The Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC) bridges the gap for graduates and young professionals between academic learning and on-the-ground conservation needs by providing real-time training in different aspects of conservation biology and application gleaned from over 30 years of experience in the field. This course is based on the unique conservation engineering model developed by Sanjay Molur and the late Sally Walker.

 

The course will build the skills to make the leap from being theorists to successful practical conservation applicants in working environments of biodiversity-rich developing countries taught by professionals in the region.

 

Taught by a team of experienced conservationists, taxonomists, naturalists, educators, scientists, artists, policy makers, social scientists and other experts, this intensive 4-month course of theoretical and practical classes provides the right tools, methods, foundation, and opportunities to build up leaders in conservation.

 

Vision

A community of career conservationists to lead the world into restoring wildlife.

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Headed and mentored by

Dr. Sanjay Molur and expert mentors such as Dr. Mewa Singh, Dr. Priya Davidar,  Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, and Dr. Biju Kumar, among others.

 

Professional development through longer term training for effective conservation leaders

To provide a more solid foundation for early career conservationists and young graduates, Zooreach runs a course called the Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC), a four-month intensive inhouse course based at Coimbatore including 15 days of field experience at various venues.  This course will benefit from the institutional expertise within Zooreach as well as its partner organizations in creating conservation capacity for practitioners and future leaders in the field.

 

To meet the objectives of the RHATC, we combine the fundamentals with the deep learning required in building conservation leaders – of scientific principles that underline the needs for conservation and humanity principles for putting those needs into practice.  Over four months, the course will amalgamate the academic world with the real-time requirements of the practical world bringing together professionals from both spheres to train potential conservation leaders.  Theoretical coursework with hands-on training are the key to the in-house programme followed by actual field experience of the realities to give an overall exposure for a holistic professional development.

 

Evaluation of success

The measure of the course’s success will be evaluated by leading conservation monitors who are professionals in the field of conservation to ensure that the professional development by the trainees has an impact in the real world. 

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Important dates to remember

 

Application process:

Start date - 10 June 2025.

Submission last date - 6 July 2025.

 

Selection process:

First round of interviews: 21–23 July 2025.

Second round of interviews: 25–26 July 2025.

 

Final list of Fellows announced: 1 August 2025.

 

Course start date: 14 September 2025.

Arrival in Coimbatore and settling in: 12 September 2025.

Icebreaker, administrative formalities, and orientation: 12 September 2025.

 

Course last date: 18 January 2026.

 

Additional Information

• The RHATC course of 4 months is a funded programme.  All selected candidates will be provided with partial Fellowships which includes board, lodging, course materials, tuition, and course related travel for the duration of the course.

• Successful candidates for the course will be called Ram Hattikudur Fellows.

• There are 3 full Fellowships (100%). These are granted based on competition and economic status of the candidates.

• Partial Fellowships are available to all other successful candidates (95% of the full amount).

• The course fee for Partial Fellows will be intimated closer to the time of selection.

• A Financial Undertaking will be required by all Fellows.

• The finally selected candidates (Ram Hattikudur Fellows) will have to bear their own travel expenses to and from Coimbatore for the four-month course.

• The Fellows will not be paid per diem or stipend.

• Additional costs, personal expenses, and separate food and beverage choices have to be met by the Fellows individually.

• Fellows wishing to travel in between on personal visits or any emergency have to bear their own costs.

• Fellows are not encouraged to take personal leave during the four-month period unless there is a valid reason which will be determined by the course coordinators.

• Candidates supported by organizations to attend this course should mention in the form and provide an undertaking from the organization head.

• Fellows will be bound by strict rules and regulations of conduct and social behaviour during the entire course.

• Selected candidates with both the dose of Covid-19 vaccination require the booster dose before arrival to the course.

• Certain public holidays and major religious holidays, e.g., Diwali, Christmas, Pongal, Republic Day will be off.  However, there is no opportunity for Fellows to travel back and forth to visit families for these occasions.