ABOUT US

Nature and Wildlife Association

Who We Are?

Founded in 2019, the Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, community engagement, and promoting harmonious coexistence between people and nature. Based in North Bengal, NWA works across forest fringes, tea garden landscapes, wildlife corridors, and rural communities that regularly interact with wildlife.

Since its inception, the organization has addressed conservation challenges through community participation, scientific approaches, and collaboration with government agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and local stakeholders. NWA believes that lasting conservation can only be achieved when local communities play an active role in protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

Over the years, NWA has developed a dedicated network of volunteers and conservation practitioners working together to safeguard wildlife while supporting the well-being of communities living alongside it.

What We Do?

The Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) works towards promoting coexistence between people and wildlife through community-based conservation initiatives, scientific monitoring, and collaborative action. Our primary focus is mitigating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) across North Bengal by supporting Forest Department response mechanisms, strengthening community preparedness, and developing local volunteer networks capable of responding to conflict situations. We have established and trained Primary Response Teams (PRTs) in several conflict-prone areas, assisting frontline forest staff during emergencies and providing logistical support whenever required. Alongside conflict mitigation, we conduct awareness programmes, community outreach activities, capacity-building workshops, and environmental education initiatives to foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation among local communities, youth, and other stakeholders. NWA also undertakes wildlife research and monitoring activities, including corridor monitoring, camera trap-based studies, digital monitoring systems, and biodiversity assessments that contribute to informed conservation planning. Working in close coordination with government agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities, we strive to protect biodiversity, maintain ecological connectivity, and create sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. Through our work, we aim to build resilient communities, strengthen conservation efforts on the ground, and contribute to a future where humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony.

Wildlife Research & Monitoring

Youth & Community Engagement

Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation

Conservation Partnerships

Primary Response Team

Our Foundation

History

NWA was founded in 2019 to address the rising Human-Wildlife Conflict and promoting wildlife conservation in North Bengal.

Our Mission

To ensure a safe and sustainable future for elephants and local communities with restored habitats, and empowered communities.

Our Vision

To foster harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife through conservation, community collaboration, and habitat restoration.

Our Core Values

Coexistence

We believe in fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through strategic initiatives, we work to ensure that both communities and elephants can safely share space.

Community Engagement

We believe that conservation is only possible with the active involvement of local people. That’s why we work closely with local communities through awareness campaigns and livelihood support.

Conservation

We believe that conservation is only possible with the active involvement of local people. That’s why we work closely with local communities in non-forest areas through awareness campaigns, livelihood support, and feedback mechanisms.

Collaboration

We actively support forest departments with tools during conflict seasons, collaborate with institutions like NEWS, organize workshops for forest personnel and engages in transboundary cooperation and regional knowledge exchanges.

Our Team

Our team at NWA is a passionate group of wildlife researchers, field experts, conservationists, and trained volunteers dedicated to protecting both elephants and human communities. Together, we combine scientific knowledge, grassroots action, and local partnerships to create a sustainable future for North Bengal’s wildlife and people.