New Delhi [India], January 13: In regions where nature and human habitation collide, challenges are immense and urgent. Shrinking wildlife corridors, escalating man-elephant conflicts, and dwindling rural livelihoods highlight the pressing need for environmental conservation in India. Amidst these crises, the Aadivasi Welfare Foundation (AWF) has emerged as a changemaker with its unique blend of conservation and community empowerment.
The Man-Elephant Conflict: A Growing Crisis
In states like Jharkhand and Odisha, degraded elephant corridors caused by deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion have pushed elephants into human settlements, often leading to crop destruction, property damage, and loss of lives. In the Dalma range of Jharkhand, elephants have destroyed crops across acres, devastating local farmers. Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has also witnessed tragic human-elephant encounters, with over 400 human deaths reported in Jharkhand in the past five years. These incidents underscore the urgent need for ecological solutions to mitigate such conflicts.
Rebuilding Corridors: A Nature-Based Solution
AWF has taken a proactive approach to combat these conflicts through its tree planting in India, focusing on restoring degraded wildlife corridors. Over 8 million trees have been planted in the past eight years in areas like the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Unlike methods such as Miyawaki plantation in India, AWF offers a more economical, sustainable and robust plantation model designed for long-term ecological and community benefits.
These plantations not only rebuild green pathways for wildlife but also significantly contribute to carbon footprint reduction through trees, improving biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. AWF’s commitment to tree plantation for net zero aligns with India’s environmental goals while addressing critical challenges like human-wildlife conflicts.
Livelihoods Through Conservation
AWF’s work extends beyond tree plantation by integrating tribal and rural communities into its initiatives. From agroforestry in India to eco-friendly livelihood programs like honeybee farming, fisheries, and handicrafts, the foundation empowers women and marginalized groups, offering sustainable incomes. This approach has reduced dependency on forest exploitation and fostered a sense of ownership among locals.
For instance, tree plantation around water bodies in Uttarakhand ensures rainwater conservation, combats human-wildlife conflict, and strengthens biodiversity, benefiting both humans and wildlife.
A National and Global Commitment
AWF’s initiatives span seven states, including Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal. From forest restoration in India to mangrove plantation projects, AWF tailors its efforts to local ecological needs. Recognized under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, AWF has partnered with companies and social organizations to drive green corporate initiatives, offering solutions like corporate tree plantation, tree plantation for events, carbon-neutral events in India, and plant a tree for a cause program.
One of AWF’s innovative offerings is the digital forest plantation in India, where organizations can support tree planting in remote areas and digitally monitor growth using polygons. This long-term monitoring ensures transparency and accountability, allowing partners to witness the tangible impact of their contributions.
Partnering for Change
AWF invites corporations and individuals to collaborate on impactful projects, including eco-friendly corporate gifting, green gifts for corporate employees, and planting a tree for a cause. By working together, we can tackle the challenges of wildlife conflicts, climate change, and community upliftment, fostering a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
For partnerships or more information visit www.awf.co.in or reach out to AWF at info@awf.co.in. Let’s restore balance, protect biodiversity, and empower communities for a greener, healthier future.
