The Naturalist School: Bridging Conservation, Education, and Community Empowerment

Q1: How did the idea for The Naturalist School originate, and what were some of the initial challenges in establishing such a unique educational institute?

The Naturalist School was set up to provide skill development, vocational education, capacity building, and accreditation in the field of nature-interpretation. 

We noticed that despite the booming business of safaris and ecotourism, people living just outside the protected areas struggled to meet basic needs. These communities, despite their traditional knowledge, lacked the job-readiness to benefit from the ecotourism industry. We bridge this gap by offering Tribal and Rural youth, along with communities around forest and buffer zones, new opportunities to earn their livelihoods. We help them work as Nature Guides, Naturalists, and Ecopreneurs.

The Naturalist school also addresses the ‘triple planetary crisis’ issue—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The common person in the country does not recognise the relevance or urgency of these challenges. The Naturalist School trains individuals to become local change agents, nature educators, climate warriors, and biodiversity evangelists, thus transforming the community’s approach to conservation.

Q2: How does The Naturalist School measure the success of its training programs beyond certification? Are there any long-term outcomes or metrics that you track?

The Naturalist School measures the success of its training programs beyond certification by measuring various long-term outcomes and metrics. We are focussed on creating employment for Naturalists and Nature Guides in the ecotourism sector, and have provided learning opportunities to multiple stakeholders, including locals dependent on ecotourism, visitors to protected areas, employers facing a shortage of skilled staff, and Protected Area (PA) managers promoting conservation awareness.

Our footprint since inception includes:

1. Citizens Influenced: 50,00,000+
2. Visitors Impacted: 25,00,000+
3. Families Benefitted: 1000+
4. Income Generated: ₹1,25,00,000+
5. Certified Guides: 500+
6. Stories Told: 5000+
7. Observations Recorded: 5,00,000
8. States Worked: 20
9. Volunteers: 50+

These metrics demonstrate the school’s broader impact on communities, conservation efforts, and the ecotourism industry, indicating success beyond mere certification.

Q3: How has having government certification impacted the credibility and reach of The Naturalist School?

Government certification sets high standards and bestows a sense of dignity to a profession. Previously, aspiring naturalists and guides had to learn on the job or through ad-hoc courses. The Naturalist School’s focus on certification and accreditation has made a pathway to these careers. Anyone, regardless of background, can now embark on a career in the field of nature-interpretation.

What sets The Naturalist School apart is its extensive network of resource people and faculty who are experts in wildlife and natural history. We work closely with forest departments, eco-resorts, and NGOs, providing credibility and reach.

Recognizing the need for equitable access, The Naturalist School also values traditional knowledge and a passion for the environment. The school encourages rural citizens, village youth, tribals, and marginalized communities to participate in its courses and find new careers. By helping with fee subsidies and sponsorships, the school ensures inclusivity. 

Q4: Could you share examples of how The Naturalist School engages with local communities and stakeholders to promote wildlife conservation and ecotourism?

The Naturalist School engages with local communities and stakeholders to promote wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Here are some examples:

1. Employment and Training for Ecotourism: The Naturalist School trains graduates to work as naturalists and nature guides. Our graduates are employed at eco-destinations such as Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Bhitarkanika in Odisha, Kalinje in Maharashtra, and Havelock in the Andamans. 
2. Supporting Ecopreneurs: The Ecopreneur Cell. This initiative provides support for graduates to start their own businesses. The Cell assists with business incubation, creating marketplaces, and securing micro-financing.
3. Cultural Integration: Recognizing the unique value that indigenous tribal communities offer, we help our graduates promote both their environmental and cultural heritage.
4. Collaborations with Hospitality Providers: Our surveys indicate a rising demand for naturalists and nature guides in the ecotourism and allied hospitality industry. We collaborate with stakeholders to meet this demand and enhance the overall ecotourism experience.

Q5: What personally motivates you to lead The Naturalist School, and how do your own experiences influence the institute’s direction?

My motivation to lead The Naturalist School stems from a deep-rooted passion for nature and a belief in the power of education. One of my most formative experiences was spending time with indigenous communities and witnessing their profound knowledge and respect for the environment. This inspired me to bridge the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation practices.

The Naturalist School is an inclusive platform that empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to become leaders in conservation and ecotourism. Each naturalist, guide, and ecopreneur is a catalyst for positive change.

Leading The Naturalist School is more than a professional endeavour for me; it is a personal mission. Every success story, every community transformed, and every step towards a more sustainable future fuels my commitment to this cause. Together, we can create a world where nature and humanity thrive in harmony, and it is this vision that drives me every day.

Q6: Are there specific regions or communities in India where you aim to increase your outreach and impact through education and training?

Some of the regions that The Naturalist School works in:

1. Northeast India: We empower local youth and tribal communities to become conservation leaders and ecotourism entrepreneurs, by leveraging biodiversity and cultural heritage.
2. Central India: Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are home to significant tribal populations. We help integrate their traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices.
3. Western Ghats: In this biodiversity hotspot, we collaborate with communities to promote ecotourism and conservation education, ensuring that the unique flora and fauna are preserved.
4. Coastal Regions and Islands: From the mangroves of Odisha to the coral reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, coastal areas are vital for biodiversity. Our programs help residents protect these fragile ecosystems while promoting ecotourism.
5. Urban Peripheries: By training individuals in areas adjoining cities, we aim to create awareness programs that offer people a chance to reconnect with nature and take responsibility to protect it.