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.

Protecting snow leopards with local communities

The snow leopard was considered to be a despised pest; now it is seen as a valuable tourism asset - by Norbu, as also by scores of other villagers from places where SLC-IT has worked.

Shifting Sands: How Rural Women in India Took Mining into their Own Hands

“When I worked in the farm, I was just another labourer. Here, I am in charge. People see my work and they also see me. It is a great feeling.” -- Yepuri Mani of the Undavalli women's mining group in Andhra Pradesh

Despair and hope on the Roof of the World

Ladakhis are working quietly towards sustaining, reviving and reconstructing society in ways that could bring back some harmony between humans and nature.

Dayamani Barla: a tribal’s tale of struggle and why she can’t stop

The Munda tribal's life and mission, which reflects courage, inspiration, a continuing struggle and hope for a better future, in her own words.

Biodiversity spot brought about in a fortnight

... and this Sunday, the 26th of July, i.e just in 15 days, the lake is full of water with fishes, tadpoles, snakes, insects, birds and there are lots of fireflies near lake :)

Paar – Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Technique in Rajasthan

Jethu Singh Bhati uses traditional methods of rain harvesting, practices agriculture without irrigation, and recycles waste. His dedicated efforts are helping meet the needs of a parched Rajasthan ...

Saving forests: Women sentinels of Gunduribadi

"We think of the forest as our own children, we take care of it, conserve and protect it as our own child. "

Water supply from the bottom up

Witness how citizens in one layout obtained a supply of water without the help of the municipal water board stepping in.