A global wave of responsible, experience-driven travel is lifting ecotourism from the fringes to the forefront of the tourism industry. According to the UNWTO, ecotourism accounted for nearly 25% of global tourism revenue in 2024. Allied Market Research projects the global ecotourism market, valued at $210.4 billion in 2023, will grow to $829.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 11.7%. Nearly 45% of these destinations are located in rural areas—underscoring the transformative potential of ecotourism to foster both environmental sustainability and inclusive development. Lessons from the Global South Several countries in the Global South have already demonstrated how ecotourism can serve as a national development strategy rooted in both conservation and livelihoods. Costa Rica has embedded Payments for Environmental Services into national policy. With over 25% of its land protected, the country has turned ecological preservation into a pillar of economic growth, tourism contributes 5.8% of its GDP. Namibia passed legislation in 1996 granting tribal communities the rights to manage and benefit from local wildlife tourism. Today, 86 conservancies cover nearly 20% of the land and generate over $10 million annually. The Philippines embraced ecotourism as a jobs strategy. Through its Green Jobs Act (2016), it trained locals as reef protectors and eco-guides, proving that conservation can be a viable livelihood. India: From Hidden Potential to Global Leader India’s greatest advantage lies in its villages, more than 6.5 lakh of them, home to 65% of the country’s population. These rural landscapes are not just geographical entities; they are cultural and ecological treasure troves. They hold traditional wisdom, diverse biodiversity, and the human potential to steward both. Recent government efforts such as the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays (2022), Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD schemes, and the inclusion of a Rural Tourism section on the Incredible India portal show encouraging momentum. Over 300 eco-villages and circuits have been developed. However, the benefits remain uneven, concentrated in a few states and urban centers. State-Level Sparks of Success States like Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya offer homegrown models of success. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has trained more than 20,000 families, revitalizing local economies and curbing outmigration. Mountain Shepherds in Uttarakhand and Sundarbans Jungle Camp in West Bengal showcase models that centre ecology, community ownership, and cultural storytelling. The ABC Formula: India’s Ecotourism Action Plan To truly lead globally, India must adopt a livelihood-first approach that sees ecology and economy as partners. This begins with the ABC Formula, Action, Backing, and Convergence: 1. Catalyst Capital Dedicate a share of tourism budgets to a Community Ecotourism Fund that empowers rural entrepreneurs. Even a modest, sustained national allocation, like Costa Rica’s approach (0.3% GDP in their case), can unleash a powerful multiplier effect across rural India. 2. National Ecotourism Skilling Portal Launch vernacular-language training in eco-guiding, cultural hospitality, and digital marketing, designed for diverse geographies. 3. Convergence with Flagship Schemes Integrate ecotourism with MGNREGA, PMGSY, NRLM, and Digital India to improve infrastructure, access, and entrepreneurial support. 4. Ecotourism Cooperatives Strengthening community-owned collectives to manage pricing, storytelling, and visitor experience ensuring transparency and equitable income. 5. Real-Time Ecotourism Dashboard Deploy a dynamic MIS system to track revenue, jobs, and ecological impact enabling better governance and CSR alignment. 6. Ecotourism Mission Cell Establish a dedicated body within the Ministry of Tourism to coordinate multi- stakeholder action and ensure long-term impact. India’s time is now. Ecotourism is not only about showcasing pristine landscapes, it’s about building local leadership, strengthening self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. As we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047, ecotourism could become one of India’s most transformative development tools.

