NilgiriScapes Conference 2023
NilgiriScapes Conference 2023 (PAST EVENT)
Theme: A Land in Flux
📍 Ooty | 📅 August 2023
The first NilgiriScapes Conference brought together experts, students, forest-dwellers, and policymakers to examine the rapid ecological, cultural, and economic changes in the region.
About the Conference
The NilgiriScapes Conference 2023 marked the first public gathering under the NilgiriScapes dialogue series. Hosted in the heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this multi-day event brought together a wide range of voices — from researchers, students, and conservationists to local communities, media, and civil society organisations.
The theme “A Land in Flux” reflected the dynamic ecological, cultural, and economic transformations facing the Nilgiris — one of India’s most sensitive and diverse mountain ecosystems.
Conference Objectives
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To initiate a long-term, inclusive dialogue around the Nilgiri landscape and its changing realities.
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To create a space for cross-sectoral collaboration among those working to sustain the region's bio-cultural diversity.
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To reflect on 37 years of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and explore future directions.
Key Focus Areas
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Ecological Transitions: Exploring how climate change, invasive species, land use shifts, and human activity are reshaping the Nilgiris.
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Indigenous Knowledge & Culture: Showcasing the voices and practices of traditional communities and their role in conservation.
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Biodiversity & Habitat: Discussions on shola-grassland ecosystems, endemic species, and wildlife corridors.
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Policy & Governance: Evaluating the impact of past legislation and current policies, from the 1879 Nilgiris Game Act to the UNESCO designation.
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Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Addressing the tensions and learnings from increased human-animal encounters.
Outcomes & Learnings
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The 2023 conference laid the groundwork for continued engagement, leading to the closed-door NilgiriScapes Conclave in June 2024, and setting the stage for the upcoming public conference in February 2025.
NilgiriScapes Conclave 2024 (PAST EVENT)
Theme: 37 Years of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Nature, Culture, and Change
📍 Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
📅 June 2024
About the Conclave
The NilgiriScapes Conclave 2024 was a focused and strategic gathering, following the momentum of the public NilgiriScapes Conference 2023. Held in June 2024, this invite-only brainstorming session brought together leading thinkers, researchers, activists, and community leaders to reflect on the 37-year journey of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and to strategize for the future.
Objectives
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To take stock of 37 years of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986–2023).
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To evaluate ecological and cultural shifts across the Nilgiris region.
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To bring together expert voices from research, policy, indigenous communities, and NGOs.
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To shape the agenda for the 2025 public conference.
Key Themes & Discussions
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Ecological Continuities & Challenges
Reflections on biodiversity, habitat loss, species migration, and climate change impacts. -
Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Insights into the complex relationship between growing human settlements and wildlife in the region. -
Colonial to Contemporary Conservation
Evaluating the journey from the 1879 Nilgiris Game Act to the 1986 UNESCO Biosphere declaration. -
Endemic Species & Exotic Threats
Special focus on the shola-grassland ecosystem and threats from plantation-driven exotic species. -
Bio-cultural Diversity & Indigenous Knowledge
Exploring the interdependence of traditional livelihoods and sustainable conservation. -
Legislation & Policy Roadmaps
Identifying gaps and opportunities in environmental policy through case studies and stakeholder input.
Outcomes & Way Forward
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The Conclave helped shape a forward-thinking framework for conserving the Nilgiris in a changing world — recognizing its ecological richness, cultural resilience, and the urgent need for inclusive action.
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Its deliberations will directly inform the NilgiriScapes Public Conference in February 2025, which will open wider participation from across India and beyond.
