UPASI Tea Research Foundation

http://www.upasitearesearch.org/

FORMATION OF UPASI KVK: UPASI set up a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in 1983 under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with the main objective of promoting the cultivation of tea specific to the hilly, rural areas of the Nilgiris, imparting training on scientific crop husbandry techniques and allied subjects to the small farmers, estate workers and economically weaker sections. THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE: The UPASI Tea Research Institute (TRI) is located near the Nirar Dam in Valparai, Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. The Institute is 120 km from Coimbatore city, 80 km from Pollachi and 12 km from Valparai town. Situated at an altitude of 1050 m above MSL, the average annual rainfall in the area is 400 cm. The maximum and minimum temperatures vary from 30°C to 12°C and relative humidity from 90 to 50 per cent. Occasionally temperatures drop even to 7°C or 6°C. Out of the 63.3 ha available to the Tea Experimental Farm, 36 ha are planted, mostly with clonal teas. Additionally, the Tea Board has handed over 36.4 ha adjoining this area. Work is under way in planting this area with all the available tea clones, Camellia species and all other genotypes to establish a germplasm bank.

RGCB - Rajiv Gandhi Centre For Biotechnology

www.rgcb.res.in

Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology is the only institution of its kind within the country, exclusively devoted to Biotechnology, focusing precisely on translational research. All RGCB research programs are created with the underlying concept of “bench to bedside” and “lab to land” seeking to promote better health care and improved productivity of spices and medicical plants. The institute has 6 highly focused research departments working on medical biotechnology and plant genetic engineering (Molecular Medicine, Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction, Molecular Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology and Plant Molecular Biology). The institute has major interdisciplinary consortium research programs on vaccine development, bioinformatics and bioprospecting for clinically bioactive compounds. A Program of Excellence in Translational Research (PETR) in collaboration with the Regional Cancer Center allows RGCB to carry out leading translational cancer research. True to it’s commitment to translating biotechnology for economic development, RGCB has started strong industrial collaboration and offers incubator facilities for start up biotech companies. RGCB has also not forgotten its social commitments to the State and provides critical services for the community.

The Center has a Regional Facility for Genetic Fingerprinting, which provides DNA analysis services for forensic & criminal investigations, paternity disputes, identification of wildlife remains, authentication of plants and seeds besides a battery of molecular diagnostics for genetic and infectious diseases. RGCB is also a major provider of laboratory and infrastructure services to other academic and research institutions. A small efficient administration runs the affairs of the center with gracious management from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. The institute is a major stakeholder in human resource development having one of the best doctoral programs in Biotechnology. Admissions to PhD programs take place twice every year in July and December with students being selected from those with National Research Fellowships.

Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute

www.tbgri.in

Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (TBGRI) is an autonomous Institute established by the Government of Kerala on 17^th November 1979 and registered on 23^rd November 1979 under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. It functions under the umbrella of the Science, Technology and Environment Department, Government of Kerala.

Kerala Forest Research Institute

www.kfri.org

The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is established under the Science and Technology Policy adopted by the Government of Kerala as an autonomous institution to undertake research in areas like forestry, biodiversity etc., that are vital to the development of the Kerala State. The Institute was registered as a society on 3rd July 1975 under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, 1955. The institution fulfills a number of economic, social and environmental objectives set by the Government. In the year 2002 KFRI amalgamated with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) along with five other R&D Centres in Kerala. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) is a registered society and an autonomous body under the Science, Technology & Environment Department, Government of Kerala.

KFRI is strategically located in the midst of a tropical forest at Peechi about 20km East of Thrissur, in Central Kerala, India. The main campus extends over an area of 28 ha., part of the picturesque reserve forest of the Peechi Forest Range. The Institute has two sub-Centres- one at Nilambur in North Kerala and the other at Velupadam, Palapilly in Thrissur District to conduct nursery and plantation trials and other specialised research.

