delhi, and is on the Board of The Hunger Project India contributing to the capacity building of women elected to Panchayati Raj institutions. In addition, she works freelance for educational and environmental issues.

Dr. E. Bharucha A surgeon by profession and a well-known wildlife photographer, Dr. E. Bharucha has been active in wildlife and nature conservation for nearly 50 years. He has traveled and studied Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries extensively over the last three decades. In 1993, he began developing the Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER) and is presently heading it as its Director in Pune.

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He has been a member and executive of conservation institutions such as the Bombay Natural History Society, Worldwide Fund for Nature, and Wildlife Institute of India, Central Zoo Authority, Member of Planning Commission, Member of Independent Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, GoI, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History. He is presently the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

Dr. Ganeshan Balachander Dr. Ganeshan Balachander is Member of the Executive Board of Ashok Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). He has been appointed as one of the Directors of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) for overseeing consortium research programmes.

As a representative of The Ford Foundation for South Asia, he initiated a mountain and coastal zone initiative addressing livelihood and ecological needs. As Director, Asia Programs, for The Mountain Institute, Washington, D.C., he implemented a portfolio of projects focused on conservation of biodiversity and culture through decentralized management structures and collaborative partnerships.

Mr. Manoj K. Misra Mr. Manoj Kumar Misra is a Forestry and Wildlife expert, who formerly worked with the Indian Forest Service (IFS). Presently he is the Executive Director of the PEACE Institute Charitable Trust and Convenor and Head of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan (Yamuna Forever Campaign).

In 2002 he founded PEACE, an NGO dedicated to promote the cause of nature conservation. He has completed over 22 projects of various kinds and sizes before leading the campaign for the revival of river Yamuna since November 2006. He has published over 100 articles in various magazines, journals and newspapers.

Ms. Jyotsna Sitling Known as ‘the Green Warrior’, Ms Jyotsna Sitling is India’s first female Indian Forest Service officer from a marginalized community in Kalimpong (1987 batch). She is passionate about the environment and has done exemplary eco- restoration work in the State of and has helped the Valley of Flowers National Park in Chamoli achieve the World Heritage Site status. Jyotsna is presently the CEO of the Uttarakhand Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

Jyotsna joined the ecologically fragile Nanda Devi Biosphere in Uttarakhand as its Director in 2002 and was recipient of the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for achieving effective Management of Protected Areas in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Another of Jyotsna’s major initiatives between 1997 and 2000 was in the erosion-prone zone of the Shivalik range near the Doon Valley. She mobilized a community of nearly eleven thousand people across 82 villages to spend at least one day in a year for the restoration of their villages.

The selection process

The India Biodiversity Awards 2014 received 150 nominations from across the country through a well-publicized call for nominations. The nominations represented diverse and innovative approaches to governing biodiversity. The seven-member jury chaired by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan arrived at a shortlist of 13. Desk review was followed by on- site visits to assess these individual models based on parametres including effectiveness of biodiversity conservation, benefits to local communities and institutional sustainabililty.

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