Join Our Movement

At The Raintree Foundation, we are proud of the progress made in the past six years through our successful biodiversity conservation work in the Velhe region. Building on these achievements, we are poised to scale our efforts by expanding into the Shastri River Basin in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra. This new landscape offers immense potential for biodiversity conservation, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey with the community.

The Landscape: Shastri River Basin

Spanning 209,800 hectares, the Shastri River Basin encompasses 386 villages, home to approximately 400,000 people and 100,000 households. This diverse landscape, which includes the Shastri River and its seven tributaries, has remained largely free from large-scale infrastructure, allowing it to retain its unique ecological character. Geologically, the basin is characterized by Deccan basalt with exposed laterite, and it features a narrow coastal fringe with steep rocky slopes surrounding a plateau. The undulating terrain rises above 1,000 meters near the Western Ghats, offering a wealth of biodiversity and conservation opportunities.

Proposed Project: Grassroots Biodiversity Conservation Collective

Our proposed initiative, the Grassroots Biodiversity Conservation Collective, aims to create a network of local conservationists and grassroots organizations within the Shastri River Basin. By building their capacity and fostering collaboration, this collective will work together to achieve shared conservation goals for the landscape.

Central to this initiative is the expansion of our Guardians of Hornbill program, which focuses on community-based habitat conservation for the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and the Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus). These iconic species play a crucial role in maintaining the forest ecosystem, often referred to as ‘farmers of the forest’ due to their important role as seed dispersers. Their conservation is vital for the region’s ecological balance.

In partnership with local organizations such as the Sahyadri Sankalp Society, we will enhance their operational efficiency and impact through improved monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as capacity-building support.

Guardians of Hornbill Program: Protecting the Future of the Great Hornbill

The Guardians of Hornbill program has been instrumental in safeguarding the habitat of these endangered bird species in the Western Ghats, and we aim to replicate this success in the Shastri River Basin. The region’s rich flora and fauna, including the four species of hornbills found here, are under threat due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and other human-induced pressures. With your support, we can ensure the survival of these species and restore the health of the ecosystem.

Research Activities: Monitoring and Conservation Efforts

Our research efforts will focus on understanding the status, food habits, and nesting sites of both the Great Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill. Through field surveys, structured questionnaires, and extensive monitoring, we will gather critical data to guide conservation strategies. Specific activities will include:

• Conducting surveys to assess the population distribution of the two hornbill species
• Identifying and documenting nesting sites
• Analyzing the food sources of both species through the collection of excreta samples and monitoring nesting trees
• Installing security cameras around nesting sites to study breeding biology, threats, and survival rates

This scientific data will be invaluable in creating a data-driven conservation plan, addressing the threats to hornbills, and ensuring their long-term survival in the region.

Partner Organization: Sahyadri Sankalp Society

Founded in 2021, the Sahyadri Sankalp Society is a key partner in our conservation efforts. Based in Ratnagiri, this organization has been actively engaged in hornbill conservation and biodiversity preservation in the Konkan region. By partnering with them, we aim to strengthen their capacity in monitoring, reporting, and management, ensuring that the collective’s efforts are sustainable and impactful.

Potential Impact

This project will make a significant contribution to the protection of the Great Hornbill and Malabar Pied Hornbill populations in the Shastri River Basin. By identifying and protecting the key local and endemic tree species used for food and nesting by these hornbills, we can ensure a healthier forest ecosystem. Moreover, the project will enhance the local community’s involvement in conservation efforts, providing them with the knowledge and tools to protect their environment.

Timeline: 12 Months

Over the next 12 months, our team will work closely with local communities, conservationists, and partner organizations to carry out research, implement conservation strategies, and build the collective’s capacity. This timeline will ensure that we lay a strong foundation for long-term sustainability.

Support Us in Building a Greener Future

Your support is crucial in helping us scale our efforts and create lasting change in the Shastri River Basin. By contributing to this project, you are directly helping protect biodiversity, strengthen local communities, and promote environmental sustainability in one of India’s most ecologically significant regions.

Join us in our mission to safeguard the future of the Shastri River Basin and its incredible biodiversity. 

Together, we can create a lasting impact for the planet and its people.

You can reach us at jyoti.verma@theraintree.org