Centre for Ecological Engineering

www.engeco.org

Centre for Ecological Engineering

( An Environmental Organisation )

The Centre for Ecological Engineering ( ECOENG^© ) is a research based environmental organisation which works, promotes and involves in different categories of research, documentation, plans, policies and management of various environmental issues. The organisation also engaged in “Envirosocial”, “Enviropolitical”, Environomics”, “Enviocultural”,“ Envirolegal” and “Envirodevelopment” research, plans, policies and management issues. The Centre for Ecological Engineering supports and organises awareness generation, capacity building, networking, technical services, research, documentation and publication for the betterment of the society and its living beings. The organisation also seriously involves in birds study, habitat management, wildlife conservation & management, conservation, management and wise use of natural resources. Conservation of water & wetlands, flood & riverbank researches is organisation’s main field of activities. The organisation also supports, organise and disseminate information in a way that the better organised sections of the society get to hear the problems and perspective of the less organised. The Centre for Ecological Engineering has been registered on 5^th August 2003 at Kolkata under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961, West Bengal, India.

Eco - Watch

http://www.ecowatchindia.org/

About Eco-Watch :
Eco-Watch was founded by Suresh Heblikar, a noted environmentalist in Karnataka today, in the early nineties and was registered as a ‘Non-Profit Public Charitable Trust’ in October-1998 even as its activities were underway at various levels, addressing key environmental issues and concerns in Bangalore and other parts of the state. The organization came into existence by a group of like-minded people from varied backgrounds such as research-scientists, socio-economists, ecologists, environmentalists and others who continue to be a major part of the organization even today.
Organization Structure :
Eco-Watch is headed by the Chairman who is the chief administrator and decision-maker of the organization. He is supported by the Vice-Chairman, who is the associate decision-maker and also governs the working of the centre from time to time. These two heads of the organization are further strengthened by the Board of Trustees and the Research Committee, which consists of key professionals from specific backgrounds who support the working team to analyze and understand the issues and problems; develop, design and build specific projects; and finally assist in implementing and executing these projects. The Board and the Committee also oversee the activities that the organization undertakes. The project team comprises of Research Associates, Technical Associates, Field Assistants and Office Assistants. Thus, with qualified personnel guiding the team members in carrying out various activities, the centre has been consistently working towards improving environmental conditions and ecosystems for a better and healthier future. The activities are a fall-out of the objectives of the organization, which are as follows.

Ecological Society

www.ecological-society.org

Since its inception in 1982, Ecological Society has been in the forefront of ecological & environmental research & education. It has carried out a number of research projects with practical applications for municipal corporations, Government of Maharashtra & the Central Government. The Society had conducted professional courses in environmental water management for Irrigation engineers of the Irrigation Department of Government of Maharashtra between 1989 to 2000 in collaboration with Engineering Staff College, Government of Maharashtra, Nashik.
In 1998 it launched a one-year Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Pune and Mumbai. This course is now approved by the Board of Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra. The Society’s other activities include maintaining field research stations at Panshet (District Pune) & Phaltan(District Satara) for imparting practical training in resource management to students; running environmental educational programmes for village children at Panshet & Kamshet and organizing lectures & workshops on topics of environmental / ecological interest. The Society also publishes annually a scientific Journal.

