Founders Note
Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman
Welcome to the 13th edition of PT Aware. We are entering the third year of publishing this magazine.
This is also our first publication for the year 2021. It is important to take into cognizance that the entire humanity is looking at this year with eager anticipation to come out of the clutches of the covid pandemic. And yet, there is still uncertainty as to when things will return to pre covid era business as usual.
Both of us are fortunate to be welcoming the new year from the majestic Maasai Mara, where we are hosting a photographic expedition. It is a pleasant coincidence that this edition focuses on the Grey crowned cranes which are native to the African wetlands. As avid bird photographers, wetlands have always captivated us for the sheer variety they hold in biodiversity. Add to this the important ecosystem services that wetlands provide, and this will help to put into perspective the importance that wetlands hold for sustaining life on earth.
It is important that conservation efforts focus holistically on the entirety of wetland dynamics when devising conservation goals and strategies. Community photography can be an effective tool in wetland conservation, given that the vast majority of wetlands lie outside protected areas. It will be easier and more effective for communities to monitor the wetlands and water bodies in their localities and record decline or progress through photographs. PT Aware has faith in using and developing community photography further and the global Paws Trails community has been a trendsetter from the start.
Stay connected through the various outreach programs on our social media handles and help us spread the voice of reason and hope for wildlife and conservation.
Wish you all a happy and prosperous 2021.
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Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman
Founders – Paws Trails Explorers