Junglescapes Charitable Trust

A significant portion of buffer or reserve forest areas suffers from considerable degradation. Situated on the outskirts of villages, these forests exhibit sparse forest cover of 20% or less, exacerbated by excessive grazing by domestic cattle. Reforestation of these lands holds the potential to enhance forest cover, thereby expanding habitats for wildlife and safeguarding vital migratory corridors. We collaborate closely with Village Forest Committees and EDCs on such endeavors, employing a combination of active reforestation methods such as planting saplings and passive (low-cost) techniques like supporting natural juvenile plants, constructing rainwater harvesting trenches, and removing invasive species like lantana. All activities are carried out by village communities, who derive economic benefits from the process. Our innovative model fosters urban sponsorship for these initiatives, ensuring their sustainability in the long run.

Many forest areas in South India experience limited rainfall and remain arid for a considerable part of the year. Water harvesting plays a crucial role in enhancing the water table and consequently improving the health of foliage. We collaborate with Village Forest Committees on water harvesting projects along afforested areas, implementing strategies such as water trenches, ponds, and low-cost check dams. One major benefit of these initiatives is the augmented availability of water for wildlife during dry seasons. Additionally, downstream village lands witness a notable improvement in the water table as a result of these efforts.