People in Conservation: Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Security. Vol 14, Issue 1, March – Aug 2025
- Published in Announcements
Sela Parv: Van Gujjars Celebrate Forest, Culture & Solidarity
The Van Gujjars, a semi-nomadic pastoral community of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and
Himachal Pradesh, honoured their deep bond with the forest through Sela Parv (meaning
green in Gojri)—a tree plantation and cultural festival held from July 20–30 across the three
states.
Organised by the Van Gujjar Tribal Yuva Sangathan (VGTYS) with support from Kalpavriksh
and others, the festival featured the planting of native saplings, forest walks, traditional
bainth songs, and rituals symbolising their pastoral way of life. Thousands participated,
including Hon’ble Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari, forest officials, students, and members of the
Tharu tribe—reflecting growing solidarity and recognition of indigenous ecological
stewardship.
Amid eviction threats, Sela Parv has become more than a festival—it is an ecological
movement, affirming that conservation has always been a way of life for the Van Gujjars.
- Published in Latest Post
New Release: Launching three new children’s books!
We’re delighted to launch three new books this season!
RAIN PERFUME: With tender storytelling by Niveditha Reddy @niv_red and wonderfully quirky illustrations by Shubhshree Mathur @shubhshree_mathur , this book captures the magic of monsoon, the bond between grandparent and child, and the joy of little acts of love. Perfect for cuddly storytime on rainy days, this charming book is sure to win the hearts of parents and tiny tots alike. Perfect for ages 4–6
THE BOOK OF WILD CHALLENGES: Written by Chandini Chhabra and illustrated by Vandana Singh, this playful book is packed with fascinating animal facts and exciting challenges. From incredible jumps to lightning speeds, it’s full of surprises that will delight young readers. Perfect for ages 5+
FALLING IN LOVE: What begins as a chance encounter in the wild blossoms into a lifelong love story. From Christmas tree worms to pythons and flying lizards, Sujatha Padmanabhan takes us on a journey of wonder, curiosity, and deep connection with the natural world. Her heartfelt prose is beautifully complemented by the mystical, evocative illustrations of Sangeetha Kadur @sangeethakadur This is the kind of book that stirs something within you… and just might make you want to step outside and fall in love with the world around you. For ages 10+
Get your copy here: https://kalpavriksh.org/our-store/ OR on amazon!
- Published in Announcements
Our children’s books are making headlines!
We are super excited with this news!
‘What Am I Good At’ finds itself on the longlist of the Valley of Words Book Awards and on the shortlist for the Jarul Book Awards 2025-2026 alongwith ‘The Miracle on Kachhua Beach’
- Published in Announcements
South-East Asia Regional Assembly of the ICCA Consortium, April, 2025
Making an impact at the regional level through their presentations in the South-East Asia
Regional Assembly of the ICCA Consortium (21-26 April, 2025), held in Lombok, Indonesia,
Watikala Phom from Lemsachenlok and Pentile, member of Sendenyu Community Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Board share their communities’ experiences in conserving their forests. A report detailing this can be read here.
- Published in Latest Post
Community Conserved Areas – National Working Group Meet, May 2025
A National Working Group on Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) was held in Delhi on 9-10
May 2025 to deliberate a roadmap for a comprehensive policy for CCAs in India. Thirteen
individuals from across India participated. These included community representatives and
advocacy group members. Strategic actions for supporting CCAs at the national level through
existing policies, were discussed. A clear structure for the group was given, assigning work
for sub-groups and fixing various coordination responsibilities.
- Published in Latest Post
National Level Workshop on Protected Areas and Women, April, 2025 at Hyderabad
Kalpavriksh, represented by Ishika Patodi and Neha Negi, participated in a National Level
Workshop on Protected Areas and Women, on 24th-25th April, 2025, at Hyderabad. The
workshop is organised by MAKAAM, Dhaatri Trust, Keystone Foundation, and Centre for
People’s Forestry. The consultation will mainly have Adivasi and other traditional forest-
dwelling women from protected areas in different states, both from areas which have been
relocated/affected and from new project sites proposed for relocation. For further details,
please click here.
- Published in Latest Post
Film Screening: Churning the Earth
15 May 2025, 06:30 pm
Venue: C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, IIC main building
Churning the Earth
(43 min; 2024; English)
Produced by Srishti Films and Kalpavriksh, for Vikalp Sangam
Screening will be followed by a discussion with Ashish Kothari, Founder of Kalpavriksh and member of Vikalp Sangam
Film on the powerful stories of ‘Alternative countercurrents’ constructed by ordinary people from different parts of the country in the face of widespread ecological destruction, social injustice and economic deprivation. Several initiatives on sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy from various states are depicted and laced together in a narrative of transformation.
- Published in Announcements
Protected Area Update, Issue No: 173
To read the entire Newsletters please click here Issue No: 173
- Published in Announcements
Marathi Maharashtra Protected Area Update, Issue No: 20
To read the entire Newsletters please click here Issue No: 20
- Published in Announcements