The Last Forest office in Kotagiri in the late 1990s

Our Story

A journey rooted in sustainability, tradition, and the belief that conservation cannot succeed without supporting indigenous livelihoods.

Last Forest, established in 2010, is rooted in principles dating back to 1993 when Keystone Foundation was founded to support indigenous communities in the Nilgiris. These communities, key to biodiversity conservation, rely on forest produce for their livelihood.

Recognising the lack of market opportunities, Last Forest was created to provide sustainable livelihoods by offering a fair market for honey and other indigenous products. Committed to fair trade and slow food, Last Forest ensures that the identity of these communities is showcased through their products.

The first-ever survey on ‘Honey Hunters’ and ‘Beekeepers’ in Tamil Nadu highlighted the need for a market for forest produce. Last Forest bridges this gap by creating sustainable market opportunities, ensuring traditional knowledge and practices are preserved. Today, Last Forest operates in ten Indian states and internationally, upholding the principles of ethical manufacturing and conscious consumerism.

6,000+

People Impacted

Supplier Groups

30+

Years of Impact

Our Ecosystem

A circular network connecting communities, markets, and movements, ensuring that market shocks don't harm communities and consumerism doesn't destroy biodiversity.

Keystone Foundation

Est. 1993

Non-governmental organisation dedicated to uplifting indigenous communities and conserving biodiversity.

Conducted the first-ever survey on honey gatherers and beekeepers in Tamil Nadu. Focuses on capacity building, livelihood improvement, and sustainable production methods.

Visit Keystone Foundation

Last Forest Enterprises

Est. 2010

Social enterprise connecting indigenous producers with conscious consumers worldwide.

A marketplace for sustainable forest produce, aligned with Fair Trade and Slow Food movements.

Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producer Company

Est. 2013

Farmer Producer Organisation where indigenous producers set their own prices.

Production centres in community-owned buildings with capacity building for value addition, procurement, and processing.

Visit Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producer Company

Nilgiri Natural History Society

Advocates for ecological societies where people and biodiversity coexist.

Promotes conservation through community outreach programmes and information centres, supporting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Visit Nilgiri Natural History Society