I am from Honduras, which is considered as one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, even though it contributes almost nothing to global emissions. Here climate change is a reality that shapes our daily lives in our food supply, our economy and our safety. Over the past few years, we have been through hurricanes that left us incredible damages such as floods and climate driven displacement. For us adaptation is not optional, it is a matter of survival. Honduras’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen resilience in agriculture, water management, forest protection, and disaster response. This is why COP30 is deeply important for Honduras. Through my participation in this program Youth for COP under  the Climate Reality Project, I have learnt a lot about important topics such as climate finance and justice or just transitions and green jobs but I think the impactful thing for me is that we are all witnesses that climate impacts are accelerating faster than our actions to get through the problem. Honduras has plenty of ideas and commitment. Our NDCs are based on clear and practical plans to protect mangroves, sustainable forest management, which is required is stable, reachable, and grant-based finance to go from ideas to make them real. Adaptation projects often are delayed, because international funding is complicated, deficient, or slow. While local communities do their best with, they have in their hands, international cooperation systems remain too slow to respond to our urgent crises. This is something that COP 30 must convert from promises to actions. In November 2020, Honduras was hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota within a span of two weeks, the already devastated people of Honduras were again swept away by mudslides and overflowing rivers. Over 2 million people in Honduras were affected which analysts presume cost 10 billion dollars in damages. Some 1,000 homes were destroyed, more than 6,000 were damaged and more than 88,000 were affected.  Ninety per cent of the damage was recorded in the agricultural sector and 10 per cent in the livestock sector. ((IFRC)., 2022)  International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2022, December 5). Central America: Hurricanes Eta & Iota – Final report (MDR43007). ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/guatemala/central-america-hurricanes-eta-iota-final-report-mdr43007 This wasn’t a simple damage, this was what years of accumulation of underinvestment resilience caused, and this could be prevented if the funds weren’t so complicated to access so more resources had been available. We know that Loss and Damage Fund, is financial mechanism was designed to provide crucial support to vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate-related challenges and climate justice is focused on addressing the unequal impacts of climate change by prioritizing the health and safety of those who face the greatest risk, we can not continue waiting time and this fund must be functional and easy to access. And finally three urgent actions  what leaders must prioritize are: Provide strong grand based funding for climate adaptation in Honduras and the Global South. Make Loss and Damage Fund works effectively Support and ensure of NDCs specially in countries most at risk.

Growing up in Odisha, climate change has never felt like a distant headline. It is the cyclone warning on the radio and TV, the flooded streets after heavy rains, and the stories my elders talk about how the land and forests used to be more predictable. Every year, our state support for storms like Fani (2019) or Yaas (2021), and each time I see how vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous groups carry the heaviest burden. As the world heads into COP30 in Brazil, I believe one of the most urgent priorities is to recognize and integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate governance. For India, and for Odisha in particular, this is not just about preserving traditions, it is about survival, resilience, and justice. In Koraput, tribal women from the Gadaba and Bonda communities have long practiced mixed cropping and forest stewardship. They know which plants survive erratic rainfall, which trees protect soil, and how to share resources fairly. Recently, some of these women created “dream maps” to tract disappearing water sources and plan restoration. These maps are not just drawings, they are living testimonies of how Indigenous knowledge adapts to modern challenges. India’s NDCs, emphasize on ecosystem based adaptation and afforestation, which denotes a direct connection. What our communities are already doing aligns with national priorities. The challenge is that their voices rarely reach the negotiation tables at COP. Closer to the coast, in Kendrapada district in Odisha, villagers have formed “climate panchayats” to restore mangroves in Bhitarkanika. These mangroves are natural shields against cyclones like Yaas, while concrete embankments cracked, the mangrove belts stood firm. This is how the Indigenous governance take action that is collective decision making and mass participation rooted in ecological wisdom. Yet, when global leaders talk about adaptation, they often focus on technology or finance. Why not also learn from communities who have been adapting for centuries? COP29 Baku Workplan recognized Indigenous leadership, but implementation remains weak. Indigenous communities in Odisha contribute almost nothing to global emissions, yet they face displacement from floods, deforestation, and mining. This is the injustice at the heart of climate change. Recognizing their knowledge is not charity, it is justice. It is about valuing those who protect ecosystems that benefits all of us. As a citizen of the country, I believe COP30 must put Indigenous knowledge at the centre of adaptation strategies, ensure climate finance reaches communities directly, not just through bureaucratic channels, bridge India’s NDC communities with local practices like mangrove restoration and tribal farming, creating real spaces for youth is not an abstract policy, it represents the difference between the loss of homes to future cyclones and the possibility of dignified survival. Indigenous knowledge gives reliable ways to stay resilient based on justice. At COP30, the world must listen because when Indigenous wisdom and global governance walk together, climate action becomes not only stronger but fairer.

CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS PROGRAM When The Climate Reality Project India started its mission in 2009, the first challenge was to make people aware about the science and impacts of Climate change as there was very little awareness about the crisis. We started the Climate Change Awareness Program to make people understand that our climate is changing and the solutions are in our hands. Under this program, the well trained and expert Climate Reality Leaders give the customized and curated presentation on the science, impacts and solutions of Climate change for the region. Through this program, we collaborate with our partners to organize and conduct presentations. We have been proactively engaging the businesses, commercial associations, government, media houses, educational institutions and resident communities in climate change conversations. Request an Expert Presentation Climate Change Conversations Netflix The Climate Reality Project India conducted a session for Netflix focused on building understanding around climate change science, impacts, and solutions. The session was designed to support the organisation’s sustainability efforts, with a specific focus on accelerating progress towards achieving Net Zero targets in the context of evolving global climate goals. The session was led by Mrs. Nita Ganguly, Climate Reality Leader and National Coordinator for Waste Management, who shared expert insights and practical perspectives. Acknowledging Netflix’s position as a leader within its category, the discussion emphasised the role of responsible corporate action in driving faster, science-aligned pathways towards Net Zero. Zee Entertainment The Climate Reality Project India collaborated with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. to impart education and training on environmental issues. It all began with the “Climate Impact” program, which is a series of workshops that was conducted for the employees of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. These sessions/workshops were led by Climate Reality Leaders who are field experts on various environmental issues and have in-depth knowledge and years of experience in working towards creating a more sustainable environment.

STUDENTS’ CLIMATE ACTION CONFERENCE The program aims to nurture a generation of climate-conscious young leaders by encouraging students to critically observe their surroundings, identify pressing environmental challenges, and articulate locally grounded solutions. It seeks to strengthen students’ ability to learn from lived community experiences, communicate climate impacts clearly, and confidently present their ideas in dialogue with peers and experts, fostering informed action and leadership on climate issues. 177 Schools participated 354 Students participated 09 States covered 10000 Social Media reach Impact Stories Impact Stories Students' Climate Action Conference 2025 The Students Climate Action Conference (SCAC) 2025 concluded as a multi-regional, youth-led initiative that brought together students from across India to identify local climate vulnerabilities and propose solutions through video storytelling and dialogue. Conducted in a hybrid format, the conference engaged 550 participants from 177 schools across nine states: Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, and West Bengal. A total of 354 students actively participated across online and offline sessions, making SCAC 2025 a strong platform for amplifying youth voices on climate action at the regional level. The program began with two workshops by the experts. The first one on climate change, science, impacts & solutions and second one on ‘how to effectively communicate your climate story’ led by The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia. Students then produced three-minute videos capturing climate impacts in their own communities, with many going beyond the brief to engage local stakeholders. Award sessions were held physically in Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, alongside online judging for Kashmir, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal, resulting in 25 top teams across all centres. SCAC 2025 strengthened climate literacy, nurtured youth leadership, and created a growing repository of student-led climate stories that can inform and inspire future climate awareness and action. Download Report Download Report Capacity-Building Workshops Students' Video Challenge Play Video Play Video 03:11 Play Video Play Video 03:11 Play Video Play Video 04:10 Play Video Play Video 03:18 Play Video Play Video 03:12 Play Video Play Video 03:12 View Full Playlist Winners List Winners List K-IIT World School, Gurugram Vega School, Gurugram Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi KIIT World School, Pitampura, Delhi Bluebells School International, Delhi HARYANA / DELHI Mayoor School, Noida DAV Public School, Ghaziabad Sapphire International School, Noida St. Xavier’s