Our Activities / Projects

2022

Support farmers’ livelihood in Shankheswar Taluka of Patan District: Moving towards sustainable farming

Project works on issues related to sustainable farming in one of the culturable command areas of Sardar Sarovar irrigation project. Project is working on three different aspects of the sustainable farming. (i) to undertake pilot farm experiments with farmers on different aspects of low-chemical input-based farming system (ii) to facilitate entrepreneurial development on sustainable farming related inputs and products, with special focus on women (iii) to create awareness and education program among farmers and young students on the issues related to sustainable farming system. Project is operating in six villages of Shankheshwar taluka of Patan District.

Supported by: UGVCL, Mehsana

2020

Study and Documentation of Agroforestry Practices in Gujarat State.

Support farmers’ livelihood in Shankheswar Taluka of Patan District: Moving towards sustainable farming

The study is to record farmer’s choice of agroforestry models and species preferences. An extensive household survey of more than 1200 farmers in Gujarat were subjected to questionnaire-based interviews Study assessed the gap in extension services like quality planting materials, market availability, package of Practices etc. The study understands extension gaps through conjoint analysis and through case studies. Further, important case studies are documented. Supported by: Gujarat Forest Department, Gandhinagar

2018

Assessment of impact of BCRLIP Project on livelihood improvement and capacity building of institutions and project beneficiaries

Support farmers’ livelihood in Shankheswar Taluka of Patan District: Moving towards sustainable farming

The project aims to assess the impact of a World Bank funded BCRLIP project. The impacts were measured on livelihood of local communities including their capacity building, improvement in wildlife habitats and extent of convergence created. The project also conducted workshops and meeting with the project beneficiaries to follow sustainable practices after the closure of the project. The study also documented positive stories emerged from BCRLIP project. Supported by: BCRLIP Society / Gujarat Forest Department, Gandhinagar

2015

Economic valuation of landscape level wetland ecosystem and its various services in Little Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat

Study aims to examine and value four known functions of LRK wetlands viz. fish production, salt production, tourism and habitat for migratory bird species. It also examines development scenario in the catchment areas of LRK wetlands. The study thus examined hydrological system of LRK and its inundation pattern. For the valuation of ecosystem services, we applied CVM and Travel Cost methods for valuing biodiversity and tourism values. We also used market value approach to assess fish and salt production in LRK wetlands. Study suggests key policy implications for better management of wetland system. Supported by: GIZ-India, New Delhi

2012

Gujarat State of Environment Report- Coastal & Marine Environment.

The study aims for preparation of State of Environment Report on Coastal and Marine environment of Gujarat State. The study collected decadal information at taluka levels for a period of 2001 to 2010. The report on coastal and marine environment are examined using Pressure-State-Impact-Response (PSIR) Framework. Major focus is given on issues related to coastal resources, important habitats and protected areas, traditional and emerging rural livelihood systems, environmental pollution and management. The document is useful for State to manage its coastal and marine environment better.

Supported by: Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEE), Gandhinagar

2012

Craft traditions, local natural resources and changing markets: study of two craft communities – the Metal Bell makers and Ajrakh Block Printers in Kutch, Gujarat

The study attempts to document the history of two crafts and the communities who are involved in these crafts. This study looks at craft as a common link between communities and the basis for cultural mobility and cultural exchange. The significant point that one can draw from the study is the ways that craft communities respond to external stress. Study delineates the links and relationships between communities which are socially embedded. Each change and response to change is hence relational and embedded in the communities themselves. The study draws several policy concerns from this context.

Supported by: Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi

2011

Identify Gaps in Ecological Baseline in Protected Areas of Gujarat

Project aims to identify major gaps in existing ecological and biodiversity conservation related knowledge in seven Protected Areas (PAs) in Eastern Hilly Regions of Gujarat, through intensive literature review, consultations with local stakeholders and field surveys. Report identified gaps and suggested prioritized areas of research to fill critical gaps at both PA and entire landscape levels. This report helps State Forest Department to identify immediate research focus areas in different PAs in easter hilly tracts of the State.

Supported by: Gujarat Forest Department, Gandhinagar

2009

Preparation of Ecological & Socio-economical profile of 19 Coastal Talukas along the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat

Primary information about the biodiversity (including floral and faunal species) was collected through systematic sampling approaches for 19 talukas along the Gulf of Khambhat. Also, relevant secondary data like land use changes, cropping patterns, irrigation sources, livestock population etc. were collected from different sources and analysed. Key spatial and temporal patterns were recorded and presented in GIS domain. The report helps in identifying priority talukas for better environmental and biodiversity management.

