The Habitats Trust Launches Multi-City Symposium Series in Jaipur

Jaipur: The Habitats Trust, a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to conserving India’s natural habitats and native species, inaugurated its multi-city symposium series with a successful event in Jaipur today. Hosted at Hotel Arya Niwas, the symposium gathered a vibrant group of biodiversity conservationists and enthusiasts.

The symposium’s primary goal was to empower grassroots conservationists by providing them with the skills to design effective, time-bound project proposals capable of attracting grants. Despite India’s rich biodiversity, which includes 7-8% of all recorded species globally and four of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, conservation often takes a backseat to immediate human needs. The Habitats Trust aims to bridge this gap by supporting conservationists in securing institutional backing and fostering networking among conservation organisations.

Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, emphasises collective conservation efforts’ importance. “We believe in ensuring ecological functionality for the benefit of both the natural world and human wellbeing, with a special focus on lesser-known species and habitats,” he said.

The symposium also highlighted the opening of The Habitats Trust Grants application portal, which will remain open until July 1. With grants worth Rs 2.75 crores, the initiative supports innovative and replicable conservation projects. The grants are divided into two categories: THT Conservation Grant, providing Rs 1 crore each to two organisations, and THT Action Grant, awarding Rs 25 lakhs each to three urgent conservation projects.

Previous grant recipients, including the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History and Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, have successfully launched projects to conserve subterranean cave habitats and the endangered Forest Owlet.

The Habitats Trust’s impactful work extends nationwide, collaborating with NGOs and government bodies like the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Indian Navy. Key projects include conservation efforts in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and preserving the endangered Hoolock Gibbons in Northeastern India.

For more information and to apply for the grants, visit The Habitats Trust.