Logo

The story

A stray herd of cattle can set back years of vegetation growth. Therefore, it is essential to keep any grazing livestock out of an area during the first years of reforestation. To that end, more than 60 community members in Newratola, Chhattisgarh have been constructing cattle proof trenches. Eventually bamboo will be planted to create a living fence that further protects the revegetation of community forests. Harvesting this bamboo also offers materials for local artisans and entrepreneurs to create an income.

The work is funded by the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA): a scheme that pays communities for work. So not only is the construction of these trenches a great way to catalyse community action, but the community benefits through direct employment, while laying the groundwork for the restoration of their landscape.

An image for

Constructing cattle proof trenches is a great way to catalyse community action while they receive an income (photo credit: Karishma Vohra)

An image for

The community at Newratola are laying the groundwork that makes landscape restoration possible (photo credit: Karishma Vohra)

An image for

Eventually bamboo will be planted to provide a formidable barrier against cattle (photo credit: Karishma Vohra)

1881 members are now active on 4returns.earth, connecting, sharing their field experiences, and creating new opportunities and initiatives together.

Join us by signing up as a member, or follow our work in the newsletter

Connected landscapes

Landscape restoration in India

landscapes

India (Chhattisgarh)

Active since: 2019

doing business, inspiring community, mobilising people, regenerating farms, restoring nature

Related Landscapes

All landscapes

The Model Forest in the Aterno River Valley, Italy

landscapes

Italy (Abruzzo)

Active since: 2018

finding funds, governance and stewardship, inspiring community, mobilising people, partnering, regenerating farms, restoring nature

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve

landscapes

Mexico (Querétaro)

Active since: 1987

doing business, finding funds, governance and stewardship, inspiring community, learning and impact, mobilising people, partnering, regenerating farms, restoring nature

bosawas nicaragua

Growing bioenergy to restore the Bosawas

landscapes

Nicaragua (Jinotega)

Active since: 2020

doing business, finding funds, inspiring community, learning and impact, mobilising people, partnering, regenerating farms, restoring nature

Eratamare, a healthy savannas in Kenya

landscapes

Kenya (Nakuru County)

doing business, finding funds, inspiring community, learning and impact, mobilising people, partnering, regenerating farms, restoring nature

More related resources

Virtual Communities for Impact

toolbox

educational tool, guide

inspiring community, learning and impact, partnering

No reviews

Nature Cards

toolbox

co-design tool

inspiring community, mobilising people

No reviews

Conservation Evidence

toolbox

academic article

learning and impact, restoring nature

No reviews

Tag a friend?