Habitat Ecological Trust - Conservation and Restoration

Preserving Nature & Natural Habitats for a Sustainable Future

What We Do:

Action Research

HABITAT conducts multidisciplinary research activities in various subjects. Besides regular research, the institute has undertaken initiatives in creating an Ecological Database, ecological models for pasture restoration, community-based forest restoration, and degraded land reclamation. The institute has research facilities and field research equipment with appropriate accessories to operate in-house and field programmes.

Pictured here: Participatory Watershed Development in Chhota Udepur (Gujarat)

Technical Services

HABITAT provides a wide range of technical and analytical services related to the environment, natural resources, and ecology. Key offerings include education programs, training on resource management, events focused on ecological issues, development of herbariums and seed banks, and research materials to build capacity. The goal is to promote awareness, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Pictured here: Dr Leena Gupta in action at Biodiversity Mahayatra in Chhota Udepur. Gujarat

Herbarium

The Herbarium at HABITAT houses over 2000 meticulously cataloged floral specimens collected across diverse Indian habitats, encompassing a spectrum of uses and ecological classifications, to serve as an invaluable resource for botanical research, conservation efforts, and exploring India's rich plant biodiversity.

Pictured here: A sample from the herbarium

Herb and Seed Bank

HABITAT maintains a seed bank of agro-diverse and wild species, along with an herb bank containing over 300 seeds, and a large collection of medicinal plant parts - leaves, stems, rhizomes, fruits, roots - commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and for developing healthy, nutritious foods.

Pictured here: A glimpse from the herb and seed bank

Biodiversity Culinary

HABITAT's Culinary training and guidance showcases the utilization of 400+ wild edibles and 2,000+ traditional recipes to promote biodiversity culinary - prioritizing indigenous ingredients to research biodiversity's role in ensuring food security and sovereignty. This approach supports local farms and agriculture, preserves recipes and foodways, promotes healthy diverse diets, and connects people to nature and heritage.

Pictured here: Presented at International Terra Madre. Turino (Italy 2016)

Library & Documentation

The HABITAT library houses 2,000+ books and research papers on ecology, biodiversity, climate crisis, ecological economics and democracy, plus 500+ reports on Indian ecological issues, training/educational materials, Acts/Amendments, and kids awareness books and games - altogether serving as a comprehensive resource for research, learning, and mass awareness.