Simply Darjeeling!

Another focus of project SERVE, financed by Tea Campaign, is maintaining the water catchment area at Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, established in 1915, comprises an area of 38 square kilometers around Tiger Hill. It is home to many rare and endangered species.

Located about 6 miles south-east of Darjeeling City, the Sanctuary is crucial for the water supply of the town. In 2007, about 40,000 seedlings were planted in the catchment area.  A local tree nursery has been established to provide the seedlings. Since the area is infested with bamboo, regular clearing and maintenance work is necessary for the plantings to survive. Maintenance and protection of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary are supervised by an Eco Development Committee.

(Source: Annual Activity Report 2007)

Among project SERVE’s ecological activities in Darjeeling is the planting of shade trees. Tea bushes require shade. It boosts the flavor, the color, and the yield of the tea harvested. Project SERVE, in cooperation with the WWF India, has been planting different species of shade trees to improve the biodiversity of the tea gardens. The tree seedlings are raised in the project’s own nursery. 70,000 shade trees were planted in 2007.

Read more under ‘Green Commitment‘ and in upcoming blog entries.

(Source: Annual Activity Report, 2007)

Replanting trees is one major activity of project SERVE. It is essential for reversing soil erosion on the steep slopes of Darjeeling. Degraded areas are identified and surveyed, weeds are cleaned away, and pits dug before the monsoon rain starts. Seedlings are raised in the project’s own nursery and supplied through local committees or groups.

82,500 seedlings were planted in 2007.

(Source: Annual Activity Report 2007).

The project “Save the Environment and Regenerate Vital Employment” (SERVE) was initiated in 1992 by Teekampagne (Tea Campaign) in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature, India. The overarching goal of the project is to restore the environment of Darjeeling Hills, one of the global biodiversity hotspots, which is threatened by deforestation and degradation of forests, by uncontrolled tourism, and by soil erosion.

Major objectives of project SERVE are

• Restoration of the environment by improving the natural habitat;
• Generating sources of income and employment through reforestation programs and alternative livelihood programs;
• Environmental education and awareness programs for local communities and students.

SERVE works closely together with government officials, local communities, schools and NGOs in the Darjeeling region.

Read more about SERVE’s activities and achievements in upcoming posts.

(Source: Annual Activity Report, 2007.)

In 1992, Teekampagne (Tea Campaign) initiated project SERVE — Save the Environment and Regenerate Vital Employment. The project is implemented locally by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and financed by Teekampagne (Tea Campaign).

In a series of upcoming postings, this blog will highlight some of Tea Campaign’s socially responsible efforts in the region of Darjeeling.

Some information on SERVE can also be found here.