In the year 1998, while carrying out project on natural resource conservation entrusted by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Bhutan the need for a common platform to address environmental issues in the region of South Asia was realized by a team of ecologists. Further, the ecological distress and problems faced by local inhabitants in Bhutan Himalyas and Gangetic floodplains along the Indo-Nepal border acted as an impetus to bring together few like-minded people from various fields to attend to the need of conservation of fresh water lakes and wetlands. It was during this time the idea of a common working platform was envisioned, but then it was yet to manifest in itself as an organized forum.

By the end of year 2000, as the work load increased bringing new challenges the team started confronting problems in delivering its task mainly due to the lack of a structured platform. Thus growing responsibility called for an immediate action and finally SAFE was launched in Bhutan as its throbbing center in year 2000. It was then decided as per requirement nation wise chapters would be installed for working out environmental projects in the South Asian countries. In year 2002, SAFE, Indian Chapter was installed with same mission and vision.