2022 at TfW

This past year has had its challenges for everyone, with the ongoing global crises affecting all aspects of work. However, despite the challenges we’ve faced, we’ve been able to make significant progress towards our mission of amplifying conservation impact. We are grateful for the support of our collaborators, donors, and well-wishers who have helped us over the year. 

In these first weeks of January 2023, we look back at TfW’s 2022 highlights.

Hindi translation of our map created for the article on Avian abundance in small urban wetlands. (Translation by Manish Kumar/ Mongabay-India.)

In January 2022, we began compiling and publishing maps created for conservation awareness and impact on our website. Our collaboration with Mongabay-India began in late 2021, to enhance their stories with our spatial analysis and cartography. This series of blogs documents the articles we’ve worked on together from October 2021, till the present. All our conservation cartography work can be accessed on our Pinterest board.

Screengrab of the online workshop on understanding PARIVESH.

We conducted an internal session with our consultants in February on PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single-window Hub). The PARIVESH portal has data about all projects, both new and old, that are looking for forest, environment and wildlife clearances. This data is an essential tool for effective conservation advocacy. In August 2022, we wrote an article on how to use PARIVESH effectively, which was published by Sanctuary Asia.

Aerial view of the Nilgiris.

With the end of the second Indian wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, we began our 2022 field season in March. Team-members made their way to the Nilgiris, where we connected with conservation actors from The Shola Trust and WWF-India. We explored the possibilities of using drones to monitor lantana invasions in wildlife corridors, and to survey wildlife in remote areas.

Discussion on internal and external projects in progress.

Late in March the core-team members met in person for the first time. We’d been working together remotely for five months, and there was something special about being able to sit together in the same room for face-to-face conversations. Though we formed bonds through our virtual interactions, it was great to put real faces to the names we had been interacting with via a computer screen.

As the team transitioned from a remote working arrangement to a hybrid structure in Goa, we had a three-day long internal meeting to ensure that the team had up-to-date information on the organisation's projects, collaborations and values. 

 Map visualising linear infrastructure projects through Mollem National Park, Goa.

In the first week of April, the Supreme Court accepted the Central Empowered Committee's recommendations regarding the proposed transmission line through Mollem. In brief, fresh forests through the Western Ghats cannot be cleared; the proponents must use the existing alignment that parallels the highway. In 2021, we created a map depicting the CEC's recommendations to the SC regarding all three proposed infrastructure projects. In 2022, we were elated to see our cartographic visualisation manifested in reality.

Aerial view of a gharial moving from a sandbar.

April also saw the core-team in West Champaran district in Bihar. We were working in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) to use UAVs to monitor Ganges river dolphins and gharials along the Gandak river in Bihar.

TfW drone pilots conducting simultaneous UAV transects along the river Gandak.

Teams identifying saline channels and relevant flora in the area of interest.

In May we made our way to rural Maharashtra, with our collaborators Farmers for Forests (F4F) and EcoNiche to develop a pilot project for a program that encourages mangrove regeneration on privately-owned fallow land unsuitable for agriculture. We used UAVs to survey the area and locate plots of land that could be inducted into this project.

Presenting on our work in Goa at the ESG auditorium, Panjim.

Also in May, we presented our conservation cartography work in Goa at the Liberty & Light Festival 2022. Watch it here. 

Screengrab of the ODK workshop in progress.

In mid-June 2022 we conducted an Open Data Kit (ODK) training session for Harsana Sunil, a Mud On Boots grantee from the Sanctuary Nature Foundation. We visited him in Mangar Bani in November 2021, and were very impressed with his conservation impact. He works towards the long-term protection of the Mangar Bani sacred grove, generating information about the biodiversity of the area and increasing appreciation for its ecological value amongst urban and rural youth. The training we provided him with would allow him to conduct his existing data collection on the forest’s biodiversity more effectively.

Nandini Mehrotra with the Kinship Fellows Cohort 2022.

Two of our team members were selected to attend fellowships and workshops during the monsoon, when fieldwork is restricted. Nandini Mehrotra, our programme manager, was in Bellingham, Washington, U.S. as a Kinship Conservation Fellow, while Nancy Alice, our conservation communicator, attended the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Carbon School.

Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Belize in the western Caribbean, white box indicates approximate capture location of the shark.

In July, in collaboration with researchers from Florida International University, we prepared a map describing the location where a sleeper shark was discovered in the western Caribbean. This research paper, including our map, was published in Marine Biology titled ‘First report of a sleeper shark (Somniosus sp.) in the western Caribbean, off the insular slope of a coral atoll.’

Members of the TfW & Mongabay-India team in Goa.

Also in July, we met the Mongabay-India team in person for the first time when they visited Goa. We spent a full day meeting with them regarding our collaboration on conservation cartography, and continued the introduction over dinner and drinks.

