Image Courtesy: Pexels Farm-to-fashion represents a transformative shift in the fashion industry towards sustainability and ethical practices. This approach prioritizes environmentally responsible sourcing, local production, and a transparent supply chain. It intersects with sustainable fashion, mainly through three broader ways: local sourcing, eco-friendly farming, and skill-building. This approach emphasizes the use of locally grown materials, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation, supporting nearby farms & local communities, while reducing reliance on global supply chains. In terms of farming, organic and regenerative farming methods promote healthy soil and biodiversity. By upskilling people to produce nature-based dyes, methods and textiles, the gap between demand and supply can be met. This approach not only ensures the quality of the materials but also reduces environmental impact, making farm-to-fashion a powerful driver of sustainable and eco-conscious style. Today, we are here with Prof. (Dr) Binaya Bhusan Jena, National Institute of Fashion Technology (Bhubaneswar), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, to understand the concept and how the fashion industry can bring in a paradigm shift in domain of sustainability. Tell us about significance of Fashion industry and Sustainable Fashion, and how Farm to Fashion integrates well in it. Fashion industry has a symbiotic relationship with human society, culture, trade, economy and employment. Every year, we are adding more than 100 billion pieces of new garments to support the need of more than 8 billion people on this planet. The demand for fashion varies based on economy, climate, and culture with numerous strata, categories, styles, and quality. Today, many countries, particularly the developed countries are importing more than 90% of their clothing needs from the developing world, due to cost competitiveness and variety. The concepts of “season” and “collections” have changed the industry dramatically over the last couple of decades. The rise of “Fast Fashion” on the lines of fast food or use and throw culture, together with the production practices, material uses has put tremendous pressure on the environment. “Farm to fashion” is an inclusive and sustainable approach that focuses on bringing sustainability and equity in the entire fashion value chain. Farm to fashion bridges the gap between agriculture and style: showcasing sustainable & eco-friendly clothing created from locally sourced materials. It's a seamless blend of nature and design. It is a sustainable approach that not only supports local agriculture but also promotes environmentally responsible practices in the fashion industry and promotes a harmonious alliance between style and sustainability. How supportive the value chain is in the process? Value chain is the key to sustainability. If each stage of the value chain is disected and sustainability is ensured, then the final product can also be sustainable toa significant extent. It is not about the product itself, but how the product moved from sourcing raw material stage to the production, distribution of finished product and delivery to the customers, both forward and back integration of supply chain matters. A well-managed value chain ensures that products are created sustainably, efficiently, and with minimal waste, supporting the overall sustainability goals of farm-to-fashion initiatives. It helps connect farmers, textile producers, designers, and consumers, facilitating the flow of eco-friendly and locally sourced materials through each stage of the fashion production process, adding value to the scope of economy of the local entrepreneurs and businesses. Tell us about the interventions carried out in NIFT Bhubaneswar campus in this regards. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar has picked-up the sustainability theme keeping the handloom clusters of Odisha in mind. The entire handloom textiles historically used natural fibres only with low carbon footprint, similarly the weavers would use only natural dyes extracted from various plant and mineral sources before the advent of synthetic dyes in the 19th Century. Due to climate crisis, the demand for sustainable fashion is on rise. Additionally, it is our individual responsibility to make our stand firm that we are contributing towards a sustainable future. NIFT, Bhubaneswar chose the cause and did the plantation of natural dye-yielding plants and natural fibre-yielding plants. This created a ray of hope when we conducted a few training programmes for the artisans on how to use of different types of natural dyes on natural fibre/ yarns. The response was overwhelming, and many artisans have started making natural-dyed handloom products for domestic and international buyers in the name of sustainable and eco-friendly products. With this in place, we would like to underline that addressing aspects of climate justice is important as the front-liners get intensely affected due to climate crisis. Weaving sustainable practices with revenue generating models can exemplify the sustenance of sustainability. Image Courtesy: Pexels You have planted Mulberry, Arjun and other trees. How Farm to fashion is playing a pivotal role in generative sustainability? A very interesting question. We have a 10 plus acres’ campus surrounded by another private university campus. The campus was a mountainous terrain full of big rocks and uneven surface with only around 5 percent green coverage near the boundaries. In the beginning the campus authority was reluctant for plantation as the internal roads and other construction projects were planned to come at different locations in the campus. People suggested for beautification of the campus with seasonal flower plants, but we had something in the mind to gradually build the campus as an exmple of sustainable fashion centre. We decided to showcase our students and artisans the process of complete value chain of sustainable fashion from “farm” itself. Then rest just happened… We decided to show a path for non-violent silk extraction, hence did plantation of Arjun, Asan Mulberry, and Castor. These are the feeder plants for three different variety of silkworm like Tussar, Mulbery and Eri. Similarly, we identified native variety of fiber yielding plants like cotton, sisal, pineapple, coconut, palm, kenaf, kapok, okra, banana, lotus, jute, linen, and nettle. This is for the first-time students in any campus in the world could get an opportunity to see the source of different types of fibre at one place, that too in the campus of a fashion institution. Similarly, we also had plantation of 60 different varieties of natural dye yielding plants like annato seeds, indigo, pomegranate, turmeric, kaincha, palash, heena, mahula, kuilari, etc. Image Courtesy: Prof. (Dr.) Binaya Jena Tell us about Farm to Closet, and its significance in Odisha. Odisha has a great tradition of handloom and before the advent of modern machine and synthetic dyes, handloom used to be 100% sustainable from fibre to natural dyes. The deliberate plantation of fibre plants and dye-yielding plants made tremendous impact on the environmnet and ecosystem. They built a system of