Barefoot Center for Ecology: Generating nature equity for life on land and in water
Vision: To be a leading center for ecological restoration, community engagement, and environmental education.
Introduction to the Realms to Watch Program:
The ‘Realms to Watch’ program by Guardians of Earth is a ground-breaking initiative designed to support community-led regenerative projects delivering science based approaches integrated with local/traditional knowledge systems.
Barefoot Center for Ecology (encompassing both the Barefoot at Havelock and Barefoot Scuba Nature Realms) is among the seven exceptional Nature Realms chosen for this program, exemplifying the power of community-led conservation and restoration. You can learn more about the ‘Realms to Watch’ program in our original post.
Introduction to the Barefoot Center for Ecology Realm:
The Barefoot Center for Ecology is located on Havelock Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands in India. It is the largest of the islands that form Ritchie’s Archipelago. Spread over 110 square kilometres, Havelock Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. The geographic isolation has fostered a high degree of endemism, rendering the ecosystems susceptible to disturbances. Recognizing the ecological significance of the location, Barefoot Center for Ecology has undertaken initiatives to promote sustainability (including afforestation, self-sufficiency in water needs, recycling, organic farming, ecosystem management), responsible marine activities, and conservation awareness on Havelock Island.
Below, Samit Sawhny, Head of the Barefoot Center for Ecology, shares what is special about this Realm and the impact the ‘Realms to Watch’ program can help them deliver, for their land and community.
What makes Barefoot Center for Ecology special?
Barefoot Center for Ecology is run by the same management that operates Barefoot at Havelock Resort and Barefoot Scuba and serves to educate and work with both the resident and the floating population of Havelock Island towards education and sustainability goals.
Situated amidst a 20-year-old self-grown secondary rainforest within a 25 acre campus housing a resort that won the title of “The Most Sustainable Resort 2023” (Zee Zest), with direct access to the world-famous Radhanagar Beach, the Center is uniquely positioned to serve as a model for the local community and a resource center for NGOs.
What is the community’s relationship with the land and life within Barefoot Center for Ecology’s Realm?
Barefoot is actively engaged with village life at Havelock, and sponsors various village sporting tournaments, supports the local primary school and donates to festival celebrations of the local community. While Barefoot grows a part of its produce, it also lends support to the island’s local trading, farming and fishing communities, sourcing most of its fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood from them. Staff at the Barefoot Center for Ecology are available to assist the Forest Department for wildlife rescues including humane relocation of snakes if called out. The Center has an outreach program for local children to educate them on different facets of island biodiversity, from reef to rainforest. It also serves as a gateway for local youth to forge careers in ecotourism.
What do you plan to fund with investment in your Realm?
Investments into Barefoot Center for Ecology’s Realm will fund these projects:
- Schools outreach
- Reef clean-up
- Research and Conservation
The construction, maintenance, staffing and administrative expenses of the Barefoot Center for Ecology is borne by Barefoot Resorts and Leisure Pvt Ltd. Any external funds received by the Center will be fully deployed towards project funding.
How will these projects benefit the land and community of the Realm?
The activities conducted by the Barefoot Center for Ecology will enable engagement and education initiatives with local schools and sensitization of Islanders on all aspects of Island ecology and conservation imperatives. It will be a resource center for locals wishing to develop skills suited for conservation or eco-tourism livelihoods, as fieldworkers, naturalists, birders, scuba divers etc.
Funds will be deployed for targeted visits by Barefoot Scuba vessels and staff to reefs for clean-ups of fishing lines and nets and other debris which are increasingly found on the reefs surrounding Havelock Island. Besides this, our marine infrastructure will be made available gratis to researchers conducting meaningful surveys in our archipelago.
The Center will also serve as a base to host researchers and field workers from various environmental NGOs while visiting Havelock for their field work and staff of the Center will also be assisting in data collection and field work for projects in their absence, thereby contributing further to a wider conservation cause.
However, it’s not simply about outreach and clean-up efforts but also about aligning the incentives for capital and community to create a truly regenerative culture. The ‘Realms To Watch’ program’s innovative approach treats contributing communities as co-investors, with their own shares, so that they are motivated to enhance ecological value for everyone’s benefit. Additionally, the land itself is also treated as a co-investor, always holding 51% of the Realm’s shares. This symbolises the intrinsic value of the land and its crucial role in sustaining life and prosperity. The land, in effect, is an investor in us.
What’s your vision?
The long-term vision for Barefoot Center for Ecology is to be a resource center for sustainability and sustainable livelihoods at Havelock Island and to play a stewardship role in the protection of Radhanagar beach and the reefs surrounding Havelock Island
You Can Get Involved:
Guardians of Earth is sharing this exclusive investment opportunity with our network of influential and values-driven impact investors. There are many ways that you too can be a part of this transformative movement to regenerate our planet and empower communities.
- Follow the Journey: Explore the remarkable stories of each Realm in our “Realms to Watch” series and witness the profound impact of community-led regenerative projects. Follow this blog, or visit our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
- Apply for the Next Round: The 7 Realms to Watch are the first of many to come. Are you a leader of a regenerative community that deserves to be in the next round?
- Stay Connected: Sign up for our Guardians of Earth (GoE) newsletter to receive the latest updates on the “Realms to Watch” program and other pioneering regenerative initiatives.
- Join the Community: Introduce yourself on the GoE Discord and actively contribute to the discussions that shape this journey.
- Contact Us Directly: Reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss an opportunity.
- Visit Our Website: Visit the Guardians of Earth (GoE) website to learn about the platform that makes this possible.
Act now to support community-led efforts that are revitalising our planet and its communities. Your involvement can drive significant change. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.
