Annual Report
2024-25
Restoring depleted ecosystems, reviving democracies at the local
level,
reducing poverty and hunger.
Collaborating locally and globally to promote a Commons approach in the governance of shared natural resources.
Providing a framework to integrate social-economic and ecological functions and their dynamic interactions as critical to livelihood outcomes.
Learning from and working with our partners to evolve conservation action appropriate to every community and region.
Improving gender parity by promoting the participation of women and increasing their involvement in governance processes.
Our Mission
As 'ecological security' is the foundation of sustainable and equitable development, the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is committed to strengthening, reviving, or restoring, where necessary, the process of ecological succession and the conservation of land, forest and water resources in the country.
Recent Updates
Research, Resources and Publications
Our Core
Ecological Restoration
We pursue ecological security with rural communities at multiple levels, linking traditional and modern knowledge systems and methods that place these communities at the centre of every decision-making process.
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Local Governance
We work towards a rights-based management system that fosters community ownership. We seek equitable environmental governance through collaboration with the government, and with local communities.
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Enhancing Livelihoods
We believe that resilience can be found through systemic sustainability; through the better management of our Commons and farming methods, by strengthening livelihoods with improved economic opportunities.
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Our Collaborative Reach
As on Mar 2025
0
Village Institutions
Strengthened
9604
Through FES
Teams
35280
Through NGO
Partnerships
20092
Through Government
Partnerships
0
Million Lives
Impacted
6.28
Through FES
Teams
16.89
Through NGO
Partnerships
17.20
Through Government
Partnerships
0
Million Acres of Commons
under Community Governance
2.73
Through FES
Teams
10.55
Through NGO
Partnerships
4.38
Through Government
Partnerships
Click on a state for specific impact information.
*Map not to scale
Click on a state for specific impact information.
*Map not to scale
Coordination Office
Through State Level Engagements
Registered Office
Partner Project District
State Office
FES & Partner Project District
FES Project District
Implementing Partners
Testimonials
"Efforts towards restoring our Commons have brought back greenery and recharged groundwater. It has also brought back the native broom grass (Aristida setacea), which was vanishing from our Commons. This has helped in our traditional livelihood of broom making. It fetches me INR 5,000/- in a month. We now understand that restoring our forests is necessary for improving our lives as well."
Bochu Ademma
Member, Thimmayapalem Ummadi Vanarula Abhivriddhi Samithi (UVAS), Thimmayapalem Village, Sri Potti Sriramulu (SPSR) Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh
"Over the past four years, the women in our village have led collective efforts to protect and restore our forests. A major part of this involves collecting seeds, making and dispersing seed balls and planting saplings of native species. This has helped bring greenery back to barren areas. We selected species like Mango, Jackfruit, Jamkoli, Charkoli, and others to revive the tree varieties that can also support our livelihood."
Birma Jani
Member, Gupteswar Producer Group Jhimkiguda Village, Koraput District, Odisha
"Six years ago, our charagah was dry and barren, with grasses that our livestock would not eat. Through community efforts, we undertook soil and water conservation and formulated rules for grazing. Slowly, native grasses like Karad, Buhari, and Sevan returned. Their seeds now spread naturally. This year, we had abundant fodder, which we even shared with nearby villages. Our pastures are healthier and so are our livestock."
Gautamlalji Meena
VI Member, Hanuman Gram Vikas Samiti, Belari Village, Pratapgarh District, Rajasthan
"Forest fires damaged our grasslands, eroding soil and destroying native flora, including fodder, and Non-Timber Forest Produce. We, collectively, organised campaigns to control forest fires, and also restored our Commons. Now, forest fires have reduced significantly and our Gomala is flourishing again with increased availability of water, medicinal herbs, fruits like sitaphal, and native fodder species."
M. Venkateshappa
President, Marsanapalli Grama Abhivriddhi Sangha, Marasanapalli Village, Bagepalli District, Karnataka
"All women in our village ensure that we follow sustainable harvesting of NTFPs. While collecting Sal seeds, we take care not to cut or break any branches. We’ve also stopped the practice of burning the forest floor to clear the area, a major cause of forest fires in the past. Instead, we now sweep the ground to make seed collection easier. These small steps are helping our Sal trees thrive and reducing the risk of forest fires. In doing so, we’re not just protecting our forests, but also securing our livelihoods for the future."
