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.

South India’s famous Lantana elephants to raise their trunks for conservation funds

To raise awareness and funds for elephant conservation, 75 tribal artisans worked on creating elephant models from Lantana, a weed.

Sarus Crane Population in Bhoj on the Rise Due to Community Effort

As their practices were harming the birds, the farmers decided to start using organic fertilisers and pesticides since 2013.

Plant Man Miguel Braganza on how Konkan Fruit Fest preserves food biodiversity

The motto: To preserve, celebrate and propagate the region’s rich variety of local fruits and vegetables and its corollary food heritage and culture

India’s permaculture movement is being taken forward by young people

The principles of permaculture suggest observing and interacting with nature, obtaining yield,  capturing and storing energy, drawing from natural patterns, producing zero waste, accepting feedback and regulating self.

Fish sanctuaries and community support for conservation of Meghalaya’s mahseer

“Not just fishes, the aquatic life, in general, is thriving as a result of these fish sanctuaries,”

Artisan-supportive Innovative Enterpreunership in Ladakh

Creating local employment in Ladakh, a semi-nomadic entrepreneur is developing a support system for local artisans

Championing community mobilisation to conserve water resources

Farmers switch over to millets in this semi-arid village in Andhra Pradesh due to the efforts of a community resource person

Risk Minimisation essential for All National Policies

India’s sluggishness in tackling major hazards strikes is a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution.

Rural Women Celebrate Siali Uchsav for Forest and Livelihood Protection

The women dependent on Siali leaves decided to conserve and regenerate the forest after finding that there were only a few Siali creepers left.