The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific

Around two thirds of India's natural areas are threatened by non-native plant species, making this one of the country's biggest conservation challenges. With a goal of reducing the reoccurrence of high-priority floral invasives in India, The Nature Conservancy Centre India is working together on the design and implementation of field pilots to help conserve their native landscapes. Improving ecological health in these landscapes requires replicable models that combine the removal of invasive species and restoration, requiring large-scale financing which remains a major hurdle to overcome. To address these issues, key experts like Vinod Mathur (Biodiversity Authority India’s Former Chairperson) and Ninad Mungi (Assistant Professor at the Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere, ECONOVO) have gathered at a recent workshop to discuss next steps. Organized by Dr. Sushil Saigal, Dr. Aditya Gangadharan, Sunpreet Kaur and Dr. Roshni Arora, other distinguished participants include Shri. Aseem Shrivastava, IFS (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests PCCF & Head of Forest Force, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department); Shri. Ranjan Mishra (PCCF Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand Forest Department); Shri. Ravindra Mani Tripathi, IFS (Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve); Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS (Field Director, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve) and Dr. Ritesh Ram (Institute of Wood Science and Technology). 🔗Learn more about The Nature Conservancy Centre India’s ongoing initiatives: https://nature.ly/3EfS1vV #ThoughtLeadership #InvasivePlant #ProtectNativeSpecies #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Ninad Mungi; © Dr VB Mathur; © Aditya Gangadharan 1. An uprooted pile of an invasive species of plant (Lantana camara bushes) in the middle of a vast land of native greenery in India. 2. Experts conducting field visitation to sites invaded by non-native plant species, wearing long-sleeved jackets and standing under the bright sun as they inspect the plants present. 3. A group of experts attending a closed workshop, sitting around tables to discuss and ideate policies to tackling invasive plant species.

Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), with support from the Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST), concluded a two-day state-level consultative workshop to discuss strategies for scaling up the restoration of the River Narmada. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing restoration efforts in the region and producing actionable recommendations. The workshop featured motivational examples from Shri Mohan Nagar, Upadhyaksha of MP Jan Abhiyaan Parishad (Minister of State), who shared the transformation of Sonaghati, highlighting community and local body participation in reviving the hills and Machan River, and encouraged the incorporation of science and culture for effective solutions. Speaking at the event, Shri Aseem Shrivastava (IFS), PCCF – Head of Forest Force (HOFF), MP, emphasized the need to align policies with successful practices for collective action that require immediate attention. Anjali Acharya, Ph.D., Managing Director of NCIS, underscored the importance of a comprehensive strategy for scaling up the restoration of the River Narmada. Key to this is using partnerships to craft actionable recommendations on river restoration measures and build on nature-based solutions. Dr. Sudipto Chatterjee, Program Director of NCIS, proposed the development of a roadmap based on a recently concluded pilot project in Hoshangabad, now Narmadapuram, highlighting the need to amplify voices and support actionable recommendations on the ground. Special thanks and appreciation to other distinguished participants who took part in the workshop, including Nupur Bapuly, Manoj Singh, Dr. Deep Narayan Pandey and Nidhi Bhardwaj. Indian Grameen Services #TheNatureConservancy #TNCIndia #RIST #NarmadaRiver 📷 Photo Credits © NCIS 📷 Photo Descriptions: 1. Shri Mohan Nagar, Upadhyaksha, Madhya Pradesh, Jan Abhiyaan Parishad, (Minister of State), and Shri Sudeep Singh, (IFS), PCCF – Development MP biodiversity board with NCIS team, Nitesh Kumar Suryawanshi, Manoj Singh,  Dr Sudipta Chaterjee and Dr Nupur Bapuly 2. Shri Mohan Nagar, Upadhyaksha, Madhya Pradesh, Jan Abhiyaan Parishad, (Minister of State), and Shri Sudeep Singh, (IFS), PCCF – Development MP biodiversity board being facilitated by Dr Sudipta Chatterjee, Director of Programs, NCIS 3. Shri Aseem Shrivastava (IFS) PCCF- head of Forest Force, MP and Shri Mohan Nagar, Upadhyaksha, Madhya Pradesh, Jan Abhiyaan Parishad, (Minister of State) 4. Shri Mohan Nagar, Upadhyaksha, Madhya Pradesh, Jan Abhiyaan Parishad, (Minister of State), Shri Aseem Shrivastava (IFS) PCCF- head of Forest Force, MP with all participants day one.

