This presentation chronicles the pioneering ecological restoration of Taloja Hill through the creation of India’s first community-crafted, eco-engineered trail system led entirely by women.

Presented by:

• Shubhalaxmi Vaylure, Founder, Ladybird Environmental Consulting

Webinar Outline

This presentation chronicles the pioneering ecological restoration of Taloja Hill through the creation of India’s first community-crafted, eco-engineered trail system led entirely by women. Spearheaded by Project Trailblazers with support from Publicis Groupe and executed by the iNaturewatch Foundation in collaboration with the Panvel Forest Department, the initiative transformed a degraded urban hill into a blueprint for nature-led access and stewardship.

The project followed a unique, low-impact approach—respecting forest land regulations, avoiding concrete, and using biodegradable, locally sourced materials. Five thematic trails were designed through participatory mapping, scientific assessments, and indigenous craftsmanship. Alongside structural innovation, the trails integrated digital storytelling using QR-coded curbstones, enhancing ecological education and engagement.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices—particularly insights gained from the International Trails Summit in the U.S.—this 200-labor-day endeavor demonstrates how science, community, and creativity can converge to redefine restoration in urban India.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Nature-Informed Trail Design: Participants will learn how ecological principles, terrain sensitivity, and community engagement can shape the design of low-impact, sustainable trail systems in protected landscapes.
• Explore Innovative, Contextual Material Use: Attendees will discover how biodegradable and locally available materials—like coconut shells, bamboo, and lime-soil mortar—can be adapted for trail infrastructure without compromising ecological integrity.
• Translate Global Best Practices into Local Solutions: The session will demonstrate how trail-building insights gained from international summits (like those of American Trails and the U.S. Forest Service) were thoughtfully reinterpreted for Indian soil, climate, regulations, and cultural contexts.

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