inclusive growth where the farmer would ensure sustainable fibre and dye production. The processors would transform those raw materials into the desired state for use by weavers and get their due share and similarly the weavers and their family members will make the excusite pieces of textiles for domestic and international market. We have a great maritime history of trading textiles and spices with many parts of the world, particularly in Asia. As Odisha does not have any industrial base for mechanised textiles and apparel, we saw this as an opportunity. In an era of climate change and when Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in 2015, we aggressively decided to go for localisation of SDGs as a model at NIFT Campus. We implemented the “Farm to Fashion” concept where students and academia collaborated and created an unique eco-system. (Image Courtesy: Pexels) When it comes to Odisha and its geography extending to biodiversity and other natural resources, how fashion industry is in the current scenario and how it can transform in near future? Explain us briefly. Odisha has rich natural, climatic, human, and indigenous resources. We have tremendous potential and opportunity to engage people in production of different types of natural fibres and natural dyes. Moost of these plants are climate-friednly and climate-resilient plants. While these can create income and employment opportunities in the rural areas, at the same time this can also protect the environment to a significant extent. By doing this, we can also arrest forced migration of people from rural and tribal areas in search of employment. If the Government comes forward with a sustainable textile policy in the state whereby farmers will be provided with a support of right variety of natural fibre yielding plants including linen, jute, banana etc., and natural dye-yielding plants, then Odisha can become a role model for the future of the fashion industry. The Government of Odisha has taken a few baby steps in this regard now. This year, they have done plantation of castor plants for [production of non-violent Eri silk. Similarly, last year the Govt made around 1300 kgs of Ahimsa Silk (non-violent silk) spinning in order to make silk-handloom clothing for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan. Tell us briefly about the handloom and handicraft sector of Odisha in relation to their relationship with nature. Handloom and handicrafts sector of Odisha comes with an extended lineage, with rich history and heritage. The production and consumption of handloom and handicrafts in Odisha has always remained integral to the nature, culture and environment. Cotton and other natural fibres like jute, linen and Kapok used to be the important fibre crops produced in this region seasonally in order to maintain soil fertility intact and ready for food grain crops. Crop rotation would maintain the natural fertility and health of the soil. The hand ginning, hand spinning, weaving used to be an in-house activity and being done by other value chain actors. The motifs like fish, kumbha (pot), temple, tree, etc., would always represent the cultural fabric of the time and culture of the place. The patterns and colour combination would always be aligned with the nature. How can handloom and handicraft boom keep its cultural and eco-friendly roots intact? Thinking about the prosperity of the handloom and handicrafts sector, I can say that the only way out is to set the narrative right as handloom means sustainable by bring back natural dyes and only natural fibre to produce handloom. It possesses an ever-growing market both domestic and international. The unique motifs, patterns, designs and weaving styles spread across the length and breadth of the handloom clusters of the country can be revived to flourish again only by creating right policies, schemes, exposure, and training of artisans in the cluster. What motivates you to bring in convergence between fashion industry and sustainability? Nothing more than the concern for environment and growing issues of climate change triggers the motivation in me. In Odisha, we are deeply rooted with our culture, traditions, picturesque and food. Think any element of these segments, everything relates to nature. Now overlooking at the fashion industry, it is considered as the second largest polluting industry based on different parameters including GHG emissions, water pollution, microplastic pollution, soil pollution etc. The consumer demand is rapidly increasing necessitating production of products that are fashionable and affordable. This leads to the emergence of fast fashion, whose scales of operation are the biggest culprit makes the fashion industry unsustainable. And the response from the industry is too little and too late, hence, they end up in rampant green washing. (Image Courtesy: Pexels) Throw some light on your personal experience that motivated you to focus on the eco-friendly aspect of fashion. While playing with different natural dyes prepared from locally available plant sources, I found the colours to be very exciting. As a professional in the fashion industry, I have deep inclination towards handlooms and handicrafts, and creative fashion and fusions. I found a natural dyed Kotpad handloom cloth that was at least 70 years old. On inquiring about it further I got to know that the product can be used for generations and at the end it is 100 percent biodegradable. This induced in me the interest to move ahead with the eco-friendly concern attached to our clothing and culture. I found a hope and reason to take this though-process forward as it can create gyres of revolution in the fashion industry. Farm-to-fashion fuses agriculture and style, highlighting sustainable, eco-friendly clothing made from locally sourced materials, creating a harmonious fusion of nature and design. About the Interviewee: Dr. Binaya Bhusan Jena, is an illustrious professor in the Department of Fashion Management Studies (FMS) at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar. He is also the former Director of NIFT, Bhubaneswar and the Chairman of Textile Association of India (TAI), Odisha Unit. Prof. Jena is widely popular as a sustainable fashion expert in the country, and globally known for his “Farm to Fashion” concept and model. The Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour & Textiles appreciated his concept of “Farm to Fashion” and recommended the model to be implement across all NIFT campuses. Prof. Jena has published and presented many research papers in numerous national and international conferences and seminars. His initiatives on sustainable fashion is well integrated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and he has a deep understanding about the impact of fashion industry on climate. His model of “Farm to Fashion” focuses on sustainable fashion value chain from a climate change, climate adaptation and climate change mitigation perspective. The green campus of NIFT Bhubaneswar has been possible because of his personal involvement beyond his official commitment whereby he has done plantation of locally available natural dye garden and natural fibre garden for demonstration of his “Farm to Fashion” model.

