The Habitats Trust Begins Nationwide Symposium Series in Jaipur
Jaipur: The Habitats Trust, a prominent non-profit organisation committed to safeguarding India’s diverse natural habitats and native species, inaugurated its multi-city symposium series today in Jaipur. Hosted at Hotel Arya Niwas, the event gathered an enthusiastic assembly of biodiversity conservationists and supporters.
The symposium is part of The Habitats Trust’s initiative to empower grassroots conservationists by enhancing their ability to design effective, grant-worthy project proposals. Despite India’s remarkable biodiversity, encompassing 7% – 8% of all recorded species and four global biodiversity hotspots, conservation efforts often struggle for attention amid pressing human needs. The Trust aims to bridge this gap by providing institutional support and fostering a network among conservation organisations.
Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, emphasised the organisation’s mission: “We believe in collaborative conservation to maintain ecological balance for both nature and human welfare. Our symposiums are designed to streamline the grant application process for potential applicants.”
The Habitats Trust Grants, with a total value of Rs 2.75 crores, aim to support innovative and replicable conservation projects across India. Applications are open until 1st July on their website. A panel of nine experts will evaluate submissions based on criteria such as conservation impact, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability.
Grants are offered in two categories:
- THT Conservation Grant: Targeting organisations with at least five years of proven conservation work. Two projects will receive Rs 1 crore each over three years. Previous recipients include SACON, focusing on subterranean cave habitats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and WRCS, conserving the endangered Forest Owlet in Madhya Pradesh.
- THT Action Grant: For urgent conservation needs of lesser-known species and habitats. Three grants of Rs 25 lakhs each will be awarded for projects lasting at least two years. Past recipients include initiatives for Hornbill conservation, community-led ecotourism for Red Pandas and Takins, and restoring critical elephant habitats in Wayanad.
The Habitats Trust’s diverse projects span marine, terrestrial, and freshwater conservation, partnering with NGOs and government bodies for effective, area-specific initiatives. Their ongoing efforts include conserving the endangered Hoolock Gibbons in Northeast India and collaborating with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
For more details, visit The Habitats Trust.
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