AARANYAK - A Society for Biodiversity Conservation in Northeast India

www.aaranyak.org

Aaranyak is a registered society working in the field of biodiversity conservation in North East India since 1989. Its strength lies in applied research in biological and social field and its thrust area of work is the North Eastern India and Eastern Himalayas. From a small begining in the year 1989, it has been slowly, but steadily growing as a premier research based organisation in North East India to cater the complex need of biodiversity conservation in the culturally diverse region of India.
Aaranyak is now run by young professionals dedicated and committed to the cause of conservation. Currently about 34 young professionals are working with Aaranyak to contribute further towards research and conservation aspects of biodiversity in the region. Since its inception Aaranyak has been working relentlessly for conservation of rich biodiversity of the region. Dedicated and committed conservationists and volunteers of the society have been able to attract global attention through their persistent work and advocacy. It is one of the most active NGO in the region and has influenced the policy making procedure through its presence in the committees like ‘Steering Committee for Formulation of New Assam Forest Policy’, Rhino Task Force and State Wildlife Advisory Board’ of the Government of Assam.
Internationally trained biologists have been exploring biodiversity in the tropical primary forest for inventory of biodiversity of the region. Considerable conservation and research work from Aaranyak has improved the conservation scenario in the region. This has been possible through commitment, dedication, cooperation and collaboration among several departments and NGOs of the region and indeed generosity of the international community. A brief account on the programs of Aaranyak can be found while continuing to explore this site.

Systematics Lab - Univ of Delhi : School of Environmental Studies

www.frogindia.org

Amphibian India :/: Systematics Lab/:/ University of Delhi :/: Centre for Environmental Management of degraded ecosystems /:/ School for Environmental Studies
People : We are a small group of people working in a small lab but large stretches of forest. We work on the amphibians of India. We seek to understand patterns of species diversity, reproductive biology and evolutionary diversification of Indian amphibians. These facilitate conservation prioritization which in turn will contribute to the development of appropriate conservation strategies.

Research : Though we have made field visits to North East India and the Eastern Ghats, our focus has not shifted from the Western Ghats. Recently, our interest has diversified into other regions too. We find that we need to move into other regions in order to address some issues relating to biogeography and a number of issues relating to taxonomic ambiguity. We are currently working in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Satpura range and Northeastern India. Rich diversity, extraordinary endemism and shared evolutionary relationships with other biogeographical regions are some of the highlights of India.

OIKOS - For Ecological Services

www.oikos.in

OIKOS is an independent practice working professionally for objective ecological expertise in combination with an in-depth knowledge of the planning process.
With mission of making conservation everybody's business, oikos provides a spectrum of services catering to different users. Since its inception, oikos has undertaken various assignments related to eco-management, wildlife habitat restoration and eco-tourism destination development. oikos is working with corporate sector, private landowners and entrepreneurs with a specific objective of nature conservation to restore and improve the status of natural resources.
The strength of our approach is our `step by step` strategy from initial baseline ecological surveys to monitoring of practical implementation of development projects, which is available through our in-house ground-working team. Our core staff covers many aspects of ecological work and we retain the services of a number of associates, all experts in their own fields.
Over the period this practice has gained a reputation for providing ways of eco-friendly development and interpretation of complex ecological facts and issues. Recently the team was honored by MCCIA for developing innovative services in ecology.

WPSI - WILDLIFE PROTECTION SOCIETY OF INDIA

www.wpsi-india.org

The WILDLIFE PROTECTION SOCIETY OF INDIA (WPSI) was founded in 1994 by Belinda Wright, its Executive Director, who was an award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker till she took up the cause of conservation. From its inception, WPSI's main aim has been to bring a new focus to the daunting task of tackling India's growing wildlife crisis. It does this by providing support and information to government authorities to combat poaching and the escalating illegal wildlife trade - particularly in wild tigers. It has now broadened its focus to deal with human-animal conflicts and provide support for research projects.With a team of committed environmentalists, WPSI is one of the most respected and effective wildlife conservation organisations in India. It is a registered non-profit organisation, funded by a wide range of Indian and international donors. The Society’s Board Members include leading conservationists and business people.