In the heart of Kashmir, often known as heaven on earth, lies a land of serene valleys, towering mountains, and meandering streams, adding an exquisite charm to this earthly paradise. Living amid such breathtaking beauty is an experience, for “they say we are a reflection of our surroundings”. Presenting Parvaiz Yousuf, a Kashmiri Kashur, who will share his lens with you while travelling through time machine and show you glimpses of his childhood in Kashmir, while narrating how Kashmir was then and now. Image Courtesy: Parvaiz Yousuf “Pampore, my beloved hometown nestled amidst saffron fields, has been the cradle of my existence that has shaped me into who I am today,” shares Parvaiz. In his blog he mentions that surrounded by the majestic Zabarwan mountains, with four serene satellite wetlands just a leisurely stroll away, his village exudes the very essence of nature's beauty. As he recounts his childhood and begins the narration, you'll find that every memory is intricately woven with the tapestry of nature. Parvaiz is enthusiastic about avians since his childhood. He has authored an informative book, “Birds of Jammu & Kashmir,” which is about different bird species found in Kashmir. While going through his article, I came across an instance where he shares that in the heart of Pampore, within the expansive embrace of the Chatlam Wetland Reserve (CWR), he has witnessed a grand congregation of migratory birds that would grace the wetland with their unique calls and vibrant plumage. I can imagine the awe-struck sight of it, but think, he witnessed it. Amazing! Image Courtesy: Parvaiz Yousuf He mentions that he learnt the English names of the birds during his Master's Degree in Zoology, Central University of Kashmir. He shares a personal connection with Mallard (Pachun/ “Aasmaen Batuk” in Kashmiri) and Greylag goose (Anser anser). Greylag geese are large grey geese with a pinkish-orange bill and pink legs. “I’ve heard most stories about them from my grandfather,” he shared. Talking about sustainability and tourism, he mentions that the natural biodiversity of the lake has a lot of potential for bird tourism. In 2013, the administration transferred the management of Pampore's four wetland reserves: Chatlam Wetlands Reserve, Fashkoori Wetlands Reserve, Manibaug Wetlands Reserve, and Krenchoo Wetlands Reserve, to the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Department, pushing forward the agenda of ushering in an era of ecotourism. While talking about his favourite pastime i.e., Fishing, he shares that the trickiest part of it was crafting the fishing rods ("Brislai"). The main species of fish found in the lake were Common Carp, Grass Carp, and Schizothorax (Kashir Gaad in Kashmiri), Gambusia in a very few numbers. His inclination towards saffron cultivation is incomparable. Right from the childhood, he was taught how to pluck “Kong Posh” (Kashmiri name of saffron flowers). Regrettably, this cherished place has gradually waned due to floods, change in the temperatures, climate and much more. However, the beauty persists, and naturalists like Parvaiz and many are trying their best to protect and preserve nature in its as much as unbridled form and spreading the word. Come, embark on this journey through Parvaiz’s formative years, where Kashmir’s nature influenced his upbringing and way of thinking as an ever-present companion. Click below to read his story, “A Childhood in Pampore, Kashmir = Tying Knot with Nature Early On!” (Image Courtesy: Parvaiz Yousuf) Get to know about Kashmir's natural richness through the lens of Parvaiz's childhood and enjoy your time-travel with him. Read his narrative article here. Authors: Author of the Article, “A Childhood in Pampore, Kashmir = Tying Knot with Nature Early On!”: Parvaiz Yousuf Parvaiz Yousuf is an author, consultant TCRP, SEO writer, birder, researcher, and science journalist hailing from Pampore, Kashmir. He holds a master’s degree in Zoology from Central University of Kashmir and has an abiding interest in the field of ornithology. Parvaiz also works as a Director of the Wetland Research Centre Wildlife Conservation Fund and aims to pursue a Ph.D. in ornithology. As a child, he grew up near serene Pampore wetlands, which host thousands of migratory birds every year. He also has around a dozen publications in some reputed journals such as Nature, IJMS, BNHS, etc. Author of the Blog: Smruti S Samantray Smruti, a Climate Reality Mentor trained by Nobel Laureate Al Gore in 2015, brings over 11 years of corporate and marketing communication expertise. Her efforts span sustainability education, youth mobilization, and community outreach. She's authored 3500+ articles and research papers on subjects from sustainability to education, and review 100+ books. Smruti holds a Master's Degree in Journalism, a PGD in Urban Environment Management and Law, and a Master's in International Business. She's received awards like "Exceptional Women of Excellence 2018" and is committed to journalism, climate change, and early childhood education. Beyond her work, Smruti enjoys art, poetry, music, and cooking.

