The independence and ownership of the forest have allowed the villagers to regenerate the woods with depleted vegetation. 

It is now in the process of transforming these gauthans into what it calls rural industrial parks, or centres for cottage industries that the government hopes will create retail products that can “compete with the market”.

The women today value their skills, feel dignified about their work, earn for their families, and want equal status in the household. They no longer stand silently before violence.

“When you look out the window, what you see out there should be on your plate.”

The macro and micro-systems of nature work in tandem to survive. Their role in climate change resilience is paramount. Sreeja works to ensure that all community voices are heard, all-natural parts are valued and sustainability is defined in one’s own context.

"Forests thrive on their own without chemicals or constant watering. On my farm, I've created a similar ecosystem. So, my team and I just do one thing: harvest the plants," says Yella Reddy

In Telangana, home to over 500 stepwells, Kalpana, along with her community works to build self-reliance by connecting to the water source and replenishing it.

Jibhi Valley's first homestay paves the way for eco-tourism showing that it's possible to build sustainable livelihoods without harming nature

The low-cost eco-friendly aquaculture model reboots rural economies and reduces people’s vulnerability.