About Empower Trust

Empower Trust works with communities living around unprotected bird habitats, recognizing them as the true custodians of local biodiversity. Conservation experts and civil society play only a supportive role. For communities to protect wetlands and appreciate their ecological value, they must first have access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. Our work bridges this gap.

Wetlands directly improve community resilience by reducing flood risks, enhancing water quality, and supporting local agriculture. Yet, for many disadvantaged families, immediate economic needs overshadow long-term environmental concerns. Empower Trust responds through a holistic approach-combining scientific wetland conservation led by professionals and volunteers with socio-economic interventions that build community well-being and stewardship. Empower Trust aims to reach 100 unprotected important birding areas by 2028 through its flagship program.

Empower Trust is an NGO registered as a Charitable Trust in 2022, with 12A and 80G Income Tax exemptions. The organization is also registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for CSR implementation with registration number CSR00101346.

Delhi Bird Photographers

Empower Trust is a partner of Delhi Bird Photographers, founded in 2014 by Mathew Joseph, an experienced development sector professional and bird photographer. The group is a community of nearly 10,000 birding enthusiasts across Delhi NCR and organizes bird walks, leading volunteer initiatives to protect unprotected habitats for Empower Trust.

Mission

To empower communities through inclusive engagement and nature-based visual storytelling for conservation of birds and habitats. We unite the birding community with local communities living near bird habitats to protect avian habitats while supporting access to sustainable livelihoods, education, and health. Our work fosters biodiversity, resilience, and equity across landscapes and lives.

Vision

A future where communities thrive in harmony with nature - empowered through inclusive engagement, sustained by equitable development, and united in protecting birds and habitats. The organization aims to support conservation efforts in 100 unprotected bird habitats across India by 2028.

Core Values

  • Inclusivity We honour diverse voices and ensure our outreach is culturally and linguistically accessible to all.
  • Collaboration We build partnerships between bird photographers, local communities, governments and conservation allies to achieve shared goals.
  • Stewardship We promote responsible care for habitats and biodiversity through education, storytelling, and grassroots action.
  • Equity We support access to livelihoods, education, and health, recognizing that social well-being and environmental resilience go hand in hand.
  • Creativity We use visual storytelling and strategic design to inspire awareness, connection, and lasting impact.

People

Empower Trust is guided by a collective of conservationists, development professionals, volunteers and bird enthusiasts who share a deep commitment to nature and communities. Our work is strengthened by our close partnership with Delhi Bird Photographers, a vibrant community of birdwatchers and photographers. Together, our team brings field experience, scientific understanding and community connect to protect bird habitats while supporting the people who depend on these ecosystems.

Lalitha Mathew

Trustee
Dr. Vikas Wahal

Advisor
Anupam Gupta

Advisor
Dr. Rajiv Bhatia

Advisor
Mathew Joseph

Advisor
Capt. Satish Pathania

Advisor
Sri Krishna N

Trustee

Financials

Empower Trust is a registered charitable Trust with 12A and 80G certifications, ensuring transparency and compliance with statutory requirements. The organization is also registered on Darpan and has CSR1 certification from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt of India. All funds received are utilized solely for conservation, community development and awareness programs. Financial records are maintained as per legal guidelines and audited regularly. We believe that financial transparency is essential to build trust among donors, partners and the communities we work with.

Partners

Partnerships are at the heart of Empower Trust’s impact. Partnerships are at the heart of Empower Trust’s impact. The organization functions as the Secretariat for “Birds & Habitats Conservation Alliance (BHCA), a nation-wide network of NGOs, research & academic institutions, corporates, philanthropic foundations, experts and birding groups and enthusiasts to strengthen conservation efforts. Our CSR collaborations align with environmental sustainability, education and rural development goals. By partnering with organizations that share our vision, we are able to expand our reach, scale our projects and create long-term positive impact for both people and nature.

Auditor

CA Roli Choubey
Partner, M/s R. Choubey & Associates
New Delhi

QUICK LINKS
PROJECTS
ADDRESS

270/A, First Floor,Patparganj,
Mayur Vihar-1
New Delhi – 110091 India

info@empower-trust.org
+91-9910850144

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