Investment is the core-&-corner stone of economic development. And in recent times, a new imperative has emerged i.e., the need for green and sustainable finance. These financial approaches are not just buzzwords; they represent a fundamental shift in economic thinking, one that seeks to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. Image Courtesy: Geralt, Pixabay The Reserve Bank of India has laid a roadmap for India’s Greener Future - we will talk about that too. As we delve into the concepts of sustainable finance, green finance, and climate finance, exploring their importance, we will also get to know how they are shaping India's economic landscape. Understanding Sustainable Finance, Green Finance & Climate Finance Sustainable finance is a comprehensive term that encompasses a wide range of financial activities aimed at contributing to sustainable development. It considers four key performance dimensions: environmental, social, governance, and economic aspects. This holistic approach acknowledges that for true progress, economic growth must be harmonized with environmental protection, social equity, and good governance. Green finance, a subset of sustainable finance, zeroes in on environmental concerns while excluding social and economic factors. It is primarily concerned with funding initiatives related to environmental sustainability. In essence, green finance seeks to channel financial resources into projects and activities that directly address environmental challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion. Climate finance is a specific form of green finance that is dedicated to addressing climate change. It includes financial support, both at local and global levels, and is drawn from diverse sources, including public, private, and alternative funding channels. The urgency of climate finance lies in its role in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aiding in the adaptation to climate change's adverse impacts. UNEP's Dual Strategy for Climate Finance: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) plays a critical role in climate finance through a systematic, two-pronged approach. Firstly, UNEP collaborates with private-sector financial institutions, including banks, investors, and insurers, to help them comprehend and mitigate climate-related risks. This also involves seizing commercial opportunities arising from climate action and aligning portfolios with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Secondly, UNEP works with governments, particularly in developing countries, to facilitate access to climate finance from various sources such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility. This collaborative effort extends to other bilateral and multilateral public sources as well. Image Courtesy: Mohamed Hassan, Pixabay India's Sustainability Odyssey – RBI Way The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has embarked on a significant journey towards embracing green and sustainable finance, as evidenced in its recent report for the financial year 2022-23, aptly titled 'Towards a Greener Cleaner India.' Released in May 2023, this report underscores India's ambitious pursuit of sustainable development, even in the face of limited climate financing. India has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mitigating climate change through bold policy measures aimed at achieving Net Zero goals. The RBI's report further solidifies this commitment by presenting a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly economy. Key Highlights of the Report Reducing Carbon Emissions and Conserving Resources: The report emphasizes the pressing need for sustainable development practices within the country. It particularly highlights the importance of reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. In doing so, it encourages thoughtful discourse and ideation aimed at addressing potential challenges to India's high-growth trajectory. Monetary Measures and ESG Considerations: The RBI's report introduces monetary measures designed to stimulate continued investment in energy-efficient sectors. These measures include offering low-cost funds to banks for lending to renewable energy projects and reducing reserve requirements for green projects. These initiatives are geared toward reducing the costs associated with sustainable investments, making them more attractive to businesses. Furthermore, the RBI's emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations aligns with global trends. Investors worldwide are increasingly demanding transparency regarding a company's ESG performance, recognizing the intrinsic link between financial success and responsible corporate behavior. A Call for Ambitious Green Financing: The report puts forth a staggering statistic: India's green financing requirement is estimated to be at least 2.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually until 2030. This substantial investment is essential for India to realize its net-zero emissions target by 2070. Achieving this goal necessitates an annual reduction of approximately 5 percent in the energy intensity of GDP and a substantial shift toward renewables, aiming for a 70 percent share in the energy mix by 2070-71, up from the current 5.5 percent. The Role of Green Finance in Sustainable Development: The report also underscores the pivotal role of green finance in supporting sustainable development. The RBI highlights that green finance can be a significant source of funding for renewable energy projects, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transport systems. It emphasizes the need for financial institutions to develop green finance products and services that facilitate the transition toward a more sustainable economy. Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development: The report also acknowledges the importance of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in India. As one of the world's largest agricultural producers, India has a significant role in conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The RBI's call for financial institutions to support sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture and organic farming, is pivotal for achieving sustainable development goals in the agricultural sector. Image Courtesy: Sasint, Pixabay In summary, the Reserve Bank of India's recent report underscores the transformative power of green and sustainable finance. It emphasizes the imperative of aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, acknowledging that India's harmonious coexistence between economic progress and environmental stewardship journey towards a greener and cleaner future is not only possible but also essential. With concerted efforts, visionary policies, and strategic investments, India can lead the way in demonstrating how sustainable finance can drive economic prosperity while safeguarding the planet for future generations. In the next part, we will talk about some more developments in this sphere and how to implement it practically and have a domino effect on collaborative opportunities. About the Author The author, Smruti Sweta Samantray, a Climate Reality Mentor, at The Climate Reality Project, has been advocating sustainability education, especially in the preschool segment, and in the allied areas of sustainability for more than seven years now. Academically, she has pursued a Master’s in Mass Communication, and Environmental Law. Currently, she is working as Manager of Communication and Collaboration at The Climate Project Foundation (The Climate Reality Project— India & South Asia branch). Professionally, she is known in the domain of marketing communications for her innovative/ creative initiatives, for ten years. She has written 3500+ feature stories along with research papers (one of them published with Cambridge Scholar Publishing), and reviewed 40+ books. She is very enthusiastic, and passionately working towards communication in the sphere of sustainability and CSR. To know more about her, take a peek at her LinkedIn profile. Source: Article published on Observer Research Foundation (ORF), “RBI sets the tone in climate finance thinking with its “Green India” report by Srinath Sridharan UNEP website

