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.

Newsletter (May-June 2025) Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters! CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME Green Campus Programme Awards to HEIs The Green Campus Programme (GCP) – HEI Award, announced on 23rd May 2025, recognized GD Goenka University, Gurugram and MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune with the Gold Category Award for their outstanding sustainability efforts. Based on a detailed evaluation aligned with the GCP Activity and Audit Book, both institutions showcased exemplary green practices and received certificates and trophies for their achievements. A physical award ceremony was held at GD Goenka University on 2nd June 2025, where Mr. Bhavesh Swami from The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) presented the award. University representatives shared their positive experiences with the programme, while Mr. Swami commended their environmental leadership, encouraging continued action toward sustainable campuses. Principals’ Conclave Ignites Green Commitment on World Environment Day On the occasion of World Environment Day, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha (SVSS) jointly organized a dynamic Principals’ Conclave on 5th June 2025 at Vivekanand College, Kolhapur. With 39 participants representing 20 campuses, the event focused on the theme “Climate Education and Green Campuses for a Safer Planet.” The day featured thought-provoking sessions by Mr. Ganesh Satav and Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar, covering the science of climate change, the importance of environmental education, and the introduction of the Green Campus Programme (GCP). The conclave inspired participants to actively integrate sustainability into their educational institutions. Special dignitaries including Mr. Abhaykumar Salunkhe – Executive President, SVSS and Mr. Ram Salunkhe – President of Vidya Samiti, SVSS, emphasized the leadership role educators must play in shaping a climate-resilient future. With enthusiastic feedback and a collective commitment from all attending campuses to initiate the GCP journey, the conclave marked a powerful step toward embedding climate action into the core of institutional practices. Empowering Educators: Climate Workshop at MM Public School, Delhi On 31st May 2025, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia conducted a dynamic teacher training workshop at MM Public School, Pitampura, Delhi, as part of the Green Campus Program. The session aimed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to become sustainability champions within their schools and communities. The workshop saw an enthusiastic participation of 57 teachers, who engaged in insightful discussions and hands-on activities focused on climate change, water conservation, and waste management. Ms. Rekha Lalla led the session, highlighting the role of teachers as climate mentors and the importance of embedding sustainability in everyday classroom practices. Participants received specially curated teaching tools, including activity sheets and audit templates, to help integrate climate education into subjects like science, geography, and civics. Practical demonstrations on waste segregation and school greening audits added a valuable experiential layer to the session. GCP SCHOOLS IN ACTION Wetland Restoration Drive at Hokersar, Kashmir In April 2025, student volunteers from GBHSS Zainakote, in collaboration with The Climate Reality Project India, took part in a wetland restoration drive at the Hokersar Ramsar site in Kashmir. The initiative began with an engaging awareness session led by environmental science lecturer Ms. Nyla Ali, highlighting the ecological importance of wetlands. Following the session, students carried out a cleanup along the wetland banks, removing plastic and solid waste while documenting pollutants. The drive not only strengthened their understanding of wetland conservation but also inspired collective responsibility towards protecting natural ecosystems. The Great Himalayan Cleanup Drive, Darjeeling On 31st May 2025, over 300 volunteers, including students, teachers, and local NGOs, came together for the Great Himalayan Cleanup Drive at Observatory Hill (Mahakal Mandir), Darjeeling. Led by Climate Reality Leader Ms. Kamlesh Rai and supported by The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, the initiative aimed to combat plastic pollution in fragile mountain ecosystems. Volunteers cleaned a 1-km stretch, conducted waste segregation and brand audits, and spread community awareness through cultural engagement. Recyclables were sent to Tieedi waste center, while organic waste was composted on-site, showcasing a powerful model of community-driven environmental action in the heart of the Himalayas. CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY Celebrating World Environment Day with Youth for Earth On 7th June 2025, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, in collaboration with the Mobius Foundation, hosted a vibrant webinar titled “Celebrating the World Environment with Youth for Earth”. The event brought together over 186 participants from across India and South Asia, including students, educators, and Youth for Earth (Y4E) participants, to mark World Environment Day and deepen understanding on the theme of plastic pollution. The session featured powerful insights from experts like Dr. Ram Boojh, Ms. Anuja Bali, and Ms. Shreya Das, who addressed the global plastic crisis and the role of youth in driving sustainable change. Highlights included a keynote on the history of WED, a motivational showcase of a Y4E award-winning project, and a detailed orientation on the Y4E submission process by Dr. Bhagyashree Kesharwani. The webinar was facilitated by Ms. Riya Deb and concluded with an engaging Q&A and a brief introduction to the Youth for COP initiative by Dr. Amruta Deshmukh, further encouraging young climate leaders to participate in global climate advocacy. CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS Sowing Seeds of Climate Resilience Across Punjab In the heart of Punjab, a different kind of seed was sown this Environment