BAF India - Butterfly Art Foundation India

http://www.bafindia.org/

With rapid urbanization, a cultural shift towards the material world with rejection of and disregard for the spiritual and emotional facets of life has slowly invaded the average person causing disinterest and neglect of the traditional and contemporary arts, which, during the period of spiritual intimacy and personal attachments, have been major exhibits of human imagination and spiritual expression. Though this generalization is not universally applicable, the situation is not much different in most of the societies around the globe. The arts have come to be a vanity ornament of the affluent alone. There is a palpable gap between the arts and the community as a whole, especially in the days of increasing consumerism, with the community psyche increasingly inclining towards the lines of pure materialism. As social beings we have always felt the need for revival of community interest in the arts and cultural practices, and thus in humanities, so that a certain degree of enjoyment and spiritual fulfillment is derived from such emotional and intellectual experiences rather than from pure material and transient pleasures alone.
An art form preserved expresses its thanks by enriching our generations. We hope to synthesize a deep community awareness in the preservation of folk and classical traditions of visual arts. The survival of craftsmen, artisans and artists is an expected by-product of this awareness. The insight of the traditions, when aptly assimilated, feeds the birds of contemporaneity.

Pune TreeWatch

www.punetreewatch.org

Pune Tree Watch attempts to bring people together who are concerned about the dwindling tree cover. We aim to monitor, act and protect the trees that harbour a variety of life and that provide the citizens with various ecological benefits.Since our inception in July'05 we have saved hundreds of trees from felling and have been a strong support group for the concerned Pune citizenry.
Our activities include:
* Preventing illegal tree felling * Surveying trees to be cut * Working on the policy level like the Maharashtra (Urban areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975.

Madras Crocodile Bank

www.madrascrocodilebank.org

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, founded in 1976 by Romulus Whitaker and few other like minded people is a public Trust managed by a Board of Trustees. The CrocBank is located 40 km south of Chennai city on 3.2 hectares along India’s east coast road with the Bay of Bengal as a backdrop. The high aquifer on the sandy coast provides sufficient water supply and the proximity to the major ancient temple complex and tourist destination at Mahabalipuram ensures annual visitation. The Bank was initially established for the conservation and study of Indias three endangered crocodilians: the mugger, Crocodylus paluster, the gharial, Gavialis gangeticus, and the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. Starting with 30 mugger adults, the Bank has bred over 5000 and now holds over 2400 crocodilians of 14 different species. By 1987 the CrocBank developed a much broader focus, and became the Center for Herpetology, Indias premier institution for herpetofaunal conservation, research and education. Currently besides crocodilians, the Bank maintains 12 endangered species of turtles and tortoises, five species of snakes, including the King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, water monitor lizards, Varanus salvator salvator, two species of pythons and albino cobras. Housed in enclosures very similar to their natural habitat visitors can get a close view of how these reptiles live in the wild.

Warblers and Waders

http://warblersandwaders.com/

'WARBLERS AND WADERS' was established on January 1, 1990 and registered under charitable societies act 12 (1955) (Reg. No.811/96). The objective of the society is as follows.Objectives: 'Warblers and Warders' is a forum of birdwatchers and nature lovers, working for the cause of conservation. The prime interests of the organization include birdwatching, bird surveys, and work for preservation of wetlands. Seminars and workshops are periodically conducted, focusing on preservation of nature and environment. Activities of afforestation, biodiversity monitoring and documentation of the findings of various studies on flora and fauna are also done periodically.We have been conducting bird surveys and census to study the status and behaviour of avifauna of various forest regions in the western ghats like wildlife sanctuaries, reserve forests and wetlands of Kerala, India. For the past ten years, Waterfowl Census of the State has also been carried out by Warblers and Waders.

NEC - Foundation For Nature Exploration And Environmental Conservation

http://www.necindia.org/

Focus Areas
Nature Exploration - Eco-adventure
Environmental Programmes for Students
Community Based Environmental Programmes
Research and Information Dissemination
Professional Services

MNHS - Malabar Natural History Society

http://www.malabarnhs.org/

Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, voluntary organisation (registered (No. 929/02) under Indian Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860) dedicated to Nature education, research and conservation of biodiversity. It is based at Calicut and is very active since its inception five years back. As part of its Nature Education and Research Programme, it has published five books; Butterflies of Kerala- a photo field guide (in Malayalam), Nature: Observation and Interpretation (in Malayalam) and Bryophytes of Wayanad in Western Ghats.