Hawke's Bay on New Zealand’s North Island is a key agricultural hub, but tough environmental conditions have threatened the way of life for farmers and nature.   Helping to build resilience to climate change in the region is a priority for The Nature Conservancy, conserving its ability to produce a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and dairy.    With over 600,000 acres of Hawke’s Bay at high risk for soil erosion, The Nature Conservancy in Aotearoa New Zealand is excited to be continuing their partnership with Hawke's Bay Regional Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to strengthen soil health and increase farm resilience.  The team looks forward to engaging with 300 farms in the region to cultivate “Land for Life” and has received a significant U.S.$569,140 boost in government funding to assist. 🔗Learn more about the Land for Life project: https://nature.ly/4iW0p2s     #SoilErosion #LandForLife #HawkesBay #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Video Credits: © The Nature Conservancy in Aotearoa New Zealand  1. Hinewai Ormsby (Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair), Abbie Reynolds (The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand Country Director) and Will Foley (Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Deputy Chair and Farmer) discuss what this project means for Hawke’s Bay and how they are working together to sustainable farming in the region.

📢 An exciting update from The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific (TNC AP)! 🌏 We are delighted to share that Tamara Singh has joined as Managing Director, Singapore and Senior Advisor, Regional Programs, to lead our program in Singapore and accelerate conservation outcomes across Asia Pacific. Tamara is an exceptional individual with an impressive track record leading transformational change across finance, technology, sustainability and corporate practices. Now, more than ever, we need to bring different groups together to deliver practical impact in the Asia Pacific region. Singapore has a key role to play and TNC is super excited to have Tamara at the helm of our program in this wonderful country. Welcome to TNC, Tamara! Jennifer Morris Matthew Brown David Banks Michael Doane Jeffrey Parrish Will McGoldrick Eddie Game Tom Brzostowski

We are excited that The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong has been featured on Echappées Belles, the number one French travel TV show on French television, supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board. The episode has highlighted Sheila Wong, Assistant Conservation Manager of TNC Hong Kong, at Pak Nai, discussing oyster reef restoration. Sheila emphasizes the importance of preserving the coastline at Pak Nai, a location known for its stunning sunsets. She explains that while Shenzhen has rapidly developed, the Hong Kong area remains protected from such urban expansion, allowing for vital conservation work. The crew has also met Cheung So at Chan Cheung Kee oyster farm, highlighting the traditional methods of drying oysters. The episode showcases various places, restaurants, activities, and events in Hong Kong, beautifully covering both traditional and modern aspects—from the bustling city to the serene greenery. This video depicts Hong Kong well in preserving green spaces alongside all the urban development, illustrating a harmonious balance. It also highlights TNC's conservation efforts that benefit our city. Please watch the video at https://nature.ly/4c5f2y6, which the segment featuring TNC starts at around 1'14'. A big thank you to Echappées Belles and the Hong Kong Tourism Board for having us in this video. #TNC #TNCHK #EchappéesBelles #HongKongTourismBoard

🌿 In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, a decade of green collaboration has contributed to the expansion of sustainable conservation programs. Rich in natural resources, East Kalimantan plays a strategic role in preserving tropical forests and sustaining life globally. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy’s partner in Indonesia, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), the provincial government has been working to implement green development principles to empower local communities and preserve the region’s natural heritage. This includes performance-based incentives for 441 villages from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Carbon Fund (FCPF-CF) to work towards emission reduction and a commitment to managing areas of significant biological, ecological, cultural and social value, such as the region’s Wehea-Kelay Landscape. A great example demonstrating the importance of collaboration in fostering a sustainable future! 🔗 To learn more about Indonesia’s green collaboration efforts visit: https://nature.ly/3FsAP6L #GreenCollaboration #EastKalimantan #SustainableFuture #YKAN #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara 1. YKAN’s 10th-anniversary celebration with its partners was a memorable event that strengthened collaboration for a sustainable Indonesia. 2. Speakers at the event shared their testimonials, as well as their hopes for addressing the challenges of conservation work in the future. 3. An image of the Secretary of East Kalimantan Province, Sri Wahyuni, delivering her speech at YKAN’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

