Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment

About ATREE

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is a charitable trust dedicated to conserving biodiversity in all its dimensions, biological, social and economical. ATREE was established in 1996 and is based in Bangalore.

Philosophy

ATREE combines the principles of ecology and economics to undertake and promote scientific and outreach activities that advance protection of the environment, conservation of bio-diversity and sustainable use of natural resources.

Scope of activities

ATREE is actively engaged in the following areas

• Research
  The focus of research is centered around conservation of natural ecosystems and diversity of ecosystems, results of which, are used for the benefit of present and future generations. The vigorous research programs at ATREE aim at bridging the gap between information needed for conservation and implementation of successful conservation programmes.
• Education
  ATREE regularly offers educational programs for school, college and university students and teachers, as well as for interested professionals. ATREE's educational programs are based on its staff expertise in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.
• Outreach
  ATREE’s outreach programs are similar to its educational programs in objective, which aim at capacity building, creating awareness and providing a forum for discussion, debate and exchange of information about the environment.
• Policy development and improvement
  ATREE has undertaken various programs to facilitate policy improvement. ATREE Begins by analyzing existing policies with regard to conservation and management of forest resources, then identifies areas for change and improvement with the focus of strengthening existing policies and finally proposes new policies through discussions, sharing of ideas and information with policy makers.
• Institution collaborative ventures
  ATREE fosters collaboration with other likeminded individuals and organizations, and provides support to its partners to promote conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and poverty alleviation.

Profile of Projects in the Western Ghats

ATREE has undertaken a number of projects in the Western Ghats. Here’s a glimpse of some of the most recent

• The Impact of anthropogenic disturbance on pollination and seed dispersal of canopy trees in the wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, funded by the International Foundation for Science. The main aim of the project is to identify tree species that are critically dependent on animals for maintaining steady populations, and species that are most vulnerable to human disturbance. For further details contact tganesh@atree.org
• Integrating Conservation, Livelihoods and Awareness: A Comprehensive Natural Resource Management Programme in the Western Ghats funded by NORAD, which aims to establish and explore the role of SHGs in fostering alternative livelihoods and accomplishing community based conservation. For further details contact info@atree.org
• Gap Analysis for Biodiversity Conservation of the Western Ghats, funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The project involves a gap analysis of the Western Ghats to identify areas with high levels of bio diversity that need to be incorporated into the Protected Area framework.. For further information please contact jagdish@atree.org
• Impact of land-use change on land snail assemblage in Western Ghats funded by the International Foundation of Science. The study aims to determine the impact of conversion of primary evergreen forests to different land uses on the land snail assemblage in the Western Ghats. For further information please contact aravind@atree.org

Contact Address

Dr. Gladwin Joseph
Director
659, 5th A Main, Hebbal
Bangalore 560 024
India
Tel: 080- 353 0069 / 3533942
Fax: 080- 3530070
Email: director@atree.org, Web site: www.atree.org