Applied Environmental Research Foundation

Infobox Non-profit
Non-profit_name = Applied Environmental Research Foundation
Non-profit_
Non-profit_type =
founded_date = 1994
founder =
location = Pune, India
key_people = Archana Godbole, Jayant Sarnaik
area_served = India
focus =
method = Community based Conservation
endowment =
num_volunteers =
num_employees =
Non-profit_slogan = Conservation. On the Ground.
homepage = http://www.aerfindia.org

The Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) is a registered non-governmental organization based in Pune, India and is working in the field of community based conservation. Founded in 1994, Applied Environmental Research Foundation through its efforts has been trying to address the issue of biodiversity conservation at grass roots level, has developed approaches and models; and working to involve people in the serious business of conservation.

Approach

Despite the considerable amount of money spent on research relatively little attention is paid to ensuring that the findings of research are implemented in routine practice. AERF takes a scientific approach to conservation, based on analysis of what is needed to ensure the preservation of the local plants, animals, and ecosystems. AERF believes in community based conservation or participatory conservation which implies involving people in the process of conservation. It is a nonprofit organization supported primarily by private donations.

AERF works with all sectors of society including individuals, communities, partner organizations and government agencies to achieve its goals.

Corporate Conservation Programme

To assist companies in this direction, AERF in association with SPJIMR has come-up with the corporate conservation programme. The unique feature of the programme is that it can be customised to the needs of companies in different sectors. This is done by using the strong research base that AERF possesses. Conservation on the ground is the hallmark of this programme which engages local communities.

Companies can get involved by assessing their ecological footprint, sponsoring a forest, sponsoring customised projects and by getting their environmental and biodiversity impact assessment done. The ‘Green Thumb’ certificate will be awarded based on the tangible and measurable impact that a company makes towards conservation efforts.

Awards & Grants

Whitley Fund For Nature, UK:

Dr. Archana Godbole, the founder director of AERF received the Whitley Associate Award to scale up restoration in 10 priority new sites.

http://www.whitleyaward.org/display.php?id=130

Conservation Leadership Programme 2007:

AERF, Pune received the Young Conservationist Award jointly awarded by Flora and Fauna International (FFI), Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bird Life International and British Petroleum. In recognition of their commitment to conservation and their plans to initiate a community based project at Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Pune district of Maharashtra state.

Rufford Small Grant:

Sameer Punde, from AERF, Pune received the Rufford Small Grant (RSG) for Nature Conservation in 2006 for a study on rare medicinal trees of the Konkan region.

Global Village Energy Partnership:

Development of decentralized bio-diesel resource centers to improve rural energy services and reduce poverty in IndiaThe project,focuses on creating awareness about the potential of renewable energy sources to meet rural energy demands as well as create non-farm livelihood opportunities at the village level. Rural income generation opportunities will be created through the development of decentralized bio-diesel centers in the selected villages; these centers will not only cater to local demand for crop irrigation, but the communities can also sell the by-products.

http://www.gvepinternational.org/gapfund/completion_reports

ALLACHY Award:

AERF received the Allachy Award to build capacity for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. This project was selected as it has taken community-based approach to medicinal plant conservation.

http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Chamoli.htm

Publications

(Sakav) Annual Publication

After 10 years of work in Konkan, AERF initiated the publication of a Marathi annual called Sakav, a medium to discuss and bridge the gap between Environment and Development in the Konkan region. Also available in English.

Tradition of sacred groves and communities contribution in their conservation (Monograph)

Archana Godbole & Jayant Sarnaik

This monograph, a result of the authors’ 10 year long association with sacred groves of the northern Western Ghats contains results of a long-term study including social and biological aspects as well as experiences and achievements of their efforts in the survival of the traditional system of conservation popularly referred to as sacred groves.

Integrating Cultural & Biological Diversity into the Conservation of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Archana Godbole, V. Anitha & U.M. Chandrashekhara

A report of the collaborative work between AERF and the Kerala Forest Research Institute. The UNESCO funded study focused on biological and cultural diversity of the recently designated Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and provided development and policy recommendations.

Projects

*Eco-restoration of ‘Sacred Groves/ Sacred Forests’ with people’s participation
*Conservation and development of medicinal plants through people’s participation
*Development of decentralized bio-diesel resource centers to improve rural energy services and reduce poverty in India
*Integrating Cultural and Biological diversity into the conservation of Agasthayamalai Biosphere Reserve

References