Neychelle Fernandes and Kaustubh Patkar are inviting you to be part of something hopeful and lasting.
We have committed 10 acres of degraded forest land that our family acquired in the biodiverse region of India’s western region, to a single, long-term purpose:
To bring a forest back to life -
- No development.
- No commercial use.
Nature renewed through science-based restoration and local stewardship
Why This Matters—Globally
The evergreen forests of India’s Western Ghats are among the oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth—often compared to the Amazon in their ecological importance. These forests play a critical role in carbon storage, climate regulation, water security, and biodiversity, and their loss affects us all, no matter where we live.
As you’ll see in the video, this land once supported a thriving forest ecosystem. With proper restoration, it can do so again—creating real, measurable climate and biodiversity benefits.
What Your Support Makes Possible
This is true ecological restoration, not symbolic tree planting.
Working with experienced conservation partners such as the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), your support will help us:
- Restore native evergreen tree species, including threatened and endemic varieties
- Remove invasive plants that choke natural regeneration
- Rebuild habitats for birds, pollinators, and wildlife
- Restore soil health, water cycles, and micro-climates
- Ensure long-term monitoring, data collection, and care
Why Your Donation Matters
We are raising $19,500, and every dollar directly supports on-the-ground restoration.
Your contribution funds:
- Native saplings grown in local nurseries
- Expert-led planting and field teams
- Years of protection, monitoring, and stewardship
This isn’t a one-time intervention.
It’s an investment in a living ecosystem that will grow stronger for decades.
Budget Snapshot (Indicative)
Native sapling production & nursery support — $7,500
Site preparation & invasive species removal — $3,000
Planting operations & field staff — $3,000
Monitoring, data collection & adaptive management — $3,000
Community engagement & training — $2,000
Project documentation & outreach — $1,000
Total: $19,500
Join Us in Restoring a Forest
If you believe that protecting nature is one of the most powerful climate actions we can take, if you believe ecosystems deserve the chance to heal, Please consider donating today.
Donations may be made in various currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, INR, etc.). For consistency on this page, all amounts are shown in USD. Donations are processed in USD by GoFundMe’s payment partners. After the campaign closes, total funds will be converted to Indian Rupees as required and transferred to the registered NGO responsible for the Western Ghats forest restoration project.
Funds are collected in a USD account maintained by the organizer to comply with applicable regulations and to ensure transparent tracking. The final transfer to the NGO will be made from the organizer’s Indian account, with documentation and disclosure to the NGO confirming the amount and purpose.
This forest will stand—because people like you chose to act.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
--Neychelle
Pictures - Courtesy NCF
Music track: Enlivening by Pufino
Background Music for Video (Free)
Organizer
