We help restore landscapes, biodiversity, soil, water, grasses, and forests !
Ecological Assessment
600,570 acres
Ecological Planning
52,490 acres
Execution
54 projects
Nursery
300 native species
6,98,000 planted
Welcome to oikos
oikos is a Greek word for 'home' or 'earth'. The term 'ecology' is derived from oikos, meaning ‘study of our home’.
Land development, whether for small-scale farmhouses or large-scale townships, often involves the destruction of the existing topography, original ecology, and biodiversity, typically due to ignorance or neglect.
At oikos, we offer alternatives to conventional machine-based development for those who wish to develop their land in harmony with nature. There are many ways to foster this beautiful coexistence; whether it’s planting native species, creating wildlife habitats, or rejuvenating a stream running through your land.
The size of the plot doesn't matter; what matters is your intention !
About Us
We are a social enterprise working for ecological land management since 2002.
oikos offers consultancy in the fields of ‘Nature Restoration’ and ‘Biodiversity Conservation’ for land development activities.
oikos provides a spectrum of services catering to different users :
Farm House Owner
Convert your farm house garden into a 'wildlife garden'. Provide a refuge to the micro-fauna like butterflies and bees.
Land Owner
Restore ‘diversity of habitats’ on your land ! Establish vegetation cover and attract a diversity of birds !
Land Developer
Design your development to improve the 'patches and corridors' on your land to support wildlife.
Industrialist
‘Green belt development’ and biodiversity enhancement in your campus might get you green credits !
The strength of our work lies in,
> Holistic, year-round assessments conducted across all three seasons
> Site-specific planning and design tailored to the land’s unique characteristics
> Thoughtful execution and/or meticulous monitoring
We have a highly qualified in-house team and we often collaborate with specialists as needed for the best outcomes.
Our Team
We have an interdisciplinary team of professionals and experts passionate for nature conservation including field specialists, Botanist, Zoologist, Architects, Ecologists.. and work closely with a wide range of engineering disciplines, Geologists, and GIS specialists, as need be.
Founders & Managing Partners
Classmates at the post-graduate program offered by the Ecological Society, both felt the need to provide scientific nature conservation solutions to land owners back in 2001 and started this eco-consultancy.
Ketaki Ghate
B.Sc. (Chem), B.Sc. (Botany)
Double graduate from native town Chalisgaon came to Pune to a take course from Ecological Society, with a passion to work for nature.
Trustee, Ecological Society, Pune (2012 - 2019)
Core team & faculty (2013 - present)
Member of Pune Tree Authority, Pune Municipal Corporation (2008 - 2012)
Member, JFMC, Pune (2008 - 2012)
Faculty, Masters in Architecture, BNCA College of Architecture, Pune (2007 - present)
Manasi Karandikar
B.E. (Instru), M.Sc. (Env. Sc.)
A keen eye for wildlife & nature, pursued masters in environmental sciences after engineering.
Trustee, Ecological Society, Pune (2012 - 2019)
Core team & faculty (2013 - present)
Working with Grammangal, local NGO, to design educational tools for dovetailing ecological perspective in school education.
Member of HLMC, Matheran (2012 - 2014)
We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals who contribute to the success of our mission. Our dynamic team consists of both project-based collaborators and full-time associates. Every resource person, expert, and intern has played a vital role in advancing the message of conservation !
Project Assistant
Ketaki Sathe-Kulkarni
Project Associate
Kirti Amritkar
Project Assistant
Sarika
Zoologist & Field Assistant
Yogesh Chavan
Botanist & Research Associate
Bhushan Shigwan (PhD)
Project Assistant
Vrunda Shete
Graphic Designer
Trupti Kirdat
Project Coordinator
Shalvi Pawar
Associate - Landscape Architect
Rashmi Markandeya
Associate - Landscape Architect
Mayuri Gokulkar
Associate - Landscape Architect
Vishal Avachat
Guiding Panel
oikos earns its legacy from ‘Ecological Society’ where we gained invaluable insights under the mentorship of Prof. Prakash Gole. His guidance shaped our understanding of the environment from a truly unique perspective. Prof. Mahajan deepened our knowledge of plants and their way of life and their essential role in the ecosystem, through his teachings.
Our favorite quote from Gole Sir is : “Humans can have alternatives, wildlife cannot.”
Prof. Prakash Gole
Ecologist, Ornithologist, Economist
Founder, Ecological Society, Pune
Dr. Swati Gole
Geomorphologist,
Founder, Ecological Society, Pune
Prof. S. D. Mahajan
Botanist, Pune
Our Clients
We are extremely grateful to the individuals who believed in the innovative approach of land development with an eco-conscious perspective. Their trust allowed us to thoroughly explore and implement suggestions on their land. As a result, their properties have become vital habitats for local flora and fauna, serving as islands of conservation in the surrounding degraded areas.
Awards
We have been fortunate to receive recognition from esteemed organsations. This acknowledgment has greatly boosted our morale, helped us reach a wider audience, and allowed us to spread the message of conservation and restoration to more people. Most importantly, it has endorsed the importance of Nature Conservation and Ecological Restoration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients, team, families, and well-wishers for their unwavering support !
Rama Joshi Award
In 2006, we were honored with Ramabai Joshi Award for ‘Innovative Management Services’. This award is given by MCCIA every year along with G. S. Parkhe awards for new products or services. We are thankful to MCCIA for this recognition & appreciation.
‘Bahinabai Chaudhary Sanman 2019’ by Bharari foundation
In January 2019, Bharari foundation from Jalgaon, awarded oikos team with 'Bahinabai Chaudhary* Sanman' for the contribution in the field of environment conservation. This award is being given to women working in a different field for some unique or social cause.
*Bahinabai Chaudhary was an eminent poetess of her time who wrote excellent poetry and folklore in local Ahirani language.
‘Uncha Maza Zoka Puraskar 2013’ by Zee Marathi
To recognize the efforts by women in various fields, Zee network decided to give an award that started in 2013. Many thanks to Zee network for selecting us for the small contribution we have done in Ecological restoration & conservation work.
‘Avani Mitra 2014’ by K B Alias Anna Talwalkar Trust
The trust formed to respect the teachings of a valuable teacher, Anna Talwalkar and recognize efforts by various people in social or environmental movement. Sincere thanks to the trustees for recognizing us with 8th Annual Late Anna Talwalkar Memorial Avani Mitra Awards & help spreading the message of conservation to more people.
Together We Flourish !
Our work thrives through strong, collaborative relationships with like-minded organizations and professionals in the fields of conservation and restoration. These valuable associations bring a wealth of expertise, insights, and resources, enabling us to achieve greater impact and make more meaningful contributions to preserving and restoring our natural and cultural heritage.
Associates
Affiliations
Nurseries
Together, we share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, fostering a network of support that strengthens our collective efforts to safeguard the environment for future generations. Through collaboration, we harness our combined expertise to create lasting solutions and ensure the long-term health of our natural world.