Every year on 22 March, we celebrate World Water Day to emphasize an important message: All life needs water.   Water sustains all life on Earth, from growing food to supporting a biodiverse nature, yet not everyone can secure safe water for their daily needs.  In India, 88 million people lack access to clean drinking water as freshwater ecosystems become threatened by pollution, climate change and overexploitation – causing a decline in national freshwater availability. Since 2020, The Nature Conservancy Centre India (TNCC) and the Foundation of Ecological Security (FES) have been working towards the long-term conservation and restoration of India’s freshwaters.  Through collaboration and data, their initiative aims to reverse the degradation of freshwater in India to have a positive impact on the hundreds of millions of Indians who rely on rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater for their lives.  🔗 Learn more about restoring India’s freshwater ecosystems: https://nature.ly/41Cg53O #SafeWaterForAll #FreshwaterConservation #WorldWaterDay #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Aniruddha Pal/TNC Photo Contest 2019; © Ali Madad/Pexels; © Shivsharan Trasi/TNC Photo Contest 2019; © Alok Sharma/Unsplash; © Roshni Arora; © Ashok Biswal 1. Villagers fishing in the waters of West Bengal, India, casting a large net from a boat.  2. A boat of nearby fisherman rowing past a water dam that generates electricity in India.  3. Two tusked elephants playing in a riverbank in India.  4. A night view of a city in India, surrounded by roads, lights and a few skyscrapers.  5. Applied Freshwater Scientist, Roshni Arora, standing in front of a stream of freshwater in India.  6. A serene view of the sunset and a river in India.

This World Water Day (22 March), we remain committed to restoring and protecting 30% of the lands and waters on which life thrives by 2030. At The Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS), efforts include actively engaging local communities with projects such as the Resilient River Ghod Project to safeguard clean and accessible water resources. With the help of the inspiring women involved in these initiatives, and alongside our valuable partner, the Cummins Foundation, the team looks forward to a water-secured future for all. 🔗 Learn more about how we are working towards a water-secured future: https://nature.ly/4c2XSBr Cummins India Scott Saum Jim Schacht Anjali Acharya, Ph.D Dr. Sudipto Chatterjee Nidhi Bhardwaj Girija Godbole, Ph.D. MoEF&CC #WaterSecurity #GhodRiver #WorldWaterDay #30x30 #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Filmsmiths; © Gyanesh Nanore; © WOTR Team; © SJSM Team 1. Women in India engaging in water conservation work, working at river sites and taking part in workshops to share their knowledge and experiences. 2. Anita Rengade smiles in her yellow sari. 3. Manisha Babasaheb Kurkute sits outdoors under the sun, surrounded by plants and trees. 4. Sundarbai Bule stands in a house in her village.  

🌳 Papua New Guinea has the third-largest tropical rainforest globally but it has been facing deforestation threats due to increased agriculture needs. 80% of people in Papua New Guinea are dependent on agriculture for food, making it the primary cause of deforestation from 1972 and 2002, as more than 11% of forest cover was cleared to make way for land cultivation. This International Day of Forests (21 March), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) would like to highlight that more needs to be done for rainforest conservation through methods such as strategic land-use planning to conserve the rainforests while meeting the needs to the people. Since 1997, TNC has been engaging with the locals on land allocation for various priorities such as agriculture and gardening, general forest use, hunting and conservation – an initiative that has since expanded from three to 11 communities in Adelbert Range, Papua New Guinea. 🔗Learn more about land-use planning for forest conservation in Papua Guinea: https://nature.ly/4kLydAV Justine E. Hausheer Eddie Game Ruth Lagdom #RainforestConservation #LandUsePlanning #InternationalDayOfForests #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Justine Hausheer/TNC 1. A local villager walking through a space of green in Papua New Guinea, surrounded by trees from its tropical forests. 2. TNC staff engaging with the local communities in Papua New Guinea for strategic land-use planning for both forest restoration and agriculture to meet the needs of the people. 3. Volunteers strap devices onto trees to collect data about wildlife movements and their dependency on specific areas of the forests to help with land-use planning for agriculture.

Water is crucial to supporting life on Earth and our future relies on safeguarding 30% of the planet's oceans, land, and fresh water by 2030. With World Water Day (22 March) fast approaching, we are highlighting our commitment to working towards our global water conservation objectives by collaborating closely with governments and local communities to align key aspirations with actions. The Resilient River Ghod Project is one such initiative in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Initiated by The Nature Conservancy India Solutions, with support from Cummins Foundation, this project aims to use Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to tackle climate change for water security. 🔗 Learn more about the Resilient River Ghod Project in India: https://nature.ly/3FzmMMz Cummins India Scott Saum Jim Schacht Anjali Acharya, Ph.D Dr. Sudipto Chatterjee Nidhi Bhardwaj Girija Godbole, Ph.D. MoEF&CC #WaterSecurity #GhodRiver #WorldWaterDay #30x30 #TheNatureConservancy 📸 Photo Credits: © Gyanesh Nanore 1. A relaxing scenery of tall green hills and the Ghod River Basin during the monsoon season. 2. The Ghod River Basin in western Maharashtra India, surrounded by hills and trees.