The project 'Yes to Grasslands' is in response to widespread misconceptions of Indian Savannahs. Our aim is to build the profile of the Deccan Grasslands as unique for the preservation of the Indian grey wolf. To Lobby for the term ‘wastelands’ to be removed from the vocabulary so that these fragile ecosystems are recognized for the pivotal role they play in providing critical ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration. With this project we are also addressing the lacuna of long-term research and simultaneous conservation of the Deccan Savannahs.
Our savannah ecosystems are under threat from rapid habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Endemic floras are critical for creating microhabitats and retaining genetic, ecosystem and species diversity. This project is an on-going effort to save wild seeds and propagate them in community-conserved areas as well as farmlands. We are experimenting in savannah ecosystem restoration by creating micro habitats and exclusion zones to protect from ugulate herbivory.
We also restore areas to ensure host plants for pollinators, foraging plants for birds and we grow species that help with soil retention. Additionally we focus on wild edibles that play a critical role in fortifying nutritional sovereignty and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma), Dyers Oleander (Wrightia tinctoria), Phoenix date palm (Phoenix sylvestris), Anjan (Hardwickia binnata), Ceropegia juncea and Abrus precatorius are just some of the plants we are propagating.