Wetlands Of India

http://www.wetlandsofindia.org/

ENVIS Wetland EcosystemsThe Environmental Information system (ENVIS) Centre on wetland ecosystems has been established at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to facilitate generation and dissemination of information on various facets of wetland ecosystems.

CES - Centre For Ecological Sciences IISC

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/

The Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science offers exciting opportunities for research in a variety of areas in ecology. These include animal behaviour, evolutionary biology and sociobiology, community and habitat ecology, molecular genetics and conservation biology, large mammal and forest ecology, and climate change. Research is being carried out on a number of taxa, ranging from ants to elephants, and including wasps, crickets, spiders, herpetofauna, birds and mammals. The projects range from theoretical to laboratory to field-based research with the different approaches being used in a complementary manner.

(WGF) Western Ghats Forum

www.westernghatsforum.org

The Western Ghats are amongst the world's biodiversity Hotspots. The various human-induced threats to the rich biodiversity and the large number of endemic species have been identified and highlighted by the recently completed National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan; Western Ghats Ecoregion. Of the various gaps identified, the need to have an "Advisory Body" that would guide research and policy in the Western Ghats emerged as the most compelling one. As a follow-up to this process, several institutions that are committed to conservation of natural resources and human welfare in the Western Ghats have come together to create a 'Western Ghats Forum'.This forum is the fruit of an unprecedented multi-agency collaboration with a vision to bring a vast cross section of civil society together. The forum envisages fostering better exchange of information and cooperation between various stakeholders. A conference on 'Western Ghats: Conservation and Human Welfare' was held on September 22-24, 2003, as the first step in an ongoing effort to balance the divergent demands of conservation and development for the Western Ghats as an entire bioregion. more..

FERAL - Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning

http://www.feralindia.org/

Our Mandate
To provide a base and support for young researchers to follow their research interests and priorities. To impart training in ecological research and field survey techniques and tools. To apply ecological research to solve issues in natural resource management, conservation and advocacy.
Our Foundation
FERAL is a non-profit trust formed on the 22nd of July 1997. We are a team working on various aspects of applied ecological and environmental issues. Our key areas of interest include conservation oriented research, natural resource management, training and environmental monitoring.

MSSRF - MS Swaminathan Research Foundation

http://www.mssrf.org/

The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation started its work 16 years ago in the thematic areas of coastal systems, biotechnology, biodiversity, ecotechnology, food security and information, education and communication. The approach was based on strategic and participatory research, capacity building, networking and partnership building, based on the principles of social inclusion in access to technologies which help to enhance income and environment. Research and outreach strategies were devised to bridge the rich-poor and gender divides in the areas of information, knowledge and skill empowerment.

WII - Wildlife Institute of India

http://www.wii.gov.in/

In the last half century, India's once rich biodiversity has become considerably depleted. Rapid human and livestock population increase and a rather lopsided distributive development pattern have marginalized or unjustly exploited the country's bountiful wilderness areas such that the species richness and the range of habitat types that the country used to be proud of are today highly eroded and fragmented. How can this fall be checked and reversed is now a question being pondered over at most forums.

Amidst such a situation, the need was felt for an organization to help and strengthen endeavors for recovery. It was important to have an agency which, while looking at forests holistically, combined their management with conserving their biodiversity and protecting the interests of the people in their vicinity in a manner that would be practical and scientifically oriented. Such a thought process led to the setting up of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) at Dehradun in 1982 with a mandate to train government and non-government personnel, carry out research, and advise on matters of conservation and management of wildlife resources.

WII's research projects being conducted in field sites across the length and breadth of the country are the primary sources of scientific information to help conservation. They are also the means of keeping the institute's faculty abreast of current field situations and the latest technology.In its endeavours, WII has had the benefit of international and bilateral collaborations for institutional building, faculty development, infusion of modern technology and creation of a scientific infrastructure. These collaborations are worked out with wildlife organizations, scientific institutions and universities at the national as well as international levels.
WII was accorded autonomy in April 1986, which furthered its pace of growth. With many countries in south and south-east Asia region regularly sending their personnel to its training programmes, WII is already considered an important regional centre for training and education in wildlife management and conservation.

