OWCafé Pune

Pooja Bhale, Conservation Biologist founded Protecterra Ecological Foundation with a vision of ensuring maximum civic and ecological awareness in every individual as well as creating a mindful and conscious society.

"There is currently a severe lack of awareness and understanding about the natural world and our link with it. It is of utmost importance that individuals from every walk of life come together to change the overall human lifestyle to create a more sustainable and sensitive society", says Pooja.

Open World Foundation resonates with Pooja's vision and has therefore teamed up with PEF to increase visibility around its work and explore other opportunities of cooperation. OWCafé Pune is the third addition to physical OWCafés around the world and will be opening its doors to the public in July 2011.

The location will not only serve as a Café but also as a conservation centre. PEF is setting up a Nature Information Centre with a nature library, a small animal rescue shelter, a basic camping site where school children can come and stay for a couple of nights as well as a room/hall that will rented out for small events and exhibitions.

Activities that will be carried out at OWCafé Pune

• Bird watching
• Overnight tent stay
• Performing arts weekend
• Food festival
• Pets day out
• Day camps
• Photography workshops
• Pottery
• Tree planting
• Rock climbing and basic mountaineering

OWCafé Pune's vision is to create a space completely in continuation to the natural terrain. Structures will be made from bamboo, straw mats, cow dung and other waste and excess material. To create an ideal example of the uses of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, vermiculture, rain water harvesting, soil water management and organic farming.

PEF achieves its aim and mission through several different projects. To know more please visit www.protecterraef.org