Reclaiming an Important Wetland in Salem

The Salem Ornithological Foundation is restoring Chinna Punalvasal Lake in Tamil Nadu through community-led wetland conservation. The project combines habitat restoration, invasive species removal, governance strengthening and local engagement to revive biodiversity, protect livelihoods and work toward Biodiversity Heritage Site or Ramsar recognition.

(i) Environment Sustainability
(ii) Livelihood Enhancement
(iii) Ecological Balance

Tamil Nadu

Open for funding, part funding raised

Existing Project

Executive summary

The Salem Ornithological Foundation (SOF), a youth-led conservation non-profit, is spearheading a community-driven wetland restoration initiative at Chinna Punalvasal Lake in Salem District, Tamil Nadu — a freshwater irrigation tank nestled within the ecologically significant Eastern Ghats landscape. This 12-month project seeks to reverse the rapid degradation of the lake through a biocentric, people-centred approach that integrates ecological restoration, environmental education, and strengthened local governance.

The lake faces severe and compounding threats: exponential growth of invasive flora including Prosopis juliflora, Ipomoea carnea, and Lantana camara has choked its inlet and open water surface; encroachment has reduced its area; unchecked waste dumping and bird poaching persist; and the absence of clear governance structures has left the wetland without an effective custodian. These directly translate into ecological losses and diminished livelihoods the surrounding semi-community.

SOF will undertake targeted restoration of 40 acres of wetland through removal of invasive vegetation, desiltation, plantation of 1,000 native tree saplings, and community clean-up drives. Parallel interventions will build ecological literacy among 500+ students and community members through nature education programmes and culturally rooted engagement events. Governance will be strengthened by activating Biodiversity Management, Conservation Reserve, and Solid Waste Management Committees through legal literacy workshops and multi-stakeholder dialogue with Panchayat bodies and line departments.

The initiative's defining long-term ambition is to secure a Biodiversity Heritage Site or Ramsar Site designation for Chinna Punalvasal Lake — embedding lasting legal protection, elevating the Eastern Ghats in national conservation discourse, and inspiring neighbouring Panchayats through a replicable model of community-led wetland stewardship. All activities are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.

About the NGO

The Salem Ornithological Foundation (SOF) is a youth-led, non-profit organization registered (U85300TZ2020NPL034938) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Their goal is to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, environment, biodiversity and climate change through education, research and innovative solutions. They work in different habitats ranging from wetlands, forests, scrub jungles, farmlands and the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats.

Though their primary focus is birds, we frequently document and study other taxa too. They take focused measures to encourage the participation and leadership of women in conservation initiatives. In addition to promoting bird and nature conservation, their work also aspires to enhance and protect the livelihood options for the local, rural and tribal communities.

They actively work in liaison with multiple government departments and local communities to legally protect as many wilderness habitats as possible.

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