High School, Greater Noida The Khaitan School, Noida UTTAR PRADESH GTA Vidhya Mandir, Chennai San Academy, Velacher Sree Gokulam Public School, Chengalpattu Vels Vidyashram Senior Secondary School, Chennai Maharishi International School, Sriperumbudur TAMIL NADU DAV Public School, Paradeep Port Mother’s Public School, Bhubaneswar Mother’s Public School, Unit-1, Bhubaneswar Mothers’ Public School, Puri DPS Kalinga, Cuttack D.A.V Vedanta International School, Lanjigarh ODISHA Birla Open Minds International School, Hyderabad Boys Middle School, Zadibal, J&K Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, J&K Shiksha Sangh HS School, Darjeeling St. Teresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling MIXED GROUP Students' Climate Action Conference 2024 The first edition of the Students Climate Action Conference 2024 served as the pilot edition of the program and marked a strong beginning, with seven schools from seven different states emerging as winners across multiple categories. The winning teams stood out for their thoughtful exploration of local climate issues, with some presenting in-depth community interviews that reflected a strong understanding of ground realities, while others creatively used social media to amplify their stories, earning the ‘Most Popular School’ recognition. We extend our sincere congratulations to all participating students for their commitment to climate action. As the pilot edition, their efforts in identifying local challenges, engaging with their communities, and translating learning into action helped shape the model for future editions of the conference and continue to inspire the next generation of young climate leaders. Watch Videos Watch Videos Testimonials - Dr. J Sundar Principal, GT Aloha Vidhya Mandir, Chennai, Tamil Nadu The jury members were very insightful in the whole process of questioning and motivation. More than 4000 students participated. Students’ questions were answered and the conference ended with motivating words by the judges. Gallery

WELCOME TO THE CLIMATE PROJECT FOUNDATION “Solving the climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to stand up and act” - AL GORE OUR IMPACTS 20000+ Teachers Trained 1600+ Climate Reality Leaders in India & South Asia 200000+ Trees Planted 56000+ Climate Reality Leaders, Globally STUDENTS CLIMATE ACTION CONFERENCE 2025 The Students Climate Action Conference 2025 awards ceremony brought together young climate leaders from four key states—Odisha, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, along with participants from other regions through a hybrid format. Held on 22 November 2025, the offline conferences in Bhubaneswar, Gurgaon, Chennai, and Noida served as vibrant hubs of youth-led climate dialogue. Students presented short, research-based videos highlighting local climate vulnerabilities, sparking dynamic discussions with experts and peers. The model enabled rich, ground-level insights ranging from sea-level rise impacts in coastal Odisha to extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and urban challenges identified across Northern and Southern states. The conference culminated in an online national round on 25 November 2025, connecting participants from West Bengal, Kashmir, Telangana, Ambala, and Maharashtra. With 177 schools and 550 students participating across eight states, the event showcased powerful climate storytelling, deep community engagement, and practical solutions proposed by students. More than a competition, the conference became a platform for awareness, collaboration, and youth leadership, demonstrating how informed young voices can drive meaningful climate action at the grassroots level and across regions. YOUTH VOICES FOR COP30 As COP30 unfolds in Belém, our Youth for COP 2025 participants are bringing fresh perspectives to the global stage through their insightful blogs. Representing countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Dominican Republic, they share how national priorities and community realities intersect with global climate negotiations. Each piece captures the pulse of the talks, on-ground climate actions, and the human stories behind policy decisions, amplifying youth voices from South Asia and beyond to the world. Through their reflections, the participants are pushing the envelope for world leaders to act with urgency and equity. Their blogs explore what COP30 outcomes mean for climate justice, adaptation, and sustainable futures, offering readers a glimpse into the conference through a youth lens that is passionate, informed, and committed to driving change. Read the Blogs INSPIRING ACTION AT THE ICSE At the International Conference for Sustainability Education (ICSE), Climate Reality India & South Asia set up an interactive stall that drew the attention of educators, students, and youth leaders. The stall showcased our flagship Climate Change Education programs including the Green Campus Programme, Teachers’ Training Program, and youth-led initiatives such as Youth for COP and Youth for Earth. Visitors showed keen interest in learning more and expressed their enthusiasm to join these initiatives, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability in education. Adding to the excitement, our engaging Climate Warrior Quiz tested participants’ knowledge on sustainable lifestyles and climate solutions. Those who scored 60% and above proudly earned a “Climate Warrior” badge, celebrating their awareness and commitment to climate action. The stall not only informed but also inspired, creating meaningful conversations around how schools, teachers, and young people can work together to build a more sustainable future. GCP: Campus in Spotlight The Mann School – A Platinum-Rated Green Campus The Mann School stands out as a model for environmental responsibility, holding a platinum rating under the Green Campus Program. The school integrates sustainability into all aspects of campus life, from water and energy conservation to waste and air quality management. Key initiatives include rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and swimming pool water recycling. Energy is conserved through solar panels, LED lighting, and natural ventilation in buildings, particularly the eco-conscious Girl’s Hostel. The campus is rich in biodiversity, with a mini forest, orchard, and regular tree plantation drives. Boarding students plant saplings on their birthdays—building a personal connection to nature. The school has banned single-use plastic and manages waste via composting, paper mache from waste paper, and segregation with color-coded bins. Students are also encouraged to reuse textbooks, avoid food waste, and maintain cleanliness. Air pollution is addressed through the use of CNG buses, smokeless chulhas, and a carpooling policy for staff. These holistic efforts not only make The Mann School environmentally sustainable but also nurture a generation of climate-conscious students. BLOGS India’s Ecotourism Moment: A Green Path to Global Leadership A global wave of responsible, experience-driven travel is lifting ecotourism from the fringes to the forefront of the tourism industry. According to the UNWTO, ecotourism accounted for nearly 25% of global tourism revenue in 2024. Allied Market Research projects the global ecotourism market, valued at $210.4 billion in 2023, will grow to $829.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 11.7%. Nearly 45% of these destinations are located in rural areas—underscoring the transformative pote Pooja Chopra Jan 14 FOR US, ADAPTATION IS NOT OPTIONAL—IT IS A MATTER OF SURVIVAL I am from Honduras, which is considered as one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, even though it contributes almost nothing to global emissions. Here climate change is a reality that shapes our daily lives in our food supply, our economy and our safety. Over the past few years, we have been through hurricanes that left us incredible damages such as floods and climate driven displacement. For us adaptation is not optional, it is a matter of survival. Hondur Suyapa Rodriguez | Youth 4 COP Participant Dec 23, 2025 Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Governance Growing up in Odisha, climate change has never felt like a distant headline. It is the cyclone warning on the radio and TV, the flooded streets after heavy rains, and the stories my elders talk about how the land and forests used to be more predictable. Every year, our state support for storms like Fani (2019) or Yaas (2021), and each time I see how vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous groups carry the heaviest burden. As the world heads into COP30 in Brazil, I belie Bhargavi Saikrupa | Youth 4 COP Participant Dec 23, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 CLIMATE ACTION STORIES 8800 KILOMETRES ON BIODIESEL By CRL Avinash Narayanswamy Worldwide, biodiesel has slowly but surely gained importance as a green alternative to petroleum diesel & is thus being accepted as an environmentally friendly fuel. However, in spite of closely being related to petroleum diesel in terms of physical & chemical properties, biodiesel continues to be sidelined in many parts of the world & especially in India mainly due to various reasons such as pricing, availability & warranty on the engine & other parts of the car not being covered when switched to biodiesel from petroleum diesel. Read More EVENTS World Wetlands Day Mon, 03 Feb Webinar Details International Eco-Visionary Dialogue on Advancing Sustainable Urban Future: Roadmap to COP29 Wed, 09 Oct Webinar Details Youth 4 COP - Session 5 Sat, 10 Aug Online Conference Learn more LEAD ON CLIMATE CHANGE SPREAD THE WORD ON CLIMATE CHANGE Download Truth in 10 Presentation to spread awareness about Climate Change. CALL FOR A PRESENTATION Request a free presentation on Climate Change. STAY UPDATED Read our Bimonthly Newsletter 2025 (NOVEMBER - DECEMBER)