Internships Details

About the Organization

Vanastree is a collective of small-scale farmers and home gardeners in the Uttara Kannada district of northern Karnataka. We work to preserve cultivated biodiversity and ensure food and nutritional security through the use and exchange of traditional seeds. The collective also creates and encourages economic incentives for conservation through ecologically sensitive enterprises.

The term “Vanastree” means “Women of the forest” in Kannada, the local language. We believe that any biodiversity conservation plan aimed at arresting genetic erosion must recognize the role of women as gardeners, seed savers, and sources of knowledge. However, the collective comprises men and women, with seed exchange groups reaching out to 500 families of various economic levels and walks of life. About the area Vanastree’s members all work and farm in the Uttara Kannada (North Kannada) district of Karnataka. The district comprises the Malnad, or hilly region of the Western Ghats, the coastal belt, and parts of the drier regions to the east. Known as the spice capital of India as well as one of the 18 biodiversity “hotspots” recognized by biologists worldwide, this district hosts a variety of landscapes, peoples and environmental challenges. The Western Ghats mountain range is covered for the most part by tropical forest and features a number of endemic species, including not only mammals, birds and insects but also food and medicinal plants. Sadly, the region faces many threats to its delicate ecology, such as deforestation, rapid development, and lack of enforcement of existing environmental laws. In addition, as India’s population increases and the quality of agricultural land is degraded by poor farming practices, chemical-based agriculture is pushed as a “solution” by international agri-business corporations. Meanwhile, traditional ways of living and farming, which are by nature organic and sustainable, are rapidly being lost.

Vanastree’s mission Vanastree works to combat all of the above problems by maintaining the traditional, localized food system of Uttara Kannada district through the conservation of seeds. We recognize the importance of traditional seeds as a source of independence and nutritious, plentiful food for those who grow them. In addition, forest home gardens serve as refuges of biodiversity for both cultivated and wild crops, and can serve as an important extra source of income for women and an educational tool for the community.

Our activities Presently, the collective has a modest seed collection, is documenting the home garden diversity of the area, and produces a variety of products through conservation-oriented enterprises (COEs). Other accomplishments and ongoing projects include: - Distributing over packets of organic, open-pollinated seeds (3000 to date) - Forming seed exchange groups and strengthening existing ones

• Establishing both a decentralized regional seed bank among individual gardeners and a central seed bank in Sirsi town

• Participating in several annual melas, festivals and exhibitions promoting biodiversity and seed saving

Interns will divide their time between Huthina Betta, a homestead and experiential learning center in the village of Karkolli, and the Vanastree office in the nearby city of Sirsi. In addition, interns will conduct field visits with Vanastree members and attend workshops and other events in nearby cities as needed. Additional projects in Goa are available depending on the intern's interests and the organizations' needs.

Huthina Betta is an effort toward ecologically sensitive living, combining land restoration with agroforestry. It is the home of Sunita Rao, a founding trustee of Vanastree. The homestead comprises nine acres, including a cottage and outbuildings, orchard, and vegetable garden. Most of the land has been reforested, and Sunita is conducting ongoing projects in green architecture and design to make her home as livable and low-impact as possible. Paths running through the property facilitate long, meditative walks, with rest stops overlooking the paddy fields and forest.

Vanastree’s Sirsi office offers a quiet and convenient working environment. Interns will have access to internet here, although bringing a laptop will be helpful as our computer resources are limited. Sirsi is a busy town of over 50,000, and the office is within walking distance of shopping facilities and the main bus stands. From there, connections to Bangalore (10 hours), Goa (5 hours), and other cities are easy to make. Interns will participate in at least one weekend homestay per month, depending on the individual’s preference. Other interns have found these visits to Malnad families one of the most rewarding parts of the program. In addition, weekend trips to the coast and other nearby tourist spots are possible.

Filled with laughter, color, serenity, tempting aromas, beautiful forests, and sobering experiences, life in the village communities of Uttara Kannada provides excellent opportunities to learn about the fragility and durability of life, human relationships with the earth and, simply, what life is like in a certain part of rural India. These are lessons that supplement academic studies well but cannot be replicated in a classroom.

