Our Landscape Approach

Landscape approach recognises the interconnections between people and nature for management of land to simultaneously achieve social, economic and environmental objectives.

This systems-based approach demands an in-depth understanding of the multifunctionality of ecosystems and the roles played by all actors, as well as potential synergies and trade-offs.

The solutions are tailored to the landscape ensuring that the needs and interests of all stakeholders are fully captured.

Core Tenets

Circularity

Circularity promotes the creation of a sustainable and regenerative system where resources are used efficiently,
waste is minimized, and materials are kept in circulation for
as long as is possible.
Economic circularity is an approach that aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency by promoting reuse, recycling, and responsible production and consumption practices.

Civic Custodianship

Civic Custodianship involves fostering a sense of ownership, collaboration, and shared responsibility among individuals and communities towards the protection and conservation
of the environment.
The goal is to empower the community to sustain the practices they’ve adopted for a better life, fostering self-sufficiency and long term success.

Western Ghats of India

140,000 sq. km | ~ 6% of India’s landmass
Exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism
UNESCO World Heritage site & Global Biodiversity Hotspot
One of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ in terms of biodiversity
One of four biodiversity hotspots in India
325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species

Why conserve them?

Biological Diversity – Accounts for more than 30% of all plant, fish, bird, and mammal species found in India
Ecosystem Services – ~245 million people living on the peninsula
Anthropogenic Pressures – Encroachments, road development, mining, modern agriculture & human settlements
Weather pattern – Heavily influences India’s monsoons
Carbon Neutralizer – ~ 4 million tonnes of carbon
Vulnerable Ecosystem – 35% loss of forest cover over the last 90 years

Why Velhe?

Global biodiversity hotspot
Compromised water availability through the year for drinking & agriculture despite high rainfall
Limited livelihood options
Lowest human development indicators in Pune district
Lack of active NGO presence, political insignificance and lack of industries

hectares

9 Villages

Total Area

people

654 families

Beneficiaries

Pilot Project - Velhe

Velhe is located in the Western Ghats area which is a global biodiversity hotspot. This region has some of the lowest human development indicators and a landscape which lends itself to climate action interventions. Raintree Foundation is working in several villages in this region to protect it from the onslaught of the effects of climate change while strengthening the local communities that live there.