In an era marked by unprecedented environmental challenges, sustainability education has emerged as an effective tool in our battle against climate change. Being a multifaceted concept, it embodies a commitment to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Children spending leisure reading time in a Green Campus Program - Pledged school Today, we are here with one of the pioneers, who has been championing her journey of creating zillions of smiles and positive impacts through sustainability education. She has bigger goals and unstoppable aspirations. Presenting Ms. Rekha Lalla, Lead – Green Campus Program, The Climate Project Foundation (India & South Asia branch of The Climate Reality Project). Rekha is a CII-certified expert in Climate Change and sustainability. She is a TEDx Speaker on Climate Change & sustainability. She comes with experience as an educator for 25+ years. Now she is crafting her experiences in leading the Green Campus Program. Let us get to know more about the Green Campus Program, which has created a stir in the sphere of climate change mitigation, climate action, and measurable impacts. And guess what? The major tool behind this is sustainability education. 1. Tell us about why and how Sustainability Education serves as an effective tool for mitigating the issues and effects of the climate crisis. “Sustainability education improves people’s ability to assimilate information, calculate risks, prepare for climate crises, and recover from their effects,” Rekha remarked. She further explains that it equips individuals, communities, and societies with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to address the complex environmental challenges we face. It contributes to creating a sustainable future by fostering awareness; promoting informed decision-making (by empowering people to make environmentally conscious choices further encouraging sustainable lifestyles); encouraging innovative solutions; building resilience; adapting resource-efficient ways and more. Climate change is a multidisciplinary challenge. Sustainability education integrates knowledge from various fields, including science, economics, social sciences, and ethics, to provide a holistic understanding of climate-related issues. At The Climate Project Foundation, one of our flagship projects is the Green Campus Program, which primarily works on the principles of sustainability and climate change education, and majorly aligns with SDG 13 and 4.7. Sustainability education is a powerful catalyst in the global battle against climate change that drives our revolutionary program! 2. Tell us more about the Green Campus Program. What is its process? Green Campus Program enables schools and colleges to conserve natural resources like water and biodiversity, optimize energy efficiency, manage waste, and educate about climate change and sustainability while addressing the well-being of the students as compared to conventional educational institutes. Those educational institutions pledged for this transformative journey, not only decrease water waste but may also contribute to enriching water reserves, preserving natural resources, defending biodiversity, and enhancing air and water quality. It has a three-pronged approach: Stage 1 - Awareness: We generate awareness through the Principals’ Conclave attended by Principals, Deans, and HODs of the educational institutions, followed by the Teachers’ Training Program which is attended by the teachers. Simagesome of the interactive workshops & sessions with the educators - Keep Clicking on the Slider to View Images Stage 2 - Action: The institutions registered for the Green Campus Program work on 5 thrust Areas – Air and Health, Water Management, Waste Management, and Energy Efficiency with constant guidance and support by our team, followed by an audit. Here is a quick glimpse of the initiatives undertaken by different schools and colleges. You will find an anthology of amazing interventions, each speaking a beautiful story on conserving energy & water, and making resource-efficient campus through installations of LED lights, Solar Panels, Wastewater treatment, Rainwater Harvesting, Farming - vegetable, herbal and butterfly gardens, Vertical Green walls, Waste segregation, Composting, Reuse of wastes (including eco-brick bench), cycling to school, and more. Take a look. Scrolling down is insightful here!! Stage 3 - Accolades / Awards: Based on the initiatives undertaken by the registered educational institutions, and the impacts of ideas and practices The Climate Project Foundation recognizes the campus as Green and awards them. Based on the results, a rating is provided for each Green Campus-certified school (Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze). In this entire process, not just the educators, but also the students and local community come together to work for the common goal. We believe that the climate crisis needs a long-term and highly impactful solution, and there is no better tool to resolve it than education. By inculcating the values and behavioral and attitudinal change that make our future generations more planet-sensible, we try to accelerate the learning dividends by setting examples right there on the campuses of their schools, colleges, or universities. 3. How would any educational institution get enrolled and start with it? Schools, colleges, or universities can register with us by filling out our registration form. Once they get registered, they can avail 6 days of the Teachers’ Training Program Later after forming a GCP Committee, they can begin the Pre audit. Later Audit is followed by monitoring and Changes as required by schools/Colleges. Verification by us and rewards A Glimpse of GCP Committee Meeting 4. What are the impacts of GCP? Green Campus Program takes an impactful shift from conventional to the creation of Resource-efficient and Net Zero/ Low Carbon Campuses. The campuses work on lowering their damaging impacts on the atmosphere by creating sustainable Living Labs as a live example, and promoting green living amongst students. Green campuses teach by doing it e.g. lowering the usage of normal electric grids, not using the municipal water source, reusing wastes and more. The most tangible benefits are the reduction in water and energy consumption right from day one of implementation. The energy savings could range from 20 -30 % and water savings around 30 - 50%, reducing energy and water bills, respectively. Other than that, waste is effectively managed and repurposed. By enhancing biodiversity, one can get to see a drastic change in the areas converted into green patches. 