Job Description

There are always many projects underway and therefore a considerable amount of freedom for interns in terms of the type of work they undertake and how independently they work. As the organization changes and develops, so will the role of the intern. Tasks may vary according to interest and intern initiation, but possible projects include:

• Producing a handbook for home gardeners
• Continuing documentation work
• Organizing trainings for collective members
• Helping with research projects
• Designing posters, product packaging, brochures, etc.
• Fundraising and grantwriting

All internships will include an orientation to the area and its environmental issues. Interns will also spend time each week reviewing what has been accomplished and setting new goals. Longer internships can also be discussed, and there are internship openings for graduate and doctoral students.

# of Positions per term

1-2

Start Dates

Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters (not offered summer due to monsoon’s effect on activities)

Duration of Internship

3-6 months

Qualifications

Academic Background

Students from a variety of backgrounds will be considered, but the following are of particular interest: Tropical agro-forestry (including nursery and seed work); Agriculture; Ecology, environment and, development; Graphic design and Art; Marketing or social entrepreneurship; Product and package design; Carpentry and masonry (for our green architecture and design),Food gardening and sustainable food systems, Anthropology, Women's Studies, Rural Studies and Sustainable Livelihoods, Web design/networking, Media/Film making, Journalism/writing/editing, Alternative technologies (energy/toilets), Food culture/cooking/local cuisine

Skills/Experience

Students with backgrounds in the following fields are highly encouraged to apply: Tropical agro-forestry (including nursery and seed work) Agriculture (including practical work) Ecology and environmental Development and conservation-oriented enterprises Carpentry and masonry (for our green architecture and design) Graphic design and Art (including computer skills) Marketing or social entrepreneurship Product and package design

Language Ability

No Hindi or Kannada is required for this internship, but an enthusiasm to learn and preparation before leaving will go a long way.

Other Requirements

It is important that students arrive in India with enthusiasm and interest in the work of the collective, an open heart and mind, and a cheerful demeanor to complement the friendly, welcoming and active personalities of the region. General physical fitness and mental preparation to live and participate in the activities of the community are also necessary. Interns are expected to be highly motivated and work independently although the supervisor will also be closely involved in the planning and execution of the work taken on. Being able to ride a bicycle will be an asset.

Internship Costs

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$1500-$2100
Visa Fees	$50-$100
Recommended Immunizations	$300-$800

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$500-$650*
Food	$0
Local Transportation	$30
Recreation	$100 (depends on travel)
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

*The Vanastree room & board fee (including meals, lodging, laundry service, and one weekend homestay per month) is currently set at $500 per month. Starting Fall Term 2010, this will go up to 30,000 Rupees/month (approximately $620 depending on the exchange rate). This covers housing and meals, time spent by the supervisor and collective members in orienting the intern, helping her/him learn and execute the work taken on, travel to the office and field visits, overheads to the collective or associated NGO, and other sundry expenses. It also includes accommodation and travel for projects in Goa or the area around Sirsi, internet access at the office (broadband) and access to a cell phone. The amount may be paid monthly to Vanastree. Food at Huthina Betta will be mostly vegetarian (can easily be all vegetarian or vegan if needed) with seafood once or twice a week depending on season and availability. A good portion of the food will be organic and locally grown. The area is famous for its delicious cuisine!

Interns who plan to travel should budget additional money for their expenses.

Additional Information

Weekends may be used to visit nearby areas. For big city thrills, Bangalore is an overnight bus ride and Goa and Mangalore on the coast are 5 hours and 7 hours away respectively.

Read a blog post by former intern, Tuula Rebhahn.

Article from the Deccan Herald http://www.deccanherald.com/content/jun262007/spectrum200706259357.aspArticle about the Malnad Mela (Festival) from India Together http://www.indiatogether.org/2007/jun/env-malnad.htm

Please refer to http://www.vanastree.org/ for more details on the Malnad Forest Garden and Seed Keeper's Collective.