INaturewatch Foundation

GENESIS: The iNaturewatch Foundation is an entity emerged from the project supported by U.S. The project- Mobile Apps for Climate Change which was implemented by five Fulbright Fellows namely; Dr. V.Shubhalaxmi, Mr. Ashutosh Richarriya and Dr. Anirban Gupta. The project developed three mobile apps (iButterflies, iTrees and iNaturwatch Birds) and conducted a citizen science project among schools of

Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkatta alongwith their NGO partners- WWF-India and Greenline. The one year project ended in August 2014 and the entity iNaturewatch Foundation was born. The page previously was known as Urban Citizen Scientist. GOAL: Building field-oriented environmentally resilient communities

MISSION: To build capacities of local communities for nature conservation and climate change through citizen science

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Climate change is an ever-growing issue that is seeking more attention in the current times which is only to grow further. However understanding the impact of climate change is still considered to be a technical area where public at large cannot participate. While most of the climate change impacts are studies on ecoregions very less focus has been on urban biodiversity. There is a need to sensitize the urbanites primarily with issues closer to their homes. By providing urbanities with opportunities of contributing to science closer from their homes is empowering. This is where citizen science could be promoted. Citizen science is still in its nascent stage in our country but soon it will progress soon. Additionally by 2050 most of the cities will grow in humungous manner and retaining the balance between natural spaces and resources will become crucial. Thus we intend to work in the climate change domain using citizen science as a model so that we develop environmentally conscious communities. OBJECTIVES
• To conduct public awareness programmes
• To conduct citizen science projects
• To undertake habitat creation and restoration CSR projects
• To collaborate with like-minded institutions
• To develop educational modules on urban biodiversity
• To promote lesser fauna research
4. Activities
• Conduct free nature appreciation walks in Navi Mumbai
• Hold annual Urban iNaturewatch Challenge
• Create and Restore wildlife habitats in urban areas
• Develop entomological projects
• Conduct workshops and camps under Insect Tourism

TARGET GROUP: We intend to reach out to
• Students
• Teachers
• Nature Enthusiasts
• Corporates

TRUSTEES:
1. Dr. V.Shubhalaxmi, Founder & President
2. Isaac Kehimkar, Managing Trustee
3. Jyoti Palekar, Honorary Secretary
4. Dr. Ketki Marthak, Vice President
5 Ms. Avi Sabawala, Honorary Treasurer