5. The legacy of the Green Campus Program goes back to… Its inception took place in 2019. Since then, we have awarded more than 50 schools for their commendable work in converting their conventional school campuses into Green Campuses. 1000+ campuses have embarked on the journey, 200+ schools are undertaking this program and 11000+ teachers have been trained. 6. Is the Green Campus Program, only for educational institutions? The Green Campus Program (GCP) is not limited to educational institutions. Any organization, that has awareness about green building facilities and is willing to undergo such transformation can opt for this program. In fact, corporates can implement it in their campuses, and/or utilize their CSR funds to support GCP for the educational institutions, especially those in the rural areas. 7. How we can work on its scalability? I feel that it is time the climate & green finance aspect is focused on now when we talk about scalability. This model is of course replicable, and we have our own unique methodologies to make it happen. However, we can go at a certain pace being a not-for-profit organization; hence with thriving support from different organizations on the CSR front, I think we can take it higher level at a faster pace. We would love to see some enthusiasm from the corporate sector for this. 8. How do you feel being part of this revolutionary climate change mitigation model? Well, its very rewarding. It (sustainability education and Green Campus Program) is a space that allows you to blend, science and art in a creative yet logical way. I try utilizing my skills and experience to their optimal level in catapulting this, and for a strong cause. Like I said it feels very rewarding. 9. A message you would like to give out to the educational institutions. This Program is a great way of learning for the students, teachers, and everyone involved in the sphere of the Green Campus Program. Let students learn from the activities and audits, and not just them, everyone involved in the process will experience great takeaways. Commercially, you save a lot on the bills; optimize the usage of available resources; and the best part is you innovate and engage with the communities. We have several schools that produce their own food with the help of their farming exercise. We have seen yarn spinners too in a school that produces fabric for the uniform. One school has taken: cycle to school” initiative. Many such inspiring and self-led initiatives have come out, as a result of the GCP implementation. If I speak of attitudinal reformation, once you have it implemented in your school, college, or university, or in any campus for that matter you can never go back to the mindset you were in prior to the enrolment in this program. It not just transforms the campuses; it changes the lives. It changes the perceptions of the people, and how they see nature. It’s an experience of a lifetime as you connect better with yourself and nature. It was a good eye-opening rendezvous with Ms. Rekha Lalla. The Green Campus Program (GCP), being a flagship project of The Climate Project Foundation, acts as a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By converting traditional campuses into eco-friendly spaces, GCP harnesses education's transformative power to address the climate crisis. This program models planet-conscious behavior and cultivates values in the next generation that make them more sensible towards nature and offer effective & long-term solutions. Click here to witness one of our Green Campus Program - certified campus that has undertaken milestone-worthy initiatives to tread the path of True Net Zero or Low Carbon Future. This is one such campus of many. We'll be back with some more real stories adding to the saga of sustainability education and the Green Campus Program. Till then, take care and be Planet-Wise. About Rekha Lalla Rekha Lalla is a multifaceted individual making a meaningful impact. She's a certified expert in Climate Change and Sustainability, a compelling TEDx Speaker, and a dedicated Buddhist scholar. With over 25 years in education, she's shared her expertise in Science and led as Head at TERI Prakriti School, Gurgaon. She holds dual master's degrees in Botany, highlighting her commitment to the environment. She's an Environmentalist, Mentor, and Climate Reality Leader, nurturing future environmental leaders. Rekha's creativity extends to art, with exhibitions at renowned venues. She's also authored engaging children's books on General Knowledge and Science, inspiring young minds. Her influence reaches environmental projects, with roles supported by the Delhi Government's Department of Environment. She's also designed educational toys for LEO METTLE Thomson Connect. Collaborating with various NGOs, Rekha's work has received accolades, including recognition from former Chief Minister Ms. Sheila Dixit. She exemplifies the power of passion and dedication in creating positive change. To know more about her, take a peek at her LinkedIn profile. About the Author The author, Smruti Sweta Samantray, a Climate Reality Mentor, at The Climate Reality Project, has been advocating sustainability education, especially in the preschool segment, and in the allied areas of sustainability for more than seven years now. Academically, she has pursued a Master’s in Mass Communication, and Environmental Law. Currently, she is working as Manager of Communication and Collaboration at The Climate Project Foundation (The Climate Reality Project— India & South Asia branch). Professionally, she is known in the domain of marketing communications for her innovative/ creative initiatives, for ten years. She has counseled approximately 3,000 students and 1,500 parents on choosing the right career paths. She has written 3500+ feature stories along with research papers (one of them published with Cambridge Scholar Publishing), and reviewed 40+ books. She is very enthusiastic, and passionately working towards communication in the sphere of sustainability and CSR. To know more about her, take a peek at her LinkedIn profile. #SustainabilityEducation #GreenCampuses #ClimateActionNow

