Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF)

Mission

Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) is an Indian NGO that works with local communities to conserve community owned forests; establishing projects which derive an income from standing forest rather than an income from felling trees. AERF prioritise educating communities about the value of biodiversity, engaging local people in conservation activities and working with them to develop income based on the sustainable use of forest resources. AERF’s main aim is conservation on the ground allowing a tangible difference at the grassroots level through maximum action and through engaging with range of stakeholders.

History

Since its founding in 1994, AERF has been engaged in creating a link between conservation research and its actual use in the practices of sustainable development. AERF believes that establishing this link would aid not only ecosystem protection but also contribute in poverty alleviation.

AERF has been working in areas where no other conservation mechanisms exist i.e. legal protection is not available for the open access forests from Northern Western Ghats of India . While treading this lesser-travelled path, the foundation has been able to identify core areas of work in order to achieve maximum impact and ensure that the forests and its people thrive through a symbiotic relationship.

Partnership with WLT

World Land Trust (WLT) became partners with AERF in 2015 following a site visit to India by WLT programmes staff and a following visit to the UK by AERF joint-Director Jayant Sarnaik. WLT FUNDED PROJECTS In 2018 AERF and WLT signed the first 10 year conservation agreement in the Kuyle-Phansavale corridor to protect 17.5 hectares (43 acres) of forest habitat in the Western Ghats. • Leveraging socio-economic benefits of ecosystem services for sacred groves conservation in the Western Ghats of India. • Scaling up certified supply chains for biodiversity conservation in the northern Western Ghats, India.

Other Activities

AERF has undertaken livelihood based projects that contribute to conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, eg. Promoting Eco challahs, promoting deforestation free value chains, using international certification for sustainable use of biodiversity . AERF has been working for revival of traditional forest conservation systems known as sacred groves. Rewarding conservation stewards and Champions, building capacity of stakeholders also form part of AERF activities. AERF has been engaged in protecting Giant trees in the NWG landscape for over five years and protected more than 8000 giant trees of various RET and sacred species.

Contact Details

CEO/Executive Director: Dr Archana Godbole

Website: aerfindia.org