India Biodiversity Awards 2014 · India Biodiversity Awards 2014 3 India’s biodiversity sustains the livelihood of millions. Many of the poorest households derive income, food,

India BiodiversityAwards 2014Recognizing excellence in biodiversity governance

India Biodiversity Awards 2014

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


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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 Forests, 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 forest 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

Chaitram Pawar, a young resident of Baripada, a village in Maharashtra southeast of the Satpura range, started the Forest Protection Committee (Van Suraksha Samiti) of Baripada in 1991 to conserve the surrounding forest area, totalling 445 hectares. The primary purpose of the committee was to regenerate the forest cover and water table around the village; excessive felling of teak had taken its toll, and a third of the 35 wells have dried up. To do this, it framed important rules; to regulate usage of forest produce they tackled illegal felling of trees, built bunds to stop soil erosion and planted

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 followed traditional cultivation practices, and they have successfully experimented with multiple food and fruit plants. Every year, the village proudly holds a Forest Food Festival where these plants and fruits are collected. A recipe contest is held, helping transmit their ancestral and intuitive knowledge of local flora to the next generation. The winner last year exhibited an astounding 38 recipes!

Baripada has successfully mobilized the community to work together to create a sustainable way of life. In doing so, it has reinvented the traditional agro-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 Fund for Agricultural Development) prize.

Community StewardshipVan Suraksha Samiti, BaripadaDHULE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

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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 of poachers. Over the years, the institution was formalized as the Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust.

Trust members took the lead in organizing tourism in Mangalajodi, and with support from the RBS Foundation and the Indian Grameen Services set up a small, eco-friendly campus with accommodation and dining facilities. Combining their native boating and bird spotting skills (including training in English bird names), the members of the Trust have carved out a niche in the ecotourism market.

Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust KHURDA DISTRICT, ODISHA

In 2000, when poaching was at its peak, a bird census counted a mere 5000 birds. Now, in the winter months, about 300,000 birds can be sighted. The numbers of birdwatchers and the resultant revenue have since been steadily increasing; in the last four years tourists have increased from 350 to 1126, and the Trust’s revenue has increased from Rs 85,000 to Rs 10 lakhs. Today, Mangalajodi is a fine example of how conservation and the earning of a livelihood can co-exist in harmony.

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The Gandhamardan Surakshya Action Committee (GSAC) was set up as a people’s federation, to sensitize local people in Balangir District, Odisha about the ecological degradation caused by the extractive industry set up in 1982. GSAC has successfully increased community awareness in over 200 neighbouring villages and is both directly and indirectly responsible for conserving 4500 hectares of eco-sensitive land. It has succeeded in protecting the rich biodiversity of the surrounding reserve forest and multiple perennial streams which provide critical ecosystem services responsible for the sustenance of surrounding communities. Sensitization has led to reduction in

Gandhamardan Surakshya Action CommitteeBALANGIR DISTRICT, ODISHA

wood theft by the mafia and helped protect the forests from fire.

The committee also maintains a biodiversity register which has documented 148 rare species of plants with their uses and habitation. The People’s Biodiversity Registers also show 137 types of Rare, Endangered and Threatened species.

Thus, GSAC has succeeded in developing a harmonious relationship between the people and the forest in the Gandhmardan hill areas, reflecting their deep bond with the forest and their understanding of the importance of biodiversity.

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Sunehra Kal Kalyanpura Jalgrahan Vikas Samiti BHILWARA DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN

A unique partnership between ITC , the Government of Rajasthan and Foundation for Ecological Security was initiated in 2007 to restore the degraded lands of Kalyanpura through watershed development. The Kalyanpura watershed area consists of 5 panchayats, 16 revenue villages and 7 hamlets, with 1473 households. To ensure participatory conservation and monitoring of the biodiversity of the 1141 hectares of common land, 17 pasture committees were brought under the umbrella organization Sunehra Kal Kalyanpura Jalgrahan Vikas Samiti. The committees have been successful in mobilizing communities from 16 villages to prevent overgrazing, loss of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Their unique ’Ora‘ system - consisting of participatory and voluntary monitoring of common pasture lands - has resulted in the restoration of degraded biodiversity in this area.

Water storage in the region has increased by 7.3 lakh cubic meters due to the construction of 77 water conservation structures. Soil erosion has been reduced from 11.1 tons per hectare per year to 4.4 tons per hectare per year. Due to the increase in pasture lands, the milk yield has gone up by 700%. Additionally, over the last five years, tree density has increased by 357% and 20 more floral species have been added to the watershed area, resulting in the doubling of bird species and breeding migratory birds, as well as the return of the vulture, an endangered species. Average household income has increased by 43%, especially that of marginalized and landless groups.

Villagers undertake the participatory biodiversity assessment of the catchment every year, post-monsoon, and community members have been trained in conducting surveys and mapmaking, using established scientific measures and GIS (Geographic Information System) tools.

