Foundation for Ecological Security
The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is an Indian non-profit that restores ecological commons — land, forest, and water — through community-led governance, working with 64,976 village institutions and government and NGO partners across 16 states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersAnand, India
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Foundation for Ecological Security does
The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is a privately held Indian non-profit organization headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, founded in 2003 to strengthen, revive, or restore the ecological succession and conservation of land, forest, and water resources across India. It operates through three core programmatic pillars — Ecological Restoration, Local Governance, and Enhancing Livelihoods — using a community-led model that combines traditional knowledge with modern conservation methods and engages village institutions (Gram Panchayats, Forest Rights Committees, Community Forest Resource Management Committees) in the stewardship of commons such as grazing lands, forests, water bodies, and wastelands.
FES's core "product" is not a commercial software platform but a methodology and field-delivery model supported by digital tools including Open Data Kit (ODK) and Participatory Digital Attestation (PDA) for data collection, alongside research and monitoring platforms — India Observatory and the Indian Biodiversity Information System (IBIS). It also coordinates the Great Backyard Bird Count in India with Bird Count India, Cornell University, and Audubon Society, and runs a training and certification programme (MAP — Managing Across Perspectives).
FES's business model is non-commercial: it is funded through philanthropic grants and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals, and through implementation of government schemes (e.g., MGNREGS, Forest Rights Act, state-level natural resource management programs). Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Its funding partners include Tata Trusts, Ford Foundation, IKEA Foundation, Skoll Foundation, Omidyar Network India, Co-impact, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, NABARD, Axis Bank Foundation, HCL Foundation, Hindustan Unilever Foundation, ITC Limited, Deutsche GIZ, and others; its implementing partner network includes 87 NGOs and civil society organizations, and it works with state governments across 14+ states (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, and others). Per its self-reported impact, FES has positively impacted 40.38 million lives, restored 17.66 million acres of commons, and strengthened 64,976 village institutions.
Foundation for Ecological Security firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Foundation for Ecological Security
- Legal name
- Foundation for Ecological Security
- Website
- https://fes.org.in
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is an Indian non-profit that restores ecological commons — land, forest, and water — through community-led governance, working with 64,976 village institutions and government and NGO partners across 16 states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Foundation for Ecological Security industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Conservation Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)
- SIC
- Forestry (800), Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), State/Provincial Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration (BPAIABAL), Agriculture & Food Security Development (BPAGABAB)
Keywords
Where Foundation for Ecological Security is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Anand
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Foundation for Ecological Security business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Grants and Donations: Funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals for ecological restoration and community development programs
- Government Grants and Schemes: Implementation of government programs including MGNREGS, Forest Rights Act, and various state-level natural resource management schemes
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Foundation for Ecological Security product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Foundation for Ecological Security implements community-based programs in ecological restoration, local governance, and rural livelihood enhancement across 16 Indian states. The organization works with village institutions, Gram Panchayats, Forest Rights Committees, and 87 implementing partner NGOs to restore 17.66 million acres of commons, strengthen community rights over natural resources, and improve rural livelihoods. FES also operates the India Observatory and Indian Biodiversity Information System (IBIS) platforms and coordinates the Great Backyard Bird Count in India.
Product overview
The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening community-led ecological restoration and governance of shared natural resources in India. The organization does not offer a technology product or software platform. Its work centers on three core programmatic areas: Ecological Restoration (working with rural communities to restore land, forest, and water resources), Local Governance (supporting rights-based community management systems and government collaboration), and Enhancing Livelihoods (improving economic opportunities through sustainable management of commons and farming methods). FES operates through village institutions strengthened across over 64,976 villages, working with government and NGO partners to restore commons across 17.66 million acres. The organization also coordinates the Great Backyard Bird Count in India as part of Bird Count India.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- India Observatory: An online platform hosted by FES for monitoring and research on ecological and development issues in India.
- IBIS
Products and services
- Ecological Restoration Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 17.66 million acres of commons restored across 12,000+ villages impacting 40.38 million lives
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Foundation for Ecological Security
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Foundation for Ecological Security technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Foundation for Ecological Security partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered moderate and minor.