Sanctuary Asia

http://www.sanctuaryasia.org/

About Us
Sanctuary Asia, India's leading wildlife, conservation and environment magazine, was started by Editor Bittu Sahgal in 1981 to raise awareness among Indians of their disappearing natural heritage. The overwhelming response to the magazine led to the birth of Sanctuary Cub, a children's nature magazine, in 1984 and to The Ecologist Asia (Indian edition of The Ecologist, U.K.) a journal dedicated to the issues of the environment, development and human rights, in 1993.
In the 1980s, Sanctuary Films produced two wildlife/conservation serials aired on Doordarshan, India's national television network. The first, Project Tiger, was a documentary while the other, Rakshak, was a narrative serial for children. The films were shot on 16 mm. and the Sanctuary team visited virtually every wildlife haven in India (stock footage available on request).

In summary, the organisation could be described as one that aims to communicate the rationale for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Our focus is the Indian subcontinent and Asia, but our horizon spans the globe. Sanctuary is a privately-owned, self-supporting venture and does not accept any donations. Its funding sources are advertisements, subscriptions and content provision.

Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group

http://www.kalpavriksh.org/

Kalpavriksh believes that a country can develop meaningfully only when ecological sustainability and social equity are guaranteed, and a sense of respect for, and oneness with nature, and fellow humans is achieved.

ATREE

www.atree.org

About ATREE
MISSION
ATREE was established in 1996 to combine principles of natural and social sciences to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development; and, to build the necessary social and human capital needed to address our most pressing environmental challenges. ATREE deals with the issues relating to India's rapidly diminishing biological resources and natural ecosystems, and the environmental, social and economic dimensions and implications of this decline. ATREE has a network of four offices and field stations across India, through which it works to develop social and human capital to address environmental issues at local, regional and national levels.
PROGRAMMES
The programmes at ATREE are designed to enhance the prospects for conservation by working with civil society, local communities, and policy makers on the one hand, and by scientific research on the other. Activities are organised under interdisciplinary research combined with action, education, and outreach, including policy and governance reforms. ATREE's strength lies in its ability to integrate these activities into coherent programmes that generate and disseminate new knowledge, and foster innovative change in the way environmental problems are tackled.
IMPACTS
Since its establishment, ATREE has played a significant role at the local, state and national levels. It has been asked to assist in the planning and execution of many projects in conservation and sustainable development by local, state and federal authorities. ATREE is also involved in a number of national and international conservation programmes. As part of the World Heritage Biodiversity - India programme, ATREE seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation in protected areas by building replicable models at existing and proposed UNESCO World Heritage Biodiversity sites. With support from the Arghyam Foundation, ATREE is setting up a Centre for Conservation, Governance and Policy. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has recently approved ATREE's plans to start a doctoral program in conservation biology in India. ATREE has brought the conservation community together through the Western Ghats Forum and the launch of Conservation and Society, an interdisciplinary journal designed to foster dialogue among researchers, teachers, resource managers and policy makers. Thousands of students have participated in ATREE's conservation education programs.

FRLHT - Foundation For Revitalisation Of Local Health Traditions

www.frlht.org

“To Revitalise Indian Medical Heritage”
FRLHT believes revitalisation of Indian Medical Heritage holds two promises for India, viz., self-reliance in primary health care for millions of households and original contributions to the world of medicine. FRLHT holds the view that in an era of globalisation, India should make fuller use of her rich and diverse medicinal plant knowledge for her own needs and confidently share on fair terms with the rest of the world, products and services based on her heritage).