Day — one of awareness, action and hope. Nikita Singla, our newly trained Climate Reality Leader, carried the message of climate responsibility forward by leading a session on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies. Part of a three-day Faculty Development Programme titled Green Resilience: Environmental Skills for Crisis Response, her session engaged 55 government school educators in exploring ways to bring climate action into their classrooms and communities. The programme concluded with a tree plantation drive and a collective promise to stay involved in environmental efforts. Bridging Audits and Environment: A Dialogue for Change On June 25, 2025, Dr. Vivek Trivedi and Dr. Pooja Chopra were invited by the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Punjab, to contribute to a significant discussion on improving the impact of environmental audits. As National Coordinators for Resilience and Biodiversity, they brought their on-ground experience to a conclave themed Enhancing the Impact of Audit Reports in Strengthening Governance. Their session focused on Pressing Environmental Concerns in Punjab and the Role of Audit, highlighting how environmental assessments can be better understood and used in shaping policy and driving reform. The dialogue created a space for exchange between audit professionals and governance stakeholders, emphasising the need to translate audit findings into actionable steps for stronger systems and more responsive governance. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters 2022 2022 2023 2023 2024 2024 2025 2025 September - October Newsletter 2022 November - December Newsletter 2022 January - February Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 May - June Newsletter 2023 July - August Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2024 March - April Newsletter 2024 May - June Newsletter 2024 July - August Newsletter 2024 September - October Newsletter 2024 November - December Newsletter 2024 January - February Newsletter 2025 March - April Newsletter 2025

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

Newsletter (November-December 2024) Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters! CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION Green Campus Programme Maharashtra Awards 2024 The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia organized the Green Campus Programme (GCP) Awards in Maharashtra to celebrate the inspiring efforts of campuses driving sustainability forward. Five campuses from Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, namely, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Vidyalaya Aitawade, Sangli (Gold), Dahiwadi College, Dhiwadi, Satara (Silver), Shri Raosaheb Ramrao Patil Mahavidyalaya Savlaj, Sangli (Silver), Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya Rukadi, Kolhapur (bronze), and Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya Kale, Satara (Certified), were honored with trophies and certificates during the awards ceremony. In Pune, Fergusson College and Ahilyadevi High School for Girls from the Deccan Education Society received their awards through a personal felicitation. These campuses have made remarkable strides in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, managing waste, and adopting renewable energy. Their dedication reflects the positive impact of collective action for a greener future. The generous support from the Maharashtra Foundation and Nisarg Foundation made it possible for these institutes to embrace green infrastructure. Their contributions helped install solar panels, set up rainwater harvesting systems, implement waste management initiatives, and create botanical, butterfly, and medicinal plant gardens, empowering campuses to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY Reflections from Baku: COP 29 Debriefing Session On December 7, 2024, The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia hosted an engaging session to reflect on the outcomes of COP 29. Led by Mr. Aditya Pundir, the session brought together over 250 passionate participants, including youth leaders, climate experts, and stakeholders from 13 countries. The diverse panel of speakers shared insights on the challenges and opportunities from COP 29, emphasizing climate finance, equity, and the critical role of young voices. The interactive Q&A segment sparked meaningful discussions, leaving attendees inspired to take local actions for global impact. The session ended with a powerful reminder: collaboration is key to a sustainable future. The session featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including experts from global organizations such as The Climate Reality Project Africa, CANSA, UNDP BIOFIN Europe, the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, and the Indigenous People's Climate Justice Forum. IYCN, NYCA Nepal, and Bangladesh, along with achievers from our Youth 4 COP program like Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, also shared their invaluable insights. Clean Rides, Bright Futures: Electrifying India’s Campus Fleet As part of National Energy Conservation Week, a dialogue on "Clean Rides, Bright Futures: Electrifying India’s Campus Fleet" was held on December 11, 2024. Moderated by Mr. Pradeep Karuturi and Mr. Bhavesh Swami, the session brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from four partner universities. Esteemed speakers discussed opportunities and challenges in transitioning to electric buses (e-buses) for educational institutions. Key topics included battery efficiency, behavioral shifts, skilling, and financial barriers. The dialogue emphasized innovation, collaboration, and actionable steps toward sustainable campus transport. The session concluded with a call to action to embrace clean energy solutions, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. It emphasized the need to lead the journey of decarbonization and a just transition through clean transportation initiatives. Inspiring Young Changemakers at Paryavaran Rakshaks 3.0 On Children’s Day, November 14, 2024, GRIHA hosted Paryavaran Rakshaks 3.0 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the sustainability efforts of