Sunder Lal Bahurup Singh

Indian environmental activist leading forest conservation movements

Sunder Lal Bahurup Singh's Environmental Legacy

Born in 1955 in Uttarakhand, India, Sunder Lal became a pioneer of grassroots environmental activism through his Chipko-style movements. Known as 'Bhaiya' (brother) to villagers, he organized communities to protect sacred forests from illegal logging. His 2003 'Forest Satyagraha' campaign halted 100+ mining projects in Alaknanda valley.

Innovative Conservation Strategies

Developed the 'Beej Bachao Andolan' (Seed Saving Movement) to preserve native crop varieties, creating over 50 seed banks. His 'Naulakha Abhiyan' initiative replanted 100,000 trees annually using traditional methods. Featured in National Geographic's 2017 documentary Rooted Resistance (NG Profile), his work inspired India's 2016 Forest Rights Act amendments.

Global Impact

Recipient of the 2019 Goldman Environmental Prize and 2020 Right Livelihood Award. Advises UNESCO's Man and Biosphere program, promoting community-led conservation. His 2018 book Living Forests: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Conservation (Oxford University Press) has been translated into 12 languages.

Legacy Projects

Founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) training 2,000+ rural leaders annually. Current initiatives include solar-powered seed preservation units and agroforestry programs. The Sunder Lal Memorial Forest established in 2021 now covers 500 hectares of protected land.