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The Korkus of Payvihir village in Amravati district, Maharashtra have watched their forests vanish around them over the last few decades. As forest people, they have experienced extreme hardship. Interactions with an NGO, the Payvihir Gram Sabha, rekindled their interest in eco-restoration of a valley adjacent to the village. The village was then granted Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in June 2012. This spurred the native Korku tribe to conserve the surrounding forest area of 192 hectares and seek greater control over its produce. Now, the village youth actively participate in the conservation initiative and show great innovation in the management of their forest land. People control fuel wood extraction for example, using small twigs instead of abundant logs for Holi fires. With extensive catchment area treatments, the planting of 2000 saplings of various forest species and stringent grazing control, there is visible transformation. What was earlier a denuded landscape is now green.

Decentralized GovernanceGram Sabha PayvihirAMRAVATI DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

Furthermore, the Gram Sabha maintains a custard apple plantation and youth groups manage its entire process, from harvesting to sale in the open market; this resulted in a profit of Rs 70,000 in 2013. A revenue campaign in the four villages of Gram Panchayat has ensured over 2000 people received caste certificates, land documents and other essentials, proving that working with the system can actual benefit them.

Due to Gram Sabha’s efforts, wildlife is at last returning to the area, the forest is regenerating and the community is empowered to derive benefits in a sustainable manner. Payvihir is home to around 110 families, almost 85% tribals and the rest Balais.

Most noteworthy is that the effort of Payvihir village has created a ripple effect in the adjoining areas; now, more and more villages want to strengthen their conservation and livelihood efforts. Development works best by example and it is contagious, this effort has proven.

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The lush, green forest cover which was present a stone’s throw away from the Narotichak village four decades ago was long subjected to the intense pressures of economic imperatives. However, this situation started to change when a Joint Forest Management Committee was formed in 2005 and Community Forest Rights (CFR) were granted. The villagers enforced stringent grazing rules to protect the forest and regulate its produce. Also, the forest department has helped the villagers to

Gram Sabha Narotichak GADCHIROLI DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

set up individual biogas plants to reduce fuel wood demand.

Supported by an NGO, Narotichak villagers formed a Joint Forest Management Committee and started protecting the forest area around their village from 2006 onwards through a variety of initiatives. Through their continuous struggle, the villagers also managed to keep an area of 108 hectares 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 the community to continue protecting their forest.

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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 environmental heritage.

Gram Sabha Ghisar PUNE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

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Co-Management

The Old Jalukie village has conserved 308 hectares of forest land as a community reserve since 1986. There are five river streams that flow through these forests. These northern sub-tropical broad-leaved hill forests contain Vandana sp. , Paris polyphylla, Panax pseudoginseng etc. and lots of other species of trees. Jhum cultivation was a common practice before the constitution of the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), and it caused tremendous ecological loss.

The Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) acts as the bridge between the village council, the local community and the forest department. Since 2012, the committee has planted around 8000 seedlings to regenerate the forest and

Old Jalukie Joint Forest Management CommitteePEREN DISTRICT, NAGALAND

nurture indigenous plants in the village nursery. Animals such as the Slow Loris have been rescued from hunters and reintroduced into the reserve. Forty-three households have been provided LPG connections with a 50% subsidy to reduce demand for fuel wood, successfully reducing drudgery and simplifying life.

The JFMC has seamlessly integrated with the community to take forward its conservation efforts and has initiated a chain of policy change in the neighbouring villages. Today, this conserved area is like an island of good habitat – and is still surrounded by degraded land that must also be rescued. Many villages now set aside some area for conservation; the beginning of more beginnings.

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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 price in the market.

This joint venture of the Gujarat Forest Department, Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the local community focuses on the release of the accidentally captured sharks. The fishing community has been provided Rs 60 lakhs in total as compensation by the Forest Department for saving over 350 whale sharks. All activities are implemented and monitored in a participatory manner, in the presence of community heads or Patels.

Whale Shark Conservation EffortGIR SOMNATH DISTRICT, GUJARAT

Now, the fishing community believes that the whale shark visits the Saurashtra coast to give birth. This aspect has been personalized in campaigns by comparing the visiting shark to the daughter who has come to her maternal home to give birth. It has found an instant connection with the fishermen and sermons delivered by a local spiritual leader, Morari Bapu, have further persuaded the community to avoid hunting the sharks. The community has responded amazingly to the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders.

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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.

Biodiversity Tourism and Community Advancement KULLU DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH

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Spread over an area of 2074 sq. km, the Kanha Tiger reserve supports Hard Ground Barasingha, Royal Bengal Tiger and multiple carnivorous animal species. It belongs to the Maikal hill ranges of central India. The park also houses over 300 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles and a wide range of moths, butterflies and insects. Dhole, sloth bears, swamp deer, sambar, four-horned antelopes, smooth- coated otters and green muniyas are some of the important species of fauna observed in Kanha. With 13 forest villages in the protected area and 161 revenue villages in its buffer area, the tiger reserve presented a challenging case: the need to sustain human needs for livelihood as well as preserve biodiversity conservation with keynote species.