We use Litchi for our UAV missions. It is extremely useful for setting up flights, but doesn't come with mapping capabilities. In July, we began building a QGIS plugin that can create Litchi-compatible flight paths for a given polygon.

In August we published version 0.1 of our plugin to address a need we've seen in the conservation/drone-mapping ecosystem. As of December 2022, the plugin has surpassed over 1000 downloads, we hope to continue to update and modify the same as required.

Screengrab of the QGIS plugin.

Play-testing our board game on elephant-human conflict at ATREE25. (Image credit: Ashwathy S.)

In August 2022, we play-tested a game we’ve developed, around the spatial components of human-elephant conflict, at ATREE’s 25th Anniversary event. We believe that developing a game to depict this issue spatially could be a powerful way to engage people and help them understand the issues. Read more here.

The Habitats Trust (THT) and TfW travelled to Pondicherry in August to investigate the viability of using ROVs for surveying and collecting data on coral reefs along Indian shores. ROVs can explore reefs that might be too deep or hazardous for divers to reach. We have now gained a much better understanding of the possibilities and constraints of marine robot technology for conservation study after exploring marine wildlife habitat on India's east coast, at depths of up to 30 metres.

In September, we used UAVs to map a lake in Bangalore, India, in collaboration with Paani.Earth, and also conducted a training session for them. 

Aditi Ramchiary presenting on her work on identifying mangroves.

Later in September, we had a two-day in-person meeting where we discussed our work and experiences over the monsoon, and discussed carbon, carbon markets, and carbon-centric spatial analysis with Nisha D’Souza from EcoNichewww.eco-niche.org/.

Additionally, TfW was invited to co-lead India Flying Labs and is currently the main organisation for any Indian drone/conservation project coming from the network. This gives the team more visibility and access to projects in our area of expertise.

Aerial footage from Statsaphuk Tso.

In October, the team worked with IISER-Tirupati's Sciurid Lab to conduct high-altitude drone mapping missions in Ladakh, India to evaluate the effectiveness of drones in mapping the habitat and population distribution of marmots and pikas.

The team also provided remote technical support to a conservation NGO in Bihar, assisting them with their use of drones to locate a man-eating tiger. Read more here.

Team identifying flora and fauna in Divar Island.

Conducting local field trips in Goa allows us to observe and gather data about the habitats we are working to protect and conserve. By visiting these areas in person, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by these ecosystems. Our first field trip in November 2022 was an early morning excursion to Divar island. During our visit, we walked through the mangroves, conducted some opportunistic birdwatching, and practised flying our drones. It was a great privilege to spend time in these habitats and learn more about the unique flora and fauna that call them home.

Aerial video exploration of the tidepools.

On our second field trip in the last week of November, TfW joined The Good Ocean team to explore tidepools in North Goa. During the outing, we used our UAVs to collect video and imagery along the coastline, which can be used to study the growth of seaweed in this region. This was also an opportunity for the two teams to evaluate the usefulness of drones in gathering baseline data and identifying potential seaweed harvesting sites along India’s coast.

Team identifying marine life.

We wrapped up our final in-person team meeting in the third week of December. We shared our individual accomplishments and experiences, as well as discussions about what the team hopes to achieve in 2023.

TfW core-team 2023.

When I see an elephant ___

‘When did you last see an elephant?’ Over the course of two days we asked players this question, and heard varied answers that often transformed into captivating tales about their experiences with pachyderms. We were at ATREE’s 25th Anniversary event, and the context for this question was the play-testing for a board-game we’ve created with elephant-human conflict as the theme.

The board game itself was first designed in 2016, with the aim being to emulate human-elephant conflict in India. In 2019, my colleagues Nandini and Shashank worked with Tejaswini N to create the second iteration of the design. The game was play-tested with friends and family in February and March 2020, before the pandemic curtailed any future development. In July 2022, Tejaswani suggested that we apply to play-test the game at a board-game event ATREE was hosting in Bangalore as part of their 25th anniversary celebration. ATREE accepted our application, and we began production.

Prior to producing the physical prototype, Aswathy S and I ran online trials of the game. We set up the play-test online in Figma for over two weeks, with wildlife biologists, ecologists, geographers and even a climate-scientist joining us! While we played to see as many instances of play as possible, one particular game stuck with me. Elephant movement in the game was hindered, and the player had the option to relocate the elephant to the nearest sanctuary. However, the nearest sanctuary was full and was unable to accept the elephant. This quandary prompted a wildlife biologist to remark; ‘… makes one question the true carrying capacity of our sanctuaries.’ 

Screengrab of a play-test online in Figma.

Once we had enough evidence to finalise on a physical prototype, I had it produced in person in Mumbai. It was by a chance that I was able to produce it quicker than expected; the combination of being in Mumbai, and in vicinity of previous contacts capable of delivering a quality-prototype that is easy to engage with.

