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“iREBEL” stands for Institute for Research on Ecology and Biodiversity to Enunciate our Liability.  The meaning of our name, and the heart of our mission, is increasing and spreading the knowledge, appreciation and benefits of our earth’s natural wealth.  Through our activities, we will fulfill our responsibility to pass on a healthy planet to future generations while improving the quality of life for those here now.  We work primarily in eastern and northeastern India.

The primary aims and objectives for our work are to:

1. Stop illegal hunting and deforestation

2. Conserve habitat areas and wetlands through acquisition and other management activities

3. Create new forests of indigenous trees and plants

4. Spread awareness and conserve historic knowledge of native flora and fauna, cultivation of traditional crops and medicinal plants, and risks and alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers

5. Conduct research to document previously unknown species and/or populations and monitor status of threatened/endangered species – ultimately, establishing a rehabilitation and research centre for endangered flora and fauna

6. Catalyze actions by, and partner with, governments, other non-governmental organizations, and individuals to conserve wildlife and habitats

7. Increase knowledge of and access to human health and sanitation practices, services and facilities that promote health and also protect natural resources

8. Foster self-help groups, especially for women, to generate income and increase sense of empowerment

9. Connect young people with opportunities for advanced education and employment, including establishing and/or maintaining schools and libraries

10. Provide assistance to aged, sick, indigent and disadvantaged individuals

11. Campaign against addictions

12. Create new economic opportunities, such as ecotourism projects, that directly involve people in protecting their environment

Our activity “epicenter” – the Village of Belun

iREBEL’s work originated and is currently managed from the village of Belun, located about 12 km from Katwa subdivision town in Burdwan District, West Bengal.  Belun is typical of Indian villages where agriculture is the primary means of livelihood.  It is located at the confluence of two major rivers - the Ajay and Hooghly – and a smaller river – the Shibai - flows along Belun’s perimeter.  This proximity to waterways gives access to water but also exposes the village to annual flooding that can severely damage homes, croplands, and wildlife habitat.

iREBEL’s office in Belun is modeled after a typical a village hut with traditional features.   This two-story hut is the centre of our administrative activities and where we meet with volunteers & other supporters of the organization. Injured or orphaned animals rescued by our volunteers are cared for in the office and later released into wild. The garden and ponds on the grounds harbour many indigenous plants, fishes, turtles and insects.

From our Belun base, iREBEL’s work extends to the villages of Ambalgram, Khanrulia, Shiblon, Gomai, Choto Purulia, Baro Purulia, Senpara, Talari, Nabagram, Kankurhati, Begungola, and Baranda.  These villages are located under Nabagram Gram Panchayet, Ketugram II Block, Katwa, Dist.- Burdwan West Bengal.

Easily accessible from Belun is a number of habitat areas with great opportunities for wildlife viewing.  These include:

 Other areas of India in which we work, include:

 

 

 

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