Keystone Foundation Archives

Items

• Keystone 1993 - 2008 & Beyond_poster
  The document discusses the efforts of the Keystone Foundation in the Nilgiris region of Southern India, focusing on the intersection of biodiversity conservation, indigenous livelihoods, and cultural preservation. It highlights the foundation's work with tribal communities, particularly in beekeeping and the sustainable management of non-timber forest products, while addressing challenges such as political marginalization and the need for robust village institutions. The document emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge and practices into conservation strategies, fostering partnerships, and enhancing market access for marginalized groups. It also outlines the diverse ecosystems within the biosphere reserve and the potential for innovative approaches to improve livelihoods while ensuring ecological sustainability.
• PGS ORGANIC_Brouchure
  The document outlines the roles and responsibilities of various groups involved in the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for organic certification in India, emphasizing a collaborative approach among farmers, local groups, and councils to ensure transparency and trust in the certification process. It highlights the importance of community involvement, low-cost certification, and support for small farmers, while also addressing the need for capacity building and education for new organic farmers. The PGS model is designed to cater specifically to the needs of small farmers selling in local markets, promoting sustainable agricultural practices without synthetic chemicals, and fostering social justice and economic sustainability within communities. The document also notes the growing interest in organic products and the challenges faced by small farmers in obtaining certification, positioning PGS as a viable alternative to traditional third-party certification systems.
• Tree Fall Gap_(Organizational Structure)
  The document outlines the mission and organizational structure of the Keystone Foundation, which focuses on eco-development initiatives in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, engaging with indigenous communities to enhance their livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Established in 1993, the foundation has developed various programs centered on natural resource management, organic farming, and cultural preservation, while promoting fair trade and community-based enterprises. It emphasizes participatory approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of indigenous knowledge, aiming to empower local populations and influence policy for better governance. The document also highlights the foundation's partnerships, achievements, and future goals, including the establishment of a producer company to further support local economies.
• Ecological Monitoring Workshop_Auroville_Nov_05
  The document discusses the Soligas, an indigenous tribal community residing in the Biligiri Rangan Hills (BRT), who traditionally engaged in hunting, cultivation, and the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). With the establishment of the BRT as a wildlife sanctuary, the Soligas retained exclusive rights to extract NTFPs through a cooperative called LAMPS. The document highlights sustainable harvesting practices for various tree species, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques to prevent over-exploitation and ensure the longevity of resources. It also addresses the economic contributions of lichen collection to the Soligas' income and suggests community-based monitoring protocols to enhance sustainable practices. Additionally, it touches on the ecological implications of harvesting methods and the need for adaptive management strategies to balance resource use with conservation efforts.
• World Challenge 08
• Tribes of Nilgiri's
• Gaur in My Garden
• Aragani
• Fragile Treasure
• Drone Shot of the campus
• Millets by Ida and Henrik
• 25th Year Celebration
• Poster on Bikki
• Organic Bazaar_Brochure
• Participatory Guarantee System_Brochure
• Book on proceedings of the biodiversity and livelihoods conference_ march 2009
• The Little Things That Run the World
• Living with Gaur
• Keystone Handbook on Honey Hunting
• Adivasis and Livelihoods
• Land And Adivasis
• Honey Hunters and Bee Keepers of Tamilnadu
• Honey Trails in the Blue Mountains
• Protocols for Harvest
  This resource pack emphasizes sustainable harvesting practices for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to balance conservation and livelihoods. It provides guidelines and methodologies for community-based ecological monitoring, incorporating ecological parameters, indigenous knowledge, and traditional practices.
• Forest plants of the Nilgiri's_Southern Nilgiri
  The Forest plants of The Nilgiris_SouthrenNilgiri provides an overview of the Pillur Valley, located in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its diverse ecosystems, including dry deciduous forests, riparian forests, and grasslands, along with their unique plant species. It emphasizes the importance of wild edible tubers, rhizomes, and young shoots in the diets of indigenous communities, particularly the Irula people, who possess traditional knowledge about harvesting these resources sustainably. The document also acknowledges contributions from various individuals and organizations in ecological monitoring and expresses concern over the declining knowledge of plant uses among younger generations. Additionally, it aims to document and preserve local ecological knowledge while promoting awareness of the region's rich biodiversity and the need for its conservation.