Environment and Ecology

Environmental conservation and sustainability, respecting ecological integrity and limits

This section relates to initiatives that promote the principles of ecological integrity and limits. These are initiatives which envision models of decentralized conservation of land, water and biodiversity, based on a respect for both local and modern knowledge, and considering environment as an integral part of life and work. It also highlight attempts at linking livelihoods to ecological regeneration and restoration at local and landscape level. It will feature innovative attempts to deal with problems of pollution and waste. Overall, this section will try to work towards an understanding of the ecosystem which includes sociological, historical and geographical considerations while deciding on the path that local urban/ rural communities and the larger society take towards well-being.

Restoring Indian grasslands does not require disturbing soil and planting grasses, but more science

Grassland productivity is driven by rainfall, not by the absence of soil fertility or the need for ‘improved grass varieties.

Organic takeover: How 10,000 farmers of Telangana, Andhra are steering a silent movement

A federation of farmer-producer organisations has tapped into the growing organic market to help members raise incomes

Climate resilient millets boost livelihood opportunities for Odisha’s tribal women

The revival of millets is helping women farmers in the tribal districts of the state to enhance their livelihood opportunities and become financially independent.

India at 75: Stepping back from an ecological abyss

The biggest challenge: can ecological sustainability be ensured while generating livelihood security and dignity for more than a billion people?

The Silent Revolution

"When we are making a thread, what comes out of it is another thing, but the inner process we go through while making it is what is transformational, liberating, honest and holds the true integrity of labour and self.," says Rupsi.

Kishore Saint passes on …

He spent his life implementing Gandhian ideas, advocating for local self-governing institutions of tribals and local people. He was a patron of local culture and spiritual practices.

Salutes to the Rainbow of Resistance: Vimalbhai (1962 to 2022)

Vimal bhai touched thousands of lives in a deeply personal and political way. He represented the true rainbow of resistance in his work of struggle and solidarity.

Vruksha Ayurveda Farming: Developing Healthy Plants that Produce Healthy Food

When people were connected with land and agriculture, it had a healthy bearing on our cultural sensibilities.

The Changpas’ way of life is undergoing shocks and disruption

The Changpas embody custodianship as a model of relationship with nature, embedded in ecological pragmatism, an alternative to the modern construct of ownership.