It is an accepted fact that traditional livelihood patterns are closely linked to an intimate understanding of the local ecology and inbuilt mechanisms of resource conservation. Over the last few decades, with the rapid depletion of forests, fertile farm lands and other natural ecosystems, this symbiotic relationship between ecosystems and livelihoods is being steadily destroyed. Kaigal Trust strives to address this issue by documenting and validating the traditional knowledge systems of the tribals and farmers by building capacity for better livelihoods and contributing to conservation.
Celebrating World Environment Day
Some of the basic principles followed by Kaigal Trust that ensure sustainable income generation and biodiversity conservation are:
- Using local bio-resources for local livelihood
- Following Fair Trade Practices that support local forest collectors and farmers who supply the raw materials
- Augmenting income for the community enterprise through trade in Value Added bio-resources
- Empowering women and youth through skill building in value addition, processing techniques and sale of goods
- Partnering with Foundation for Education Ecology and Livelihood in forest and biodiversity conservation