On 17th August, we set out from Panjim to Bangalore by road. Our route passed through Mollem, another one of India’s various protected areas that’s threatened by fragmentation from linear infrastructure projects. Occurrence of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) increases when humans negatively affect the needs of wildlife or vice versa. It’s a difficult topic to navigate because such conflicts can cause damage to property &/ life. On the other hand, one major cause of human–wildlife conflict is increasing the human population next to wildlife habitats. In this game, players take on the role of villagers who defend their farms and villages from elephant movement through strategic fence placement and a bit of luck.

ATREE’s contribution to the field of conservation is extensive, while also pioneering knowledge systems to tackle complex conservation problems. The opportunity to learn from this room was exhilarating. On day one, we set the table up with our play elements for a brief period in the first half and then hosted a few game-plays during the second half. The first person to approach the table was a gentleman who walked past and then walked back up to enquire what was on the table. His curiosity was piqued after reading the title of the game! After our brief explanation, he spoke about the migration of the elephants in the Uttara Kannada and the consequent fear of spotting a jumbo. We took a break for lunch and then made our way to Dr. Nitin Sekar’s talk on conserving species that cause harm to us. His words on empathy for elephants resonated yet again before we returned to run more sessions with newer participants and conservation enthusiasts.

On the second day, we put out a post on social media inviting people to come play test with us. Before we started the setup, we visited our fellow participants at the board game event. I found a game on implementing local-level policies to reduce carbon emissions by two students of public policy engaging.

In our elephant-human conflict game, the player who plays first is determined by the answer to the question - ‘When did you last see an elephant?’ The participant with the most recent encounter begins the game, and then the game continues clockwise. Our first play-testers were a policy student and research assistant. The mechanics of the game were slightly complex to grasp before the game began, but as the game progressed, our play-testers made clearer strategic movements.

While we ran more sessions on the second day, there were particular instances of game-play that were most fascinating. In my opinion, the most thought-provoking game was the one where the players were a wildlife student, a conservation scientist, a professor of sociology, and a product designer. One of them was a board game enthusiast while for the others, it was the first time they were playing a  strategy game. One was a field practitioner and another was aiming to be one. Lessons were imparted on contextual sociology, game mechanics and idealism. Some of the conversations floating out over the board were - ‘Why do the sanctuaries have to be two hexes apart? No need for defragmentation, push all human development away from them’ or ‘What happens when the elephant is directed away from the board? It’s annihilated / It’s relocated to a sanctuary.’ Decisions made by the participants reflected their principles in ecological practices itself. As the rounds progressed idealism and realism clashed further.

Discussions on game play and context.

The second most fascinating game was when I played with two students of design from IISc. One of them had clear prior experience of human-wildlife conflict and the other participant did not. This was clearly displayed in the manner in which the game was played. One of them prioritised protecting farms and villages, while the other person conducted back-to-back development activities. Strategic play, and some luck, resulted in the person without prior wildlife experience winning the game. Their feedback suggested that we implement a particular model to randomise elephant movement in the game. While there are articles and papers to be read on the topic, the prospect itself is exciting! 

The last game at the event was my favourite one out of all, because it was the first game I had been completely kicked out of! The participants of the game were my friends from Bangalore. One of them was a friend from architecture college who now worked as a UX researcher, another a biotech major I’d met as part of a summer school programme earlier in the year, and the final participant was a pleasant surprise. We had been working together virtually for months, but didn’t recognize each other until our introduction. It was a chance meeting in real-life which was wholesome! The play itself was interesting to me because it clearly portrayed their personalities. There was an attempt to work with the commons, there was an aggressive development bid as well as a plea for a neutral stance, while I watched the game unfold from the sidelines. 

There are enormous gaps in ecological awareness beyond protected areas and lived experiences involving wildlife. I’ve been able to witness the varying conclusions of hypothetical choices, hear the flight or fight choices by humans and elephants alike. The experience of working, producing, and hosting this game has been unlike any other.

Comms. for Conservation

Environmental conservation is crucial for safeguarding natural resources, biodiversity, and the environment. Effective communication plays a vital role in this effort, enabling conservation professionals to share their research and insights with the public, policymakers, and other scientists. In India, where conservation challenges are many and diverse, conservation communication is vital for the success of (current and future) conservation efforts. From protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats, to raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for policy changes, there are a wide range of conservation efforts underway in the country. Effective communication in conservation science involves presenting information in a clear, accurate, relevant, and engaging manner, which is essential for conveying the importance and impact of these efforts, while ensuring that the right messages reach the right audiences.

