Despite approximately 25% of India being covered by forests, the alarming rate of deforestation places us as the second-highest contributor globally. The ever grouping population, human-wildlife conflicts, dependency of locals on forest resources, the absence of wildlife corridors, unpredictable weather patterns, industrial encroachment, mining areas close to the forest, and illegal wildlife activities like poaching & animal trading are some of the key challenges our forests are facing today.
Our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond mere lip service. We not only champion eco-tourism and upliftment of local communities but also strive to instil a culture of environmental awareness and sensitivity among urban dwellers.
Our jungle trips and camps serve as more than recreational excursions. They are immersive experiences that educate our guests about the ecosystems they encounter, the challenges wildlife faces, and the vital role we can play in conservation efforts. By actively engaging our guests, we aim to foster a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to contribute voluntarily and make their vacations not just leisurely escapes but meaningful acts of conservation.
Embedded in our values is the concept of eco-tourism i.e. a responsible and sustainable form of tourism centered around exploring natural environments, promoting conservation, and supporting the wellbeing of local communities. Our commitment to eco-tourism involves a primary focus on the upliftment of these communities, manifesting in our direct involvement with villages surrounding the forests and strategic partnerships with NGOs dedicated to local welfare.
A portion of our proceeds from every camp & trip is directed towards various upliftment activities, ensuring that our commitment to eco-tourism translates into tangible benefits for local communities.
We take pride in our association with the Ran Mangli Foundation, an NGO working in collaboration with the forest department to empower forest-neighboring communities. This foundation is dedicated to upskilling these communities, reducing their reliance on the forest, and actively contributing to wilderness conservation. Our association is rooted in personal observations, positive feedback from local villages, and the exemplary commitment demonstrated by Mr. Anirudh Chaoji, the founder of Ran Mangli Foundation.
Mr. Anirudh Chaoji, an experienced ecologist and ecotourism expert, has a rich history in wildlife and adventure camping organizations. His early retirement from his own company ‘Pugmarks’ marked a shift to his true calling— working with the local villages starting with Melghat Tiger Reserve and later moving to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Today he travels all over the country and abroad and is a much respected Naturalist and community builder. Anirudh’s work revolves around involving local communities in conservation, earning him recognition as one of the ’50 amazing ambassadors of sustainable travel’ by Condé Nast Traveller in 2019. He has been instrumental in training forest guides and uplifting the ladies of the villages as well to be forest guides. He is fondly known as “Guru ji” (i.e. Teacher) by all.
Forestale commends the ongoing efforts of the organization and continues to support them in their endeavor to build communities.
Our commitment to conservation is an ongoing journey. We plan to intensify our efforts by spreading awareness and building a robust conservation community. A particular emphasis will be placed on instilling environmental values in children through school initiatives. Future seminars will aim to educate and encourage individuals to join our cause, and we actively seek partnerships with genuine NGOs aligned with our mission.
Additionally, we are adopting villages neighboring the forests, aiming to provide comprehensive support through community service, ensuring a positive impact on their overall well-being.
We acknowledge that this mission is not a solo endeavor. We invite volunteers to join us in reaching out to those in need, building a community of dedicated advocates for Nature & Wildlife. We encourage ideas and suggestions as we strive to implement effective strategies for furthering our cause.
We strongly advocate for the investment of ‘Time’ over mere financial contributions. Speak with our team today to explore how you can invest your time and effort in making a positive impact on someone’s life, turning your vacation into a transformative experience.
We firmly believe that meaningful change occurs when each individual contributes in their unique way, thereby forming a united community of nature advocates.
