The concept of Keystone emerges from the nest-building behaviour of some birds in nature. These permanent nest structures serve as habitat for several life forms. Such keystone species become crucial in providing opportunities for other associated beings to grow and evolve. Thus, Keystone Foundation is born out of a simple ecological principle of the interdependence of natural systems.

Keystone believes in “small is effective/small is global” and hence, is focused on the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where it is currently working in 135 tribal habitations with an estimated number of 15000 individuals. With the focus initially being on poverty alleviation of the honey hunter community, the first years of Keystone was concerned with the dynamics of honey harvesting and marketing. Since then, Keystone’s mission has led it to diversify its programme base to encompass all aspects affecting the wellness of indigenous communities.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The goal is to work on issues of Natural Resources and Rural Development, with Indigenous People in mountainous and adjoining regions, addressing the challenges of conservation, livelihoods and enterprise development, through appropriate – knowledgeaction, technologies, socio-economic innovations and institutions.Our work is expected to lead to the following outcomes for which the organization will directly be responsible and accountable:

1. Increasing conservation perspectives and ecologically sound principles in all aspects of our work.
2. Increasing the availability of viable natural resource-based sustainable livelihood options for indigenous people.
3. Village groups and institutions taking greater responsibility for managing programmes.
4. Sustaining traditional and cultural practices through opportunities provided within programmes.
5. Knowledge developed by research and action projects, being owned by stakeholders and put to practice.
6. Indigenous people being in a position to dialogue with decisionmakers.
7. Influencing policy & decision making towards environmental governance.
8. Promoting organic & fair trade principles in market based interventions.