Kiran Nishad
Agharia Village, Lormi Block, Mungeli District, Chhattisgarh
"Our forest was getting covered with Lantana, and we were losing the native trees and the forest produce we depend on. Since 2016, through community action, we have eradicated Lantana from 247 acres of our forests. Trees like Tendu, Saja, Dhawda, and Kousum are slowly coming back, and we are seeing an increase in production of mushrooms, tubers, and Mahua. These are important for our nutrition and livelihood. We are working to restore the rest of our forests too."
Chotelal Saiyyam
President, Gram Paryavaran Samiti, Amjhar Village, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh
"Through the Village Ecological Register, we began documenting changes in biodiversity and our traditional practices related to it. We realised that we are losing some important tree species like Guggal, Dhawda, Khakhra, and medicinal plants such as Amla, Avadiya, and Jiji. We now discuss this in meetings and involve youth, so that our traditional knowledge is passed to future generations."
Taviyad Sankaliben Bharatbhai
Panchayat Ward Member, Motirath Village, Mahisagar District, Gujarat
"The river and ponds were once silent witnesses to our lives, always there, yet overlooked. That changed when we got the CFR title under the Forest Rights Act. Through the CFRMC and Gram Sabha, we stopped unsustainable fishing practices, set seasonal rules, and began tracking every catch, reviving not just nature but also our livelihoods and pride. On the personal front, I no longer have to migrate for work; the income from selling surplus fish has enabled me to support my children’s education too."
Chandrakala Shankar Katenge
CFRMC Member, Sonpur Village, Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra
"Our own neglect led to forest degradation. Realising this, we began protecting and restoring our forests. Today, degraded patches are regenerating, traditional water sources are flowing again, and soil and air quality have improved, breathing new life into our village. Native birds like the kalij pheasant, hornbill, and red jungle fowl, along with mammals such as hoolock gibbon, wild boar, black bear, and more have returned. A richer variety of plants and medicinal herbs now thrive. As active CCA committee members, this journey has empowered us and transformed our community for a better future."
Silme Sangma
Secretary, Women’s Committee, Rogtra Gittim Village, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya
"Our forests, managed for generations, are now facing significant challenges. With timely support, we’ve now developed a long-term vision to protect our biodiversity. The community collectively initiated a Forest Sustainability and Development Fund (FSDF), strengthening local leadership and fostering biodiversity stewards for sustainable forest management. We are now happy to witness the return of some of the native species like Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Hollock (Terminalia myriocarpa) and Bogipoma (Chukrasia tabularis)."
Hilo Pojar
Chairperson, JFMC, Akhen Village, Phek District, Nagaland
"Over the past few years, birds like the Gorrai had nearly vanished from our forests. Even Chelakchela, Tiptipi, and Pirango were rarely seen, likely due to erratic rainfall and habitat disturbance. But with our continued efforts to protect the forest and restore habitats, these birds are now returning. This gives us hope and clearly indicates that our work can make a real difference for restoring our forests — our lifeline."
Rajesh Toppo
FRC President, Karramunda Village, Simdega District, Jharkhand
"Our village is near the Barak River, where fishing is an important part of our tradition. We celebrate festivals like Khajoito honour this bond. When fish numbers started to decline due to harmful practices, we came together and made rules: no fishing during the breeding season, no use of chemicals, and no fishing by outsiders. Now the fish are returning and we are happy to see it."
Malung R
Community Member, Willong Pangmaram Village, Senapati District, Manipur
"We make sure no one harms or exploits our common lands so that they flourish. Most families in our village rely on collecting many produce from the Commons, like Ullinji, Bikki, honey, SaaraPappu and Kunkudukaya for daily needs. We usually trade them for rice and sometimes for money, which helps us get by."
Kadirappa
President of VI Nakkalavarikota Village, Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh
"Attending the training and meetings on forest-based livelihoods has been an incredible experience. Recognition of our traditional practices amongst the government functionaries and officers was a proud moment for the community. Using digital tools like Open Data Kit (ODK), Participatory Digital Attestation (PDA), and Zoom for training has made me more connected and efficient in my work, allowing me to dream of a better life."
Menka Jayaswal
Woman Leader, Ghughra Village, Koriya District, Chhattisgarh
"As we collectively started managing our forests, we noticed that our farming improved. The forest naturally enriches our fields, reducing our dependance on chemical fertilisers, and our crops are thriving. Now, the annual income of 60 families farming on 80 acres of agricultural land has increased by INR 20,000. Additionally, 50 families are also earning income through the sale of forest produce."