Women are playing a pivotal role in combating climate change through their interventions, innovative approaches, influential leadership, and spearheading of initiatives in renewable energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate policy advocacy. Image Courtesy: Pixabay By promoting clean technologies, implementing sustainable practices, and raising awareness, women are driving significant impacts and transformations on a local, regional, and global scale, overlooking at an optimistic tomorrow. Their inclusive and collaborative approaches foster community resilience, empowering marginalized groups to actively participate in climate action. With expertise, passion, and determination, these women shape a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. They are at the forefront of the sustainability movement, leading the charge against climate change. Their remarkable efforts and leadership are driving positive change and inspiring others to join the fight for a sustainable future. Image Courtesy: Pixabay At The Climate Project Foundation, we firmly believe in the power, enthusiasm, perseverance, and management skills that women bring in, to make things happen. We consider women to be one of our key pillars of existence, who have been our Pole Star throughout our journey. We have wonderful and amazing women Climate Reality Leaders in our network, who have been transforming lives while treading the path of sustainability and creating inspiring milestones. We are proud to have such wonderful women with us. As a sequel to our celebrations of World Environment Day and solidarity in the fight against the climate crisis, we present to you our women’s army that we openly brag about. Dear Women Climate Leaders, You are special! You always make us proud with your work and dedication towards creating a sustainable future, and a healthy Earth with all the reasons we offer it to smile back. Thank You Team — The Climate Project Foundation PRESENTING OUR WOMEN FORCE WHO ARE STANDING STRONG IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Madhu Bhatnagar Madhu Bhatnagar, an accomplished Climate Reality Leader and among the notable educators in India who made environmental education mandatory in schools. She is also credited as the first one to implement Rooftop Water Harvesting (1998) in schools and stop tiger poaching in 2005 as a part of the Moghiya Rehabilitation project around Ranthambore National Park. Fawzia Tarannum 2. Fawzia Tarannum, a University of Nairobi-IDRC Doctorial Research Grant recipient and a Climate Reality Leader, who has conducted 5000+ training programs on water & sustainability, climate change, participatory water governance, gender equality, and ESG. For her interventions, Fawzia is also recognized as one of the 17 SDG Women Changemakers by Sayfty and Twitter India. Nita Ganguly 3. Nita Ganguly, a Climate Leader-Mentor and National Coordinator- Waste to Wealth (TCPF), received The Indian Achievers Clubs’ 99 Women achievers of India acclaim (2020) and The Most Admired Inspiring Indian Award (2021). As a Climate Reality Leader, she believes that people should embrace a sense of responsibility & accountability to protect the environment and has reached out to both defense personnel and civil society groups, including the Rag Pickers. Joshitha Sankam 4. Joshitha Sankam, a Climate Reality Leader, who is working on spreading awareness among communities & health professionals on various effects of climate change on human health. She is one of the organizers of “Health in a Changing Climate: Empowering Health Professionals”, a comprehensive training program on climate change & health, and is also a part of the “Women Leaders of Planetary Health” community. Deeksha C Bhatia 5. Deeksha Chopra Bhatia, a Climate Reality Leader, and environmental educator, who designed various educational programs and workshops on critical topics such as water conservation, waste management, and urban environmental sustainability. She is well known for her articles on environmental sustainability which have been published by international foundations. Leena Joshi 6. Leena Joshi, the founder of Ethereal Inc. and a Climate Reality Leader, is determined to disrupt the status quo & empower girls by mentoring them. As an environmental activist, she worked with international organizations such as United Nations, UN Climate Change, World Bank Group, and Girl Up United Nations Foundation. She was named GrasshoppHer IT Girl for founding her international organization. Kavya Govindarajan 7. Kavya Govindarajan, a Climate Reality Leader, addresses various environmental concerns and solutions to spread awareness about environmental protection through her write-ups. She firmly believes in the creation of resources such as blogs and research articles to enlighten people on various environmental issues and solutions. Sarika 8. Sarika, a Climate Reality Leader, has worked on a variety of interdisciplinary projects such as “Restoration by Phytoremediation “and the “Effect of Global Warming on Medicinal Plants in the High-Altitude Trans-Himalaya.” She believes in sharing her insights, and working with a broader range of audiences in order to achieve a sustainable & equitable future for all. Garima Verma 9. Garima Verma, a Climate Reality Leader, whose focus is majorly on health and wellness and is specialized in Reiki level 2 healing, sound therapy, yogic teachings, Taichi, and meditation. She is also the brand owner of ‘Urban Yogini’, where she curates & makes organic, natural, and chemical-free beauty products. Dr. Ketna A Matkar 10. Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar, a Climate Reality Leader and the Founder & Managing Director of Cipher Environmental Solutions LLP, Thane has delivered training on capacity building of Municipal officials on two of the five components of CSCAF (Climate Smart City Action Framework) - “Proportion of Green Cover” and “Climate Smart City Action Plan” and capacity building for Solid Waste Management under the SBM program. She has also worked on a research project for understanding the local governance perspective in building Climate Resilience in the cities, providing key insights and suggested policy requirements. She is also involved with the capacity building of faculties and staff for creating and maintaining a green campus at college, also advocating sustainable lifestyle changes and best practices. She engages with various colleges and institutes for advocating best practices for disaster risk reduction, adapting and mitigating climate change, and climate literacy. Dr. Vidhi Vora 11. Dr. Vidhi Vora, a Climate Reality Leader and a renowned International Public Speaker, who conducted training and awareness programs for multiple topics such as Women’s health & safety, Eco-tourism, etc. She believes in the concept of ‘Sustainability begins at home,’ therefore, she set up Green Phoenix Circular Solutions, with a vision to develop a human society that has circularity and safety maintaining environmental health. Varsha Rajkhowa 12. Varsha Rajkhowa, a Climate Reality Leader, is the first Indian to win the International crown of Miss Scuba International in 2016 and also is the National Director of Miss Scuba India and Founder Director of Oceanic Divas. She is awarded the FICCI FLO Women Achievers Award of excellence for recognition of her contribution towards ocean conservation and environmental protection. Sandhya Kakkar 13. Ms. Sandhya Kakkar, Vice Principal of Bal Bharati Public School in Dwarka, New Delhi, has been a proactive Climate Reality Leader, driving community outreach and social development initiatives. Under her guidance, the school has received numerous accolades, including the Rex Karamveer Global Education Change Champion Award and the Green Campus Program Award in 2019 by The Climate Project Foundation for promoting volunteering, sustainable practices, and combating global warming. Ms. Kakkar has successfully led various programs such as digital literacy camps, relief efforts