students, teachers, and schools across India. The event featured an engaging session by Mr. Bhavesh Swami from TCPF on “Green Career Opportunities for Youth,” highlighting pathways in clean energy, sustainable construction, and green policy. An interactive quiz added excitement while deepening participants’ knowledge of sustainability practices. With innovative exhibits and cultural performances showcasing green themes, the event was a lively mix of learning and creativity. Over 200 students and teachers participated, with special recognition for their efforts, reinforcing the importance of nurturing future green leaders. The Innovation & Impact Summit 2024 The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) participated in the prestigious THE Innovation & Impact Summit 2024, held on December 12th at Hotel Pullman, New Delhi Aerocity. Organized by Times Higher Education and Shiv Nadar University, the event brought together global leaders to discuss the role of higher education in tackling global challenges like climate change through innovation and collaboration. Mr. Bhavesh Swami, TCPF’s Lead, Clean Energy, presented on Green Jobs, emphasizing interdisciplinary efforts to create sustainable employment in the green economy. He joined a panel of international experts discussing technology-driven solutions to prepare students for global challenges. Dr. Sakshi Grover leveraged the platform to explore partnerships for TCPF’s Green Campus Program, promoting sustainable practices in education. With over 200 delegates actively engaging, the summit highlighted the power of collaboration in shaping a sustainable future and reaffirmed TCPF’s leadership in climate action and education. HIGHLIGHTS Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action 1. Climate Reality Leaders Shine at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan Our Climate Reality Leaders (CRLs) demonstrated exceptional engagement at COP 29 through impactful side events and sessions. Dr. Vivek Trivedi and Karamveer Singh, representing APSWDP, led two successful sessions on “Strengthening International Collaboration & Networking” to foster collective climate action. Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator, shared the stage with IPCC Co-chairs as a panelist, advocating for the rights of indigenous communities. Ms. Gayathri Kuppendra Reddy enriched discussions as a panelist in sessions on “Alternative Innovations Unlocked: Accessing Climate Finance in the Global South” and “AI for Climate Action.” Additionally, our young CRLs took the lead in discussions on critical topics such as the “Waste Crisis in Emerging Economies” and "Leveraging Digital Technology Solutions for Sustainable Ocean Conservation". Their efforts amplified voices for climate justice, equitable finance, and sustainability from the Global South, leaving a lasting impact. 2. PKC Bose discusses Circular Economy with Norway's Minister Counsellor PKC Bose was invited by Martine Bottheim, Minister Counsellor of Norway, for an insightful discussion on the circular economy, with a focus on water and the environment. The session held special significance as CAMBI Group, Norway—the world’s largest sludge management company—expands its presence in India. CAMBI’s innovative Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) technology, a game-changer in sludge management, converts sludge into biogas and organic fertilizer, showcasing sustainable solutions for waste management. This collaboration highlights a promising step toward advancing circular economy practices in India 3. Fawzia Tarannum moderates “Living Responsibly” session at Navjyoti India Foundation Fawzia Tarannum moderated a thought-provoking session on “Living Responsibly” during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Navjyoti India Foundation. The session provided her with the opportunity to engage with renowned thought leaders, including Kiran Bedi, Anand Shekhar, Arun Kansal, Ashwani Khurana, and Shubhra Puri. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and actionable ideas, making it a truly enriching and impactful discussion. Highlight: GCP School Students in action 1. 25 kg of solid waste collected through a waste management drive conducted by St. Teresa Girls’ High School, Darjeeling This initiative focused on promoting sustainability by applying the principles of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The goal was to minimize waste, encourage eco-friendly practices, and raise awareness among students, staff, and visitors about the importance of responsible waste disposal. The amount of waste collected - 25kg from their Annual Day event. 2. GHSS Rainawari Introduces Eco-Friendly Parking Spaces in Kashmir GHSS Rainawari in Kashmir has unveiled an eco-friendly parking space, setting a new standard for sustainability on its school grounds. The success of this initiative is attributed to the active involvement of students, who played a key role in fostering environmental responsibility and stewardship within the school community. This innovative project highlights the school's commitment to promoting sustainable practices and encouraging eco-conscious behavior among its students. 3. GHSS Khanyar Eco Club Students Create Groundwater Replenishing Area and Compost Pit Students of GHSS Khanyar in Kashmir have launched a commendable initiative by setting up groundwater replenishing areas and compost pits on their school campus. Alongside these sustainable projects, the students have also shown a keen interest in identifying and naming local species of flora and fauna, further fostering a deeper connection with nature. This initiative reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship and promotes eco-conscious practices within the school community. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters 2022 2022 2023 2023 2024 2024 September - October Newsletter 2022 November - December Newsletter 2022 January - February Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 May - June Newsletter 2023 July - August Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2024 March - April Newsletter 2024 May - June Newsletter 2024 July - August Newsletter 2024 September - October Newsletter 2024