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The Conservation Research Group (CRG), St. Albert’s College, Kochi, is one of South India’s leading academic and research centers committed to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Very recently it was ranked as one of the top 10 colleges in the world working to save endangered species.

The objectives of CRG are to:

1. Develop and implement rational conservation strategies for the biodiversity of peninsular India and Western Ghats Hotspot in particular.
2. Provide a forum for research and education in conservation related issues.
3. Work closely with GO’s, NGO’s and local communities for developing holistic models relating to biodiversity conservation.

Established in 2007, CRG has been particularly active in research, education and outreach programs on freshwater biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats Hotspot. One of the main research directions at CRG is freshwater fish. CRG’s freshwater fish research is interdisciplinary, and is focused on generating information and developing methods to support conservation decision-making. In particular, research is directed to the connectivity between freshwater biodiversity, conservation and livelihoods.

The group uses a combination of biological, socioeconomic and management methods, to improve the understanding of freshwater fish species, corresponding small-scale fisheries and their role in local livelihoods, with an aim to develop local, regional and international policy recommendations for conservation and sustainable use.

The group has been very active in the region and the group and/or its members have received grants from several regional, national and international agencies and organizations including Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, Bangalore, India; University Grants Commission, India; Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund; Rufford Foundation; North of England Zoological Society/Chester Zoo; Endangered Species International; and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund/CEPF of Conservation International.

CRG’s researchers also collaborate widely with state, national and international fisheries organizations, universities, aquariums, community organizations, GO’s and NGO’s in research and outreach activities.