Bharubhai Akhmabhai Dindor
Chaiperson, Gram Vikas Mandal, Kosamba Village, Mahisagar District, Gujarat
"By unlocking and promoting the natural treasures of our local forests, such as honey and mushrooms, we can enhance our tourism experience, support local artisans, and celebrate the rich biodiversity of our region. It is essential to protect the unique flavours of our wilderness and foster sustainable practices that benefit both our community and the environment."
Devender Thakur
Pradhan Forest Rights Committee, Bahu Village, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
"The recognition of Community Forest Rights over our forests has transformed our lives. This year, we connected with the AAK group from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, securing an order for 25 tonnes of Sarai seeds at INR 20.50/kg, as against the earlier INR 5-10/kg rate. This nearly doubled our income, significantly enhancing our livelihoods and empowering our community. We are committed to further protecting and restoring our forests for future generations."
Suryamani Bhagat
Community Leader, Kotari Village, Ranchi District, Jharkhand
"Our village has 100 acres of Gomala land that used to be barren. After forming a Village Institution, we began restoring it. Now, we harvest custard apples, neem, and pongamia seeds. Many families, including ours, depend on these products. The income we earn helps with our children’s education and other important needs. We are committed to improving and conserving the Gomala for the future."
Nandini
Community Member, Guttapalya Village, Bagepalli District, Karnataka
"I practice natural farming, and have experienced how deeply connected the Commons are to our livelihoods. Everything I need for natural farming—leaves for pest repellents, termite soil for jeevamrit, and wood for agricultural tools—comes from the Commons. Our traditional food and medicines are tied to the forest, reducing our reliance on expensive chemicals. Without the Commons, neither my farm nor my livestock would survive."
Rekha Dhumketi
Executive Committee member - Gram Paryavaran Samiti, Kanskheda, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh
"Much of our forest is infested with invasive species, hindering access and degrading our Commons. To curb this, the Gram Sabha, as PIA, now plans to implement forest restoration efforts by leveraging MGNREGS. Our goal is to remove invasive plants and nurture native saplings, reviving biodiversity and boosting the availability of NTFPs, which is vital for sustaining our livelihoods."
Devaji Watti
President, CFRMC, Chichewada Village, Kurkheda Village, Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra
"During the past few decades, forests were being cut down for farming, and we soon felt the impact: water scarcity, rising temperatures, and reduced rainfall. Recognising the urgency, we turned to our traditional rules and bylaws to conserve our forests. In just three years, we have seen improvements in water quality, motivating us to continue our conservation efforts."
Mr. Shimthing Vashum
Community member, Tingsong Khunou Village, Senapati, Manipur
"By establishing the CCA and forming the Demnar Community Forest Conservation Area (CFCA) Committee, we have not only reaffirmed our commitment to protecting our natural resources, but also brought together the entire community, especially women, who are now leading the conservation and sustainable management of both the CCA and the surrounding forests. Today, our village stands united, with a deepened understanding of the critical importance of conserving forests and water — not just for our well-being, but for the generations yet to come."
Baksingland Lyngdoh Tongkhar
Rangbah Shnong (Village Head) and CCA Chairperson, Demnar Village, South West, Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya
"For generations, we have been proudly sustaining and managing our shared resources through traditional practices such as the Zabo system. Through this system, we safeguard water, prevent soil erosion, support sustainable farming, forestry, and provide water and fodder for our livestock. Preserving these natural resources, secures our livelihoods and ensures our land and environment thrive for future generations."
Vezohu Tunyir
Chairman, JFMC, Kikruma Village, Phek District, Nagaland
"In our village, our livelihood is deeply connected to the resources around us. We recognise their value and take care of them with respect and responsibility. This is why we protect our Commons and prefer not to allow outsiders to exploit them. We have a guard that ensures this, and rules for ourselves that help balance our needs with the health of the forest."
Lata Khara
Women member of Champakenda CFRMC, Champakenda Village, Koraput District, Odisha
"After establishing rules for proper management of our pasturelands, we saw an increase in fodder production. We began collecting these grass seeds through Self Help Group (SHGs) and VIs, and shared them with neighbouring villages to support their restoration efforts. Our efforts have fostered unity and pride, enabling us to protect our pasturelands, while helping restore hundreds of acres in our region."
Rekha Garasiya
Community Resource Person, Kundlawas Village, Udaipur, Rajasthan