Supported by: Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEE), Gandhinagar

2009

Study on Sustainability of Village Institutions promoted by NGOs for Natural Resource Management

The experience of civil society initiatives in the development sector in the last few decades has underlined the importance of institutional sustainability and the need for deepening the understanding of the issues when the institutions did not arise emerge, as it were, on their own but were crafted and promoted by NGOs, with unavoidable elements of dependency of the community-based organizations on the NGO. This study is on the functioning of relatively autonomous village organizations in the area of natural resource management (NRM) functioning more or less independently of the NGOs that promoted or supported these community organizations.

The seven NGO partners in this study include: Aga Khan Rural Support Program-India (AKRSP-I), Behavioural Science Centre (BSC), Development Support Centre (DSC), Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), Mysore Relief & Development Agency (MYRADA), Seva Mandir and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). The focus of each study is on the factors favouring the sustainability of the village institutions promoted by NGOs. Study brings out many policy concerns relevant for institutional sustainability in NRM sectors.

Supported by: Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Ford Foundation, through AKRSP-I.

2008

Assessment of Impacts of Rural Livelihood Systems on Biodiversity Conservation Values in Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat

The study attempts to assess impacts of traditional rural livelihood practices in LRK landscape on biodiversity conservation values of Wild Ass Sanctuary. The study specifically targets three major livelihood systems i.e., capture prawn fishing, grazing based animal husbandry and salt manufacturing. Impacts are determined in terms of change in magnitude of activities, spatial shifting of activities and adoption of conservation unfriendly production system. Approach like extensive field surveys and intensive consultations with local communities were applied to understand the problem

Supported by: Gujarat Forest Department, Junagadh

2008

Assessment of potential impacts of tidal regulators (Bandhara) on biodiversity values

The studies aim to identify potential impacts of creating two major tidal regulators in the fringe areas of Wild Ass Sanctuary on biodiversity values including the wildlife populations. Studies identified various impacts (both negative and positives) and suggested mitigatory measures as well as management system for the operation of proposed tidal regulators.

Supported by: Narmada and Water Resources and Water Supply Department, Govt. of Gujarat

2008

Exploring Conservation Enterprises and Livelihoods in Coastal areas of Mundra and Mandvi talukas in Kachchh District, Gujarat

Ecological assessment of coastal areas to address biodiversity conservation issues along with livelihood security of fishing communities in coastal areas of Kachchh. Provide technical support to partner NGO in enhancing coastal resource-based livelihood opportunities of fishing communities through enterprise development and capacity building of local stakeholders on coastal resource regeneration and management.

Supported by: Ford Foundation through Covenant Centre for Development, Madurai

2007

Indicative Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project (BCRLP)- Little Rann of Kachchh landscape

The project is being designed at Little Rann of Kachchh landscape where Wild Ass Sanctuary (PA) and other non-PA land-uses intermingle and get addressed together under a single project that addresses local livelihood improvement issues of adjoining villages, in the context of and in order to promote biodiversity conservation. Adopting such people supporting strategy, the project aims at significantly reducing the threats to biodiversity. Preparation of ‘indicative plan’ for rural livelihood and biodiversity conservation.

Supported by: MoEF-CC, New Delhi through PEACE Institute, New Delhi

2006

Exploratory Study of Pluralism in Traditional Communities

This study was an attempt to document interesting multi-cultural traditions and practices in the Kachchh District, which has long history of peaceful co-existence of a very large number of diverse cultures and faiths. Several scholars also contributed to the study. It included village-level interviews, discussions with NGOs and considerable review of literature.

Supported by: Aga Khan Foundation, New Delhi

2006

Linking Traditional Knowledge Database on Medicinal Plants of Kachchh with National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Database

NIF maintains the traditional knowledge and innovation database (innovator’s database) including that related with herbal medicines. The main idea of maintaining this database is to bring larger incentives to the knowledge holders by supporting and promoting the innovations. In this context, and to accrue larger benefits to knowledge holders of medicinal plants of Kachchh, this project improves the existing databases, collect Prior Informed Consent and link with NIF database. Organize stakeholder meetings and workshop for adopting best practices in traditional health practices

Supported by: National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Ahmedabad