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The Community-Driven Biodiversity Conservation in the Rajgad Valley project aims to empower local communities in the ecologically rich Western Ghats to conserve and manage their biodiversity. By strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), we promote participatory governance that integrates traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices to address ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and the disconnect between people and the environment.

Key Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Targets

This initiative directly supports the GBF, focusing on targets such as ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, reducing invasive species, and building resilience to climate change.

What are BMCs?

BMCs, established under India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002, are community-driven institutions designed to protect local biodiversity. In the Rajgad Valley, BMCs play a vital role in creating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), conserving resources, and promoting sustainable use. 

Our Approach

This project seeks to strengthen and support the BMCs by: 

1. Capacity Building: Conduct workshops for BMC members and launch a Youth Eco-Leadership Program.
2. Traditional Knowledge Integration: Collaborating with local communities to document and preserve conventional ecological practices.
3. Monitoring and Restoration: Engaging citizens in biodiversity monitoring, eco-restoration, and invasive species control.
4. Livelihood Support: Encouraging biodiversity-friendly enterprises to generate sustainable income, especially for women and youth.