I began drafting this blog approximately three months after beginning this new role. At that time, I attempted to map out the potential responsibilities and understand the unique aspects of this communication role compared to others. However, the draft sat unused for an extended period. A colleague once mentioned that writing serves as a way to document thoughts for future reference. Now, after a year in this role, I have a clearer understanding of its significance to me and in context. In the coming year, I hope to continue learning and growing in understanding.

Mapping the Conservation Communications Role at TfW.

In communications, it is important to narrow the scope of work based on the intended audience and the available medium. This ensures that the message is tailored to the specific needs and interests of the audience, and that it is delivered in the most effective way.

When determining the scope of work, the first step is to identify the purpose of the communication. What is the message that needs to be conveyed, and to whom? Understanding the intent of the communication helps focus the content and determine the most appropriate medium for delivery. Next, the audience and the medium that will be used to reach them is to be considered. Will the communication be directed at a general public, a specific group of stakeholders, or a single individual? Will it be delivered through a website, a social media platform, in a virtual/ in-person meeting, or some other medium? The choice of medium is dictated by the needs and preferences of the audience, as well as the resources and capabilities at disposal at the organisation.

By taking the time to carefully consider the intent and access to medium, one can narrow the scope of work in communications and ensure that the message is delivered effectively and efficiently. This can help to maximise the impact and effectiveness of the communication, and achieve the desired results.

Accessibility is a huge part of communication, especially via social media, because it allows for a wider audience to be able to use and engage with the platforms. This includes ensuring the platforms and their content are accessible to people of all abilities, as well as those using various devices and internet connections. For instance, social media platforms can enhance content accessibility by offering features like closed captions for videos, alt text for images, and adjustable font sizes to better serve users with diverse visual needs. In addition, social media platforms may use responsive design to ensure that their content is easy to read and navigate on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. By prioritising accessibility, one can ensure that their content is available and usable to as many people as possible.

One way to make visuals in our work more accessible is through thoughtful design of cartographic media. This involves using clear and legible fonts, providing context with labels and keys, and selecting appropriate color schemes to convey information.

Designing maps to suit publication needs, from initial QGIS output to final publication.

Being a conservation communicator has taught me the value of flexibility in managing diverse tasks. My tasks tend to range from external communication efforts to internal tasks like preparing meeting reports, organising and archiving our extensive digital data, and handling collaboration requests or non-routine research. Day-to-day activities may fall under any of the following sub-categories: developing and implementing a communications strategy, creating content for various channels, coordinating work with partner-collaborator organisations, supporting team members to communicate their work, and participating in events and conferences.

This role is slightly different while working in the field, where my focus is on documenting the team's actions and efforts. This involves capturing the team's work through various forms of media, such as photos and videos, in order to provide a record of the team's progress and accomplishments. This documentation is vital to share the team's work with a wider audience and showcase the impact of TfW efforts.

Initially, determining the most effective approach for each task was a challenge, but by aligning technical requirements with available skills and refining workflows through trial and error, efficiency was achieved. Though adhering to this workflow has allowed for a smoother and more productive process; it is important to continuously assess and adjust work flows in conjunction with need and time constraints.

Workflow for a blog production at TfW.

In mid-July 2022, we altered our approach towards social media by treating it as an archive of our work rather than an instant form of communication. This shift allowed us to showcase the impact of long-term funding on the quality of our conservation efforts, rather than simply updates on current events. Without the pressure of immediate deadlines, we could devote more time to the work itself, resulting in a richer and more thoughtful representation of TfW’s efforts. 

An example for the same is our work on understanding the PARIVESH portal for conservation advocacy. We conducted an internal session with our consultants on PARIVESH, in early 2022. The portal has a wealth of data about all projects, both new and old, that are looking for green clearances, organised by state, year, category, and approval status. Knowing potential areas of intervention is essential for effective conservation advocacy, which makes it necessary to have a thorough grasp of what happens at each stage of approval. By March, we revised our outputs with Sanctuary Asia’s team to reach a wider audience. Later in the year, Sanctuary Asia published an overview of our output. This strategic shift in approach has enhanced our ability to showcase the value of our work and the support that is necessary for its continuation.

Screengrab of the online workshop on understanding PARIVESH.

Conservation is a multi-faceted field, involving numerous layers and factors that are meticulously monitored and evaluated throughout a project. By using experience-based metrics and other methods, we gain a clear understanding of the real impact achieved. It can be extremely rewarding to hear about the impact, as it often exceeds our expectations and demonstrates the far-reaching effects of our efforts.

Each project in conservation presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for creativity and innovation. Whether it’s redesigning an interview to ensure a natural flow, crafting an exhibition proposal, developing a board game about human-wildlife conflict, or visualizing a sci-comm illustration for a research paper, every task brings a unique challenge. These diverse experiences make conservation work continuously engaging and profoundly rewarding.