Thursday, April 3, 2008

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.

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