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)moderateGlobal conservation body providing technical guidance and network access
- The Nature ConservancymoderateGlobal conservation organization for conservation methodology exchange
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)moderateUN agency providing development funding and technical support
- Bird Count IndiaminorPartnership for coordinating bird counting events like Great Backyard Bird Count in India
- AF Ecology CentreminorImplementing partner for ecological programs
- Gram VikasmoderateNGO implementing rural development and conservation programs
- CSA IndiaminorCivil society alliance implementing community programs
- PRADANmoderateProfessional assistance for rural development implementing community programs
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Foundation for Ecological Security competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE): India-based conservation research and action organization working on biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainable landscapes. Directly comparable to FES in mission, India footprint, and mix of research, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
- Wildlife Trust of India: Large Indian conservation NGO focused on wildlife and habitat protection with significant field programs across states. Comparable to FES in scale, donor base, and India-wide operational footprint.
- Centre for Science and Environment: India-based public interest research and advocacy organization on environment, with strong community engagement and policy programs. Comparable in mission, India scope, and donor-supported operating model.
- Development Alternatives: Indian social enterprise and NGO focused on sustainable development, livelihoods, and natural resource management. Comparable in community-based approach, rural India focus, and integration of ecological and livelihood outcomes.
Broad incumbents
- The Nature Conservancy (India): Global conservation powerhouse with India operations focused on landscape-scale restoration and water security. An existing FES strategic partner and a peer given overlapping landscape restoration methodologies.
- WWF India: Indian arm of global WWF network engaged in species, habitat, and forest conservation across India. Comparable scale and multi-state operations, though with broader wildlife mandate than FES's commons focus.
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI): Leading Indian think tank and action organization on energy, environment, and sustainable development. Comparable institutional size and India-wide footprint, with overlap on natural resource management and policy.
- World Resources Institute India: Global research organization with India operations focused on climate, forests, water, and sustainable cities. Comparable in policy influence and donor network, with overlapping restoration and governance work.
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Global conservation body providing technical guidance and standards for nature-based solutions. An existing FES partner and a peer in conservation methodology and policy influence, though with a global rather than India-exclusive mandate.
Emerging players
- Conservation India: India-focused conservation advocacy and citizen science platform addressing wildlife and habitat issues. Smaller in scale than FES but overlapping in biodiversity, habitat protection, and community engagement.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Foundation for Ecological Security social profiles
Digital presenceFoundation for Ecological Security financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Foundation for Ecological Security leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Foundation for Ecological Security funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
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Foundation for Ecological Security M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Foundation for Ecological Security
What does Foundation for Ecological Security do?
Foundation for Ecological Security implements community-based programs in ecological restoration, local governance, and rural livelihood enhancement across 16 Indian states. The organization works with village institutions, Gram Panchayats, Forest Rights Committees, and 87 implementing partner NGOs to restore 17.66 million acres of commons, strengthen community rights over natural resources, and improve rural livelihoods. FES also operates the India Observatory and Indian Biodiversity Information System (IBIS) platforms and coordinates the Great Backyard Bird Count in India.
Is Foundation for Ecological Security a public or private company?
Foundation for Ecological Security is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Foundation for Ecological Security founded?
Foundation for Ecological Security was founded in 2003. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Foundation for Ecological Security based?
Foundation for Ecological Security is headquartered in Anand, India, in the Asia region.
How does Foundation for Ecological Security make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Philanthropic Grants and Donations are the primary driver. The others are government Grants and Schemes.
Who are Foundation for Ecological Security's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Wildlife Trust of India, Centre for Science and Environment and Development Alternatives. Broad incumbents are The Nature Conservancy (India), WWF India, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), World Resources Institute India and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Conservation India is listed as an emerging player.
Does Foundation for Ecological Security have an API?
No public API is recorded for Foundation for Ecological Security.
What industry is Foundation for Ecological Security in?
Foundation for Ecological Security's product category is Environmental Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAD, Forestry & Reforestation, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAA, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 800.