The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is a prominent Indian non-profit organization focused on the conservation of nature and natural resources through the principle of collective community action. Headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, FES works across several states in India, operating at the critical intersection of ecology, rural livelihoods, and local governance.
FES's core philosophy is that the restoration and sustainable management of natural ecosystems can only be achieved by empowering local communities to take ownership of their shared resources. The organization's work is centered on the concept of the "Commons"?shared, community-managed resources such as village pastures (grazing lands), forests, wastelands, and water bodies. These common resources are vital for the livelihoods of millions of rural poor in India, providing fodder, fuel, water, and other essential products. FES works to protect these commons from degradation and ensure they are governed equitably and sustainably by the communities that depend on them.
Core Business and Working Model
FES's "business" is ecological restoration and social empowerment. It is not a traditional charity that simply implements projects; rather, it acts as a facilitator and a catalyst, strengthening the capacity of local democratic institutions to manage their own environment. Their model is a long-term, deeply engaged process.
The typical FES intervention follows a structured approach:
Engagement with Local Communities: FES begins by working with Gram Panchayats (village councils) and Gram Sabhas (village assemblies), the foundational units of local self-governance in India.
Mapping and Demarcation: Using participatory methods and modern technology like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), FES helps communities map and identify the boundaries of their common lands. This is a crucial first step in asserting community rights and planning for restoration.
Strengthening Local Governance: This is the heart of FES's work. They assist communities in framing and agreeing upon rules, regulations, and management plans for their commons. This includes establishing norms for resource extraction (e.g., how much fodder each family can collect), protection measures (e.g., social fencing or appointing watchmen), and mechanisms for resolving conflicts.
Securing Tenure and Rights: FES provides critical support to communities to help them secure legal tenure and rights over their common resources under national and state laws, such as the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This legal recognition empowers communities to protect their resources from encroachment and external threats.
Ecological Restoration: Once a robust governance system is in place, FES provides technical expertise and support for ecological restoration activities. These activities are implemented by the community members themselves, creating local employment and fostering a sense of ownership.
Products and Services (Programs and Activities)
As an NGO, FES's "products and services" are the diverse programs and support systems it offers to rural communities, governments, and other civil society organizations.
1. Technical Support for Ecological Restoration
FES provides hands-on technical guidance and knowledge for a range of on-the-ground ecological interventions.
Soil and Water Conservation: Designing and implementing measures like contour trenches, check dams, and percolation tanks to slow down water runoff, prevent soil erosion, and recharge groundwater.
Afforestation and Reforestation: Assisting in the selection of appropriate native plant and grass species for plantation on degraded lands to restore biodiversity and improve biomass cover.
Pastureland Development: Revitalizing degraded village grazing lands (pastures) to improve the availability and quality of fodder for livestock, which is a critical economic asset for rural families.
2. Capacity Building and Training
FES is a major training and resource organization, building the skills and knowledge of various stakeholders.
Community Training: Conducting training for village leaders and community members on principles of ecological conservation, financial management, conflict resolution, and understanding their legal rights.
Training for Government Officials: Partnering with government bodies to train elected representatives and local government functionaries on how to support community-led conservation efforts.
3. GIS and Spatial Data Services
FES leverages technology to empower communities with data and planning tools.
Participatory GIS Mapping: Helping villages create detailed maps of their natural resources, which serve as a powerful tool for planning, management, and asserting legal claims.
Monitoring and Assessment: Using remote sensing and GIS to monitor land-use changes, assess the impact of restoration efforts, and provide data-backed insights to communities and policymakers.
4. Policy Advocacy and Research
FES uses its extensive field experience to influence and shape environmental policy.
Informing Policy: Engaging with state and national governments to advocate for policies that recognize and strengthen community-based conservation and the governance of the commons.
Knowledge Generation: Conducting research and publishing reports, articles, and books on the commons, contributing valuable data and analysis to the academic and development sectors. FES maintains one of the most comprehensive databases on common lands in India.
5. Facilitating Access to Government Schemes
FES acts as a bridge, helping rural communities access and leverage government funding and programs (like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act - MGNREGA) to carry out ecological restoration work on their common lands.
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