To demonstrate the contemporary relevance of Indian Medical Heritage by designing and implementing innovative programmes related toA. Exposition of the theory & practice of traditional systems of medicine, B. Conservation of the natural resources used by Indian systems of medicine C. Revitalisation of social processes for transmission of the heritage, on a size and scale that will have societal impact

NATUREMATES

www.naturemates.org

Nearly eleven years ago a desire took the shape of Nature Mates aiming at a more fructaifying symbiosis between Man and Nature. Over the years Nature Mates have gathered green minds around itself. Our president Lt. Col. Shakti Ranjan Banerjee is a renowned naturalist and is the current state director of World Wide Fund for Nature, West Bengal Chapter. He is a classic example of our Breed who has served the army and nature at the same time and with equal fervor. We have Jhimli among us, a research scholar in Chemistry with the Jadavpur University, there is Abir, who is a multimedia wizard working with shapes and colours and Ayan who teaches in a School. We have Gama, who is always with questions and thriving for answers. One of the most dedicated is Arjan who runs his own press and was one of the founders of the Club. The younger brood consists mostly of studentswho sometimes mix business with pleasure as some of them study subjects like Zoology and Botany. Jibak is studying Medical Science and is one of our promising member. But whatever be their field they all stride boldly by our side in our dream of a greener world order. Then there are others who closely associate with us. There is Mr. Heerak Nandi, a dedicated Conservationist, "Hiranda" or Hiran Mitra an artist of repute, who designed our logo. These are men in tune with our dreams. So the club thrives on the basic diversity of people who come to it. A simple truth emerges. It is only the innate desire to work for nature's cause, which in turn is our own cause, that such different people find enough cohesion and willingness to be co-travellers. In Nature Mates we are always in good company with the Nature.

CEE - Centre For Environment and Education

www.ceeindia.org

Centre for Environment Education (CEE) was created in recognition of the importance of environmental education in India’s overall environment and development strategy. The result of a unique partnership between government and a non-governmental institution, CEE was established as a Centre of Excellence in 1984.
CEE has inherited the rich multi-disciplinary resource base and varied experience of Nehru Foundation for Development, its parent organisation, which has been promoting educational efforts since 1966 in the areas of science, nature study, health, development, and environment.
At the time it began its activities, CEE was perhaps the only organization actively engaged in environmental education in the country. While carrying out programmes in different parts of the country, it was located only at Ahmedabad. Within five years of activities, it was realized that for a country as vast as India and its diversity, physical presence was important for effective implementation. Based on this, the first regional office was opened for the Southern region in 1988-89. Since then it has been a conscious effort to have an office or presence in the geographical area of work.
After completing a decade of activities in 1994, it was decided to move more from environmental education to environmental action. This was an outcome of the learnings and experiences in the first ten years. CEE began more pilot, field-level and demonstration projects towards sustainable development which could be scaled-up and replicated. Within the next ten years, these projects formed a major chunk of Centre’s activities.
Today, CEE works for a wide range of sectors, target groups and geographical areas. CEE sees a major opportunity in the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-14) to further contribute towards sustainable development.

WWF - India

http://www.wwfindia.org/index.cfm

WWF-India is engaged in a multitude of activities for protection and conservation of the environment in the Indian context. Climate Change and Energy Conservation are among the chief areas of concern for the organisation. The Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Division strives to promote and enhance conservation of forest ecosystems in the country through a participatory approach involving key stakeholders. Through its Environment Education Programme, it aims at strengthening individual and institutional capacity in nature conservation and environmental protection through widespread education and awareness.

BNHS - Bombay Natural History Society

http://www.bnhs.org/

The Bombay Natural History Society is today the largest non-government organisation (NGO) in the Indian sub-continent engaged in nature conservation research. In the 120 years of its existence, its commitment has been, and continues to be, the conservation of India's natural wealth, protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources for a balanced and healthy development for future generations. The Society's guiding principle has always been that conservation must be based on scientific research - a tradition exemplified by its late president, Dr. Sálim Ali.