Research rooted in communities. Knowledge shaped for change.

TEER Foundation is a research and knowledge platform working at the intersection of tribal communities, natural resources, governance, economics and public policy.

ABOUT US

TEER Foundation is a research-led organisation working to safeguard tribal livelihoods and protect vital natural resources. Its work is rooted in understanding the realities and challenges faced by tribal communities and in generating knowledge that can contribute to meaningful change across communities, institutions, and policy spaces.

The Foundation undertakes field-based research with state and non-state organizations to influence policy and public discourse. Its research focuses on issues connected to tribal communities, governance, rights, livelihoods, forests, natural resources, and development, creating a foundation for informed and evidence-based engagement.

TEER also engages in rights-based policy advocacy, with an emphasis on inclusive and democratic approaches to safeguarding community interests. Through this work, it seeks to contribute to policy discussions and actions that recognize and protect the interests and livelihoods of tribal communities.

Alongside research and advocacy, TEER focuses on training and capacity building, building knowledge and skills among policymakers, implementers, community organizations, and professionals. Together, these areas of work bring research, community engagement, policy, and capacity building into a broader approach towards meaningful and sustainable change.

VISION AND MISSION

OUR VISION

Driving meaningful change through influence and action across state and non-state policies to safeguard tribal livelihoods and protect vital natural resources.

TEER Foundation works at the intersection of tribal communities, natural resources, governance and public policy. Through research, policy advocacy, training and community-oriented knowledge, we work towards resilient tribal communities, sustainable natural resources and inclusive governance.

OUR MISSION

The supplied plan describes TEER’s mission as research-led work around climate resilience and the adaptation of tribal ethos into economics, laws and policies.

TEER Foundation works at the intersection of tribal communities, natural resources, governance and public policy. Through research, policy advocacy, training and community-oriented knowledge, we work towards resilient tribal communities, sustainable natural resources and inclusive governance.

HOW WE WORK

01
FIELD & EVIDENCE

Research

Field-based research generates evidence and knowledge around tribal communities, governance and natural resources.

02
POLICY & DISCOURSE

Policy

Research informs policy advocacy, public discourse and engagement with institutions.

03
TRAINING & KNOWLEDGE

Capacity

Training, knowledge-sharing and capacity building strengthen the people and institutions involved.

04
ACTION & IMPACT

Change

Knowledge and action contribute to resilient communities, inclusive governance and sustainable resources.

OUR TEAM

Milind Thatte

Grassroots leadership and strategic knowledge for tribal empowerment

Smita Waingankar

Researcher and practitioner focused on policy and discourse

Adv. Ashish Sonawane

Lawyer advocating for people’s interests

Dhananjay Jamdar

Resource generation and management

INSTITUIONAL COLLABORATIONS

01

GOVERNMENT

02

CIVIL SOCIETY

03

ACADEMIC INSTITUIONS

04

RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS

Knowledge creates change. Help strengthen the work.

Support research, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and community-oriented initiatives that contribute to resilient tribal communities, sustainable natural resources and inclusive governance.