We are proud to announce the successful award of two new projects under the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative, marking an important milestone for the official launch of PRCF’s South Asia Program—a vision that has been in development for the past three years.
Empowering Local NGOs for Western Hoolock Gibbon Conservation
The first award, under the Darwin Capability & Capacity Scheme, is titled “Empowering Local NGOs for Western Hoolock Gibbon Conservation in Northeast India and Bangladesh.” Implemented in partnership with Conservation Initiatives (CI) in Northeast India and the Creative Conservation Alliance (CCA) in Bangladesh, this project aims to strengthen the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of local organizations that are at the forefront of gibbon conservation.
Through this initiative, PRCF and partners will work to enhance their own institutional capacities, build conservation leadership, and empower community members for safeguarding the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
Integrating Poverty Alleviation and Biodiversity Conservation
The second grant under the Darwin Main Scheme, is titled “Integrating Poverty Alleviation and Biodiversity Conservation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.” This project is led by PRCF in partnership with the Creative Conservation Alliance (CCA) and focuses on the intersection of biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and indigenous community well-being.
By linking poverty alleviation strategies with conservation outcomes, the project seeks to promote conservation of focal species, namely Western Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Phyraes Leaf Monkey, Chinese Pangolin, Asian Giant Forest Tortoise, and Asiatic Black Bear, while supporting community welfare of five indigenous Mro in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—one of Bangladesh’s most ecologically and culturally rich regions.
A Regional Milestone
Together, these two Darwin Initiative projects represent a significant step in realizing PRCF’s South Asia Program, which has been in careful development since 2022. The program aims to extend PRCF’s established model of community-based conservation to new landscapes in India and Bangladesh.
These initiatives will not only strengthen the capacity of local partners but also contribute to regional collaboration for biodiversity conservation and community empowerment across transboundary landscapes.
“The launch of PRCF’s South Asia Program through these Darwin Initiative projects is a proud moment for our entire network,” said Sinan Serhadli (South Asia Program Coordinator). “It reflects PRCF´s long-term commitment to empowering local organizations and communities to lead the conservation of their own natural heritage.”
PRCF looks forward to sharing updates as these projects take shape and deliver tangible impacts for both people and wildlife across South Asia.
