The concept of keystone emerges from the nest-building behaviour of some birds in nature. These permanent nest structures serve as habitat for several life forms. Such keystone species become crucial in providing opportunities for other associated beings to grow and evolve. Thus, Keystone Foundation is born out of a simple ecological principle of the interdependence of natural systems.
Keystone Foundation has completed ten years in the Nilgiris, working with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. The Foundation's work has been concentrated in the areas of apiculture, micro-enterprise development, non-timber forest produce, land and water management, revival of traditional agriculture, and other issues concerning indigenous communities.
"Our Mission is to enhance the Quality of Life and the Environment with Indigenous Communities using Eco-development Approaches"
To work on issues of Natural Resources and Rural Development, with Indigenous People in mountainous and adjoining regions, addressing the challenges of conservation, livelihoods and enterprise development, through appropriate - knowledge & action, technologies, socio-economic innovations and institutions.
Keystone has been working in the last 10 years on Apiculture, Land Development, Organic and Fair Trade Marketing, and Non Timber Forest Produce with indigenous communities. A strategic outlook for the next decade keeping these program areas as the basis to holistically approach the issues of Livelihoods, Conservation & Enterprise is necessary. The following sections elaborate and illustrate the concepts of the the organisation.
In the coming 10 years, an integrated approach towards indigenous people will be made through the three programme areas of Natural Resources Management, Enterprise Development and Institutional Development & Local Governance.
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