Support Himalayan Youth to Become Community Nature Guides
In the Himalayan village of Dharkot, fifteen young men and women aspire to earn a living by protecting the forests they grew up in.
EcoSanskriti’s year-long Eco-Guide Program will equip them with skills in nature interpretation, heritage tourism, and eco-trail management — opening new livelihood opportunities close to home.
Hear from Sahil, an aspiring Eco-Guide, on why this journey matters to him!
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Dharkot, in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand in India, lies in a remote and underdeveloped part of the Himalayas — a landscape rich in biodiversity but limited in livelihood opportunities. With few local jobs, young people often migrate to distant towns in search of work, leaving behind a shrinking rural workforce and increasing pressure on forest resources. Without income pathways linked to nature, conservation here remains an abstract idea rather than a lived community priority.
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By training 15 local youth as community-based nature guides, the program creates opportunities for dignified employment while nurturing long-term custodians of biodiversity and cultural heritage. It builds a bridge between conservation knowledge and livelihood — ensuring that protecting nature becomes a viable career path.
The Program ( 12-Month Engagement)
The year-long Nature Guide Program blends ecological learning with cultural heritage — helping participants connect conservation and livelihoods.
Phase 1: Orientation and Study Tour (November 2025)
An intensive field visit to Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, supported by the WWF India team, introduces participants to biodiversity monitoring, nature interpretation, and responsible tourism practices.
Phase 2: Skill-Building and Knowledge Sessions
Participants undergo hands-on training in biodiversity documentation and interpretation, eco-guiding, communication, and visitor management, guided by field mentors and local experts.
Phase 3: Field Mentoring and Trail Development
Through fieldwork around Dharkot, trainees learn to map and manage visitor experiences across three identified trails:
Ecological Trail: Focused on local birds, flora, and fauna, highlighting Himalayan biodiversity.
Eco-Heritage Trail: Blending ecology and culture — showcasing native species, traditional forest uses, and folklore linked to village life.
Heritage Trail: Traversing the old village core with its ancient Pathali architecture, oral histories, and stories of settlement and craftsmanship.
Phase 4: Eco-Trail Operations and Year-Round Guiding
Graduates begin guiding visitors, maintaining trails, and organizing seasonal nature walks and cultural tours — creating sustainable, community-based livelihoods while conserving Dharkot’s ecology and heritage.
Expected Impact
15 youth trained and mentored as certified local guides
3 community-managed eco-trails established (ecological, eco-heritage, and heritage)
100+ visitors engaged in responsible tourism within the first two years
Average 20–25% increase in household income among participating community members through nature-based livelihoods
Budget Breakdown
| Component | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Study Tour (Jabarkhet) & Initial Training | 1,20,000 |
| Field Equipment & Guide Kits | 1,00,000 |
| Local Mentor Honorarium & Travel | 80,000 |
| Participant Support (Meals, Stay, Transport) | 1,00,000 |
| Follow-up Mentorship & Eco-trail Development | 1,00,000 |
| Total | 5,00,000 |
How can you contribute?
| Contribution | What Your Support Enables |
|---|---|
| ₹2,500 | Covers one full day of meals, stay, and local transport for a participant during training or field sessions. |
| ₹7,500 | Provides one complete Field Gear Kit — including a basic binocular, field guidebook, notebook set, and ID card. |
| ₹15,000 | Contributes toward a trainee’s year-long learning journey — mentorship, documentation, and travel support. |
| ₹25,000 | Supports an expert mentor or trainer for one week of skill-building workshops and follow-up sessions. |
| ₹50,000 | Funds a complete eco-trail module — biodiversity mapping, signage, and interpretation materials. |
Support the next generation of Eco-guides. Contribute today.
Progress is updated every week as new donations are processed.
EcoSanskriti is registered as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act ( PAN: AAICE5516C).
Donations to this campaign are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80G / 12A of Income Tax Act.
Note : For transparency, fund utilization and program progress will be published on this campaign page.
Full financial reports and certificates are available on request: info@ecosanskriti.org.
