Advancing Environmental Conservation Through
Knowledge and Action
ENDEV promotes a sustainable and ecologically balanced future through informed action, scientific understanding, and community participation in environmental conservation and development.
About
Committed to Environmental and
Developmental Harmony
ENDEV was formed in 1997 by a group of professionals from diverse disciplines, young and experienced, with an objective of taking Science to the People and also setup replicable model integrating development with Environment.
ENDEV aims to work in a broad range of areas related to Environment and Development which could be of use to the civil society. This wide spectrum of proficiency affords ENDEV’s capability of carrying out all programmes of Environmental and Developmental studies which could benefit the members of the civil society both in rural and urban areas. ENDEV’s strength lies in its fraternity of experts across all major fields of environmental studies.
Our Projects
Transforming Ideas Into Impactful Environmental Solutions
Delivering on-ground conservation and development solutions that restore balance between people and nature.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
The Society advanced sustainable agriculture in five Sundarbans blocks by reintroducing Farmers’ Rice Varieties without chemical inputs. The programme later adopted Salt-Tolerant Varieties for climate adaptation. It also created three Seed Banks across West Bengal to support farmers.
Taking Science to the People
The Society conducted 550 programmes across 13 districts of West Bengal, engaging over 50 NGOs and CBOs in soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, health, and disaster management under YSA (2004–2005), supported by the Department of Science & Technology.
People’s Biodiversity Register
Between 2000 and 2004, the society pioneered West Bengal’s first People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) across 11 villages in two districts. Using a participatory approach, it engaged students, teachers, and SHG members, establishing Biodiversity Resource Centres and Seed Banks.
Traditional Use of Plants
The Society established a Medicinal Plant Nursery and Garden at Choto Mollakhali Island, Sundarbans (2002–2004), benefiting 30,000 people. Supported by the US State Department, it developed a Medicinal Plant Resource Centre to promote sustainable resource use.
Our Activities
Awards, Achievements, and Milestones
- ENDEV’s work was rated amongst the 50 best projects in Report titled “Stories of Change” by United Nations Development Programme in 2021.
- Honored by The World Bank in 2017 for the Sundarbans Livelihood Programme as an excellent model of community-based conservation.
- Received the “Sundar Award” from the Nature Conservation Management Institute, India for excellence in biodiversity conservation in 2018.
- Recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for promoting sustainable agriculture across West Bengal in 2019.
- Featured as one of the leading NGOs in Sustainable Development Goals implementation at UNDP Workshop in Delhi, 2021.
Our Mission
Building Knowledge and Capacity for a Greener Future
To promote environmental awareness and sustainable development by:
- Conducting training, workshops, and awareness programmes
- Collaborating with NGOs, local institutions, and academic organizations
- Empowering youth through social initiatives
- Developing innovative conservation strategies and policies
- Promoting inclusive participation for environmental sustainability