Programme areas
- Endangered species and ecosystems
- Wetlands conservation and sustainable use
- Environmental contamination
- Ecological economics
- Advocacy and awareness creation
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Endangered species and ecosystems
SAF intends to initiate studies on species that require urgent conservation programmes. A multidisciplinary, integrated study on the structure and function of a tropical evergreen ecosystem is one of the long-term objectives of SAF.
Wetlands - their conservation and sustainable use
The conservation of wetlands has not yet received the importance that it deserves. As a result they disappear at an alarming rate in most parts of the country leading to acute water scarcity. This apart, the economic potentials of wetlands are not fully realized and harnessed for the benefit of the people. This is possible without compromising the biodiversity values of wetlands, and it is therefore necessary to demonstrate the sustainable utilization of wetlands. To start with, SAF has identified a wetland (Katampally) in Kannur District, Kerala where a project is being formulated in association with local organizations and forest officials.
Our life support systems in most parts of the country are contaminated beyond tolerable limits, mainly because of the indiscriminate use of pesticides and untreated effluents from factories. A recent study shows that not one of 170 wetlands studied from 14 states in the country is free from pesticides and heavy metal contamination.
We intend to take up site specific projects in collaboration with established, reliable laboratories and make the results known to the public to create awareness. Apart from doing original work, focus would equally be on creating awareness among the public on environmental contamination, especially contamination of food materials. SAF would also act as catalysts to propagate organic farming which ultimately is the only alternative to pesticides.
There is an urgent need to evaluate and project the intangible benefits of ecosystems and species. At least a gross estimate is to be made for each state of the country in such a manner that the values of ecosystems should be reflected in the resource accounts and, even while states budgets are prepared. The current system is such that the value of ecosystem services have to be converted in terms of money for people to appreciate its value. SAF has already initiated a state-wise programme.
Advocacy and awareness creation
Programmes are envisaged for different levels of people, from laymen to students, politicians, bureaucrats and judiciary.
SAF believes that while economic evaluation of ecosystems should be done better, it also aims to increase ecological sensitivities in economists. Such a programme is being designed. Attractive programmes to inculcate love for nature to help restore the recently declined population of urban birds are being designed.
A home bird sanctuary for houses and mini bird sanctuary for the public, school and college gardens are being pursued. SAF will provide consultancy and also help establishing the same.
Environmental Impact Assessment
SAF would offer EIA for any major projects such as industries, river valley projects and forestry operations or any activities that would affect the biodiversity and environment.
1. Bringing more winged friends to the Saint-Gobain Glass Complex
A blue print was prepared for a bird park in the campus of the Saint - Gobain Glass Complex in Sriperumbadur near Chennai. The aim of this project was to create awareness among corporate bodies regarding conservation.
2. An evaluation of the Athirappilly hydroelectric project and its impact on biodiversity
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposes a hydroelectric project across Chalakudy River in Trichur district to generate 163 MW of power at an estimated cost of Rs 650 crores. On the recommendations of WAPCOS (Water and Power Consultancy Services), the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has cleared the project. Realizing the importance of the Athirappilly area for biodiversity conservation, SAF has taken up a study; thoroughly evaluating the pros and cons of the project, its impact on biodiversity, cost – effectiveness and alternatives for power generation. The report was sent to the Prime Minister and other higher officials. It is now learned that the technical committee of the River Valley Projects of the Ministry of Environment and Forests is reconsidering the entire project.
3. An evaluation of the Pathrakadavu hydroelectric project and its impact on the biodiversity
The Kerala State Electricity Board proposes another hydroelectric project across the Kunthi River, just outside the famous Silent Valley National Park in Kerala to produce just 60MW of power. This also has been cleared by the MoEF. SAF is undertaking a study on the possible impact on the biodiversity of the area, as the area is contiguous to the forests of Silent Valley and is known to have several endemic and endangered species. More details regarding this issue will be available soon.
4. Rise of the House Sparrow in Chennai
Once a common bird, the House Sparrow Passer domesticus has today become locally extinct or rare in parts of the country. This seems to be a worldwide trend, and the same phenomenon has been observed in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. The possible reasons are: the use of pesticides in agricultural fields as well as in home gardens, lack of nesting sites in cities as modern concrete structures give little room for the sparrows to nest, and lack of food material. This project is aimed at documenting the decline of sparrows and restoring their populations in Chennai.
5. Conservation and wise use of wetlands
SAF has a deep interest in the conservation of wetland ecosystems and determining their sustainable usage by our society. Effective conservation of such resources can be achieved only while preserving the biodiversity values and ecological functioning of wetlands while simultaneously taking into account the social and economic needs of the people living around them. As a demonstration of the same, a project is being formulated in collaboration with the forest officials of Kerala for the Katampally wetlands in Kannur district.
6. Changes in the avian habitats across the country
Sálim Ali surveyed the entire country for its bird wealth between 1925 and 1950. Along with the collections he made on the birds in each site, he has maintained meticulous notes on the habitat of each of the species. It is now envisaged to document the changes in these very areas and also see whether the same species still occur there. This project will be undertaken in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society.
7. A Book on Sálim Ali – the quintessential man
Although Sálim Ali’s stupendous achievements and monumental contributions to the Indian ornithology are known to the world through the deluge of his publications and books, one does not know Sálim Ali and the finer human qualities of one of the world's top class scientists – the quintessential man. This can be brought out only by those who have worked with him, knew him intimately and shared the trials and tribulations of field biology. It is therefore thought to invite pieces from them narrating the personal experiences they had with Sálim Ali in order to showcase the versatile personality of India's foremost birdman.
8. Nature Education Programme
One of the major objectives of the SAF is to inculcate and increase awareness of nature, biodiversity and India's conservation issues among students, researchers and professionals in varied walks of life. Several talks and presentations are delivered at educational institutions, organisations, and at various gatherings on matters related to conservation. A total of ten presentations have been made between June 2006 and January 2007.