Tree Foundation India

TREE Foundation was founded in 2002 with the aim of protecting marine turtle population, understanding the interrelatedness between coastal communities and the marine resources upon which the former survive. To focus on initiatives that combine conserving species and habitat with empowering local people is the only solution-incorporating the human element from a variety of perspectives including: education programs, capacity building, economic development /poverty alleviation, human and animal health programs and networking with various government departments/agencies. As part of TREE Foundation’s community based sea turtle conservation program jointly run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s wildlife wing and the Department of Fisheries, the Kadal Aamai Paadukavalargal (KAP) members patrol the beaches from Periya Neelangarai to Marakanam. TREE Foundation has been able to extend and strengthen its community based sea turtle conservation program up to Villupuram 8 kms beyond Marakanam covering 35 fishing villages and 110 kms.