To support the livelihood needs of the populations and to reduce anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity, the regeneration of Sal was taken up. This effort has imparted beauty to the forest and helped the communities fulfill their household needs in the short term - such as furniture, firewood etc. The Reserve Management has also helped develop 165 Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) in the Buffer Zone.

Protected AreasKanha Tiger ReserveMANDLA DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

Members of the community are the primary beneficiaries for all the employment generated through park activity. These EDCs prepare micro-development plans for their villages in a democratic fashion. Technical as well as financial inputs for implementation of those plans are extended by the tiger reserve. Around 500 daily wagers from the communities are employed by park management and nearly three million days of employment were generated in 2013 through conservation work. Thus, Kanha has shown that modern technology combined with community livelihood improvement results in the successful protection of flora and fauna. It also makes Kanha an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers.

Due to the successful management practices of the Park, the population of the endangered and endemic hard ground barasingha has gone up - from 66 in 1970 to 575 in 2014 - and according to the Wildlife Institute of India data, there were approximately 96 tigers in the reserve in 2013. This is the best example of potential survival for all, not just the fittest.

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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 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 living in the park are involved in conservation related activities such as enforcement, tourism, monitoring and eco-development. To empower the local communities, 118 eco-development committee members have been involved in various community-based tourism activities. Moreover, 116 protection watchers from the local community have been placed with 65 front line staff, to keep vigil. Importantly, the Tiger Conservation Plan for the Reserve has been prepared in consultation with the native tribes. Accommodating their concerns, it signifies their joint initiative for the protection of forests.

Parambikulam Forest Development Agency is also helping locals to earn their income through various economic enterprises. The park authorities have

Parambikulam Tiger ReservePALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA

leveraged Project Tiger funds to get resources from various government schemes, making it one of the key replicable biodiversity governance models in protected area management. Community based tourism, value addition of NTFPs, organic certification and premium sale of agricultural products are some of the key community welfare initiatives undertaken by the park management.

The efforts have paid rich dividends; the number of species of fauna have increased from 47 to 69 and the population of tigers has increased too; from only 7 to 8 in 2006 to 26 tigers in 2014. Also, revenue amounting to Rs. 2,62,000 was generated through various joint activities of the park management and surrounding communities from 2012 to 2013.

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Located in the Mahadeo hills, the Satpura Tiger Reserve 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, Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Melghat, and Satpura, this 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 reclaimed 100 square km of forest land. However, due to familiarity with the landscape, more than 60% of the relocated villagers have been given employment generated through the activities of

Satpura Tiger ReserveHOSHANGABAD DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

the reserve. Thus, 22 guides, 20 drivers and 100 fire-watchers have been taken on board for the management of the park; creating a mutual win-win situation. This reallocation has significantly 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, Gaur, and Indian Giant Squirrel.

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 strong.

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Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, ChairWidely 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. SawarkarAn 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 AhujaMs. 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. BharuchaA 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.

Profile of Jury Members: India Biodiversity Awards, 2014


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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 BalachanderDr. 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. MisraMr. 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 SitlingKnown 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 Uttarakhand 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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United Nations Development ProgrammeEmpowered lives. Resilient Nations.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

The objective of UNDP’s biodiversity work is maintaining and enhancing the beneficial services provided by natural ecosystems in order to secure livelihoods, food, water and security, reduce vulnerability to climate change, sequester carbon, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions.

The portfolio of biodiversity and ecosystem projects managed by UNDP is the largest in the UN system. UNDP currently works in 146 countries, managing 512 projects on ecosystems and biodiversity with US$ 1.5 billion in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other sources, and co-financing of US$ 3.5 billion (Check). The Ecosystem and Biodiversity Programme has been successful in helping to establish over 2,000 protected areas in 85 countries, covering 272 million hectares; undertaking interventions in production sectors and development planning in 38 countries, covering 244 million hectares; and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation to or mitigation of climate change in 71 countries. UNDP’s programme has generated a globally recognized body of knowledge on best practices in ecosystems and biodiversity management.

For over a decade, UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to build the capacities of stakeholders to manage natural resources and to promote sustainable livelihoods. This has included strengthening institutional capacities at different levels and supporting efforts to enable communities to manage natural resources in an integrated, participatory and sustainable manner. UNDP has also supported capacity development initiatives to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the guiding network framework for biodiversity conservation in the country.

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India Biodiversity Awards 2014 · India Biodiversity Awards 2014 3 India’s biodiversity sustains the livelihood of millions. Many of the poorest households derive income, food,