Scientists, Policymakers, Activists, and NGOs for Nature and Wildlife Conservation

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW: LALJI DESAI: Description: This oral history records the life of a Rabari pastoralist and environmental activist from Gujarat. It reflects on his childhood in a pastoral household, involvement in water conservation projects in the 1990s, and decades of activism related to land, forests, rivers, commons, and grasslands. The narrative also explores his role in the Narmada Movement, its influence on other environmental struggles, and his contributions to forming national and international pastoral alliances. The recording offers rare insight into the challenges faced by pastoral communities and grassroots leaders, preserving their knowledge, resistance, and vision for ecological justice in India’s semi-arid landscapes.

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW: MK RANJITSINH: Description: This oral history focuses on his childhood as the scion of the Wakaner Princely State in Saurashtra, his education and entry into civil services, and his role in drafting the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. It covers his evolving views on conservation, grassland policy, and wildlife protection in Gujarat, his involvement in setting up protected areas, and his research on ecology and wildlife in Saurashtra, offering insights into his contributions to the region's environmental governance.

SAHJEEVAN PAPERS: This collection documents community-led eco-restoration, gender-focused development, and pastoral livelihood initiatives in Kutch from 1991 to 2000. It includes evaluation reports, progress reports, and proposals from the long-term project “Empowerment of Women’s Groups via Eco-Restoration of Northern Kutch,” implemented by Janvikas Ecology Cell with the Swiss Development Cooperation, KMVS, and Sahjeevan. Also included are a draft Indicative Plan Report for the Little Rann of Kutch under BCRLIP, eight issues of Press Clippings produced by the Foundation for Ecological Security, photographic albums on watershed and fodder security work, and a progress report on pastoral institutions and resource management.