for the underprivileged, and the establishment of a library for disadvantaged children. The school has also undertaken various campaigns to promote literacy, education for school dropouts, conducting awareness campaigns, noise pollution control, and more. The school has won several accolades like “Microsoft Tech for Good Challenge 2021” for demonstrating the effective use of technology to achieve Sustainable Development goals; “Parayavarna Mitra Earthian Award” for School for taking green initiatives taken to save the environment; and NDTV Greenathon Award for successfully demonstrating the inclusive practices in school, among many. Through her path-breaking work, Ms. Kakkar has inspired students to selflessly engage in community service, fostering a unique approach where each student contributes to social good through dedicated volunteering efforts. Manisha Balani 14. Manisha Balani, a Climate Reality Leader, working towards providing urban design consultancy both in the public & private sectors (such as TOD Zones & Godrej Properties) as she strongly believes that sustainable urbanism can potentially turn around climate change. She also introduced a platform, Conscious Gurugram, to provide research and advocacy on designing liveable & environment-friendly cities. Swayamprabha Das 15. Swayamprabha Das, National Coordinator – Marine Ecosystems, The Climate Project Foundation, holds a Ph.D. degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader (trained in 2015). She is also a Hubert Humphrey fellow (2007). With a focus on gender and climate change, she has dedicated over 24 years to the field of environment and development. She possesses expertise in program management, policy advocacy, and knowledge management. Her diverse experience includes collaborations with the government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. Apart from her professional pursuits, she has a profound passion for traveling and engaging in discussions regarding oceans and marine conservation. Sheetal Antil 16. Sheetal Antil, National Coordinator for Green Jobs at The Climate Project Foundation, is an experienced professional focusing on nature-based solutions and climate change education. She currently works as a Manager for Nature-Based Solutions at the South Pole, sourcing projects for conservation and restoration in South Asia and the Middle East. As a Climate Reality Leader, Sheetal has organized campaigns and educational programs on climate action. She has also worked with organizations like IUCN and Capgemini Invent, gaining expertise in conservation and sustainability. Sheetal's commitment as a Green Jobs National Coordinator lies in empowering youth to make environmentally conscious choices. Dr. Nandini Deshmukh 17. Dr. Nandini Deshmukh, National Coordinator – Climate Education, The Climate Project Foundation has served as an academician for more than 30 years and guided many young minds under her aegis. Throughout she has motivated and sensitized the students about environmental conservation. After being trained as a Climate Reality Leader in Istanbul (2013), she has been consistently working in the western parts of Maharashtra and covered many colleges and educational institutes in her agenda of combating climate crises. Recently, she was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Mumbai Tarun Bharat at the Species & Habitats Warriors Awards 2023 in recognition of her remarkable contribution to environmental projects in Maharashtra, preserving species and habitats. She is one of the torchbearers of climate education. Her unwavering commitment inspires others in the field. Dr. Bharti Chhibber 18. Dr. Bharti Chhibber, National Coordinator for Sustainability Education at The Climate Project Foundation is a highly respected academic, author, socio-political analyst, and environmentalist. With over seventeen years of teaching experience at the University of Delhi, India, she has made significant contributions to fields such as international relations, foreign diplomacy, Sustainable Development Goals, gender issues, health concerns, climate change, climate justice, refugees, environmental education, renewable energy, international environmental laws, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Chhibber actively collaborates with various organizations to raise awareness and empower individuals in areas related to the environment, education, and gender. Her contributions extend to initiatives like sapling plantation drives, wastepaper recycling, herbal garden projects, and waste-to-compost endeavors. Additionally, she combines art with climate change communication through her written and directed plays focusing on environmental conservation and women's rights, performed by college students. With a remarkable body of work, Dr. Chhibber has published over 150 books, research papers, and articles in national and international journals, as well as through mass media platforms. Her expertise has earned her prestigious international and national awards, fellowships, and invitations as a subject expert for interviews and discussions in electronic and print media. Dr. Chhibber's outstanding contributions have established her as a distinguished figure in the fields of education, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Elsie Gabriel 19. Elsie Gabriel, National Coordinator – Oceans, The Climate Project Foundation was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Green Citizen-Ocean Literacy prize. She is also the Founder-President of the Young Environmentalists Programme. She has made significant contributions to youth climate and ocean education programs, particularly in the Lakshadweep Islands and Mumbai. She focuses on researching about fisherwomen, indigenous women, surfers, and divers as agents of change in ocean education. Her diving adventures have taken her to various locations worldwide. Elsie contributed to C20 working committee for G20 Global Summit on Environment and Disasters, Gender Equality & Disability Working Group Summit. She is also an Ambassador for India Ocean Quest, Co-Founder of Ocean School, and holds positions at Poseidon Handicap Scuba. She was invited to speak at the UN Ocean Conference in Portugal, emphasizing the importance of ocean literacy for conservation and climate mitigation. She has authored the book "Get Out Get Going Outdoors" to promote wilderness education and digital detox. Elsie also mentors young adults in Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, RAWA Malaysia, and Maldives. In acknowledgment of her commitment to sustainable tourism, Elsie was conferred with the Golden Award from the Maldives Tourism Ministry. She was also honoured with the Mayor's Award in Mumbai for her exceptional work in lake conservation and recycling water hyacinths into Eco bricks. Recently, she was recognized as “L'Oréal Women Climate Champion”. Priya Talwar 20. Priya Talwar, the Founder of TalVer Ventures is a Climate Reality Leader. She provides consultancy for CSR projects, recruitment solutions, ESL coaching for underprivileged individuals, and supports traditional art among underprivileged youth and artists with livelihood opportunities. As a Climate Reality Leader, she has been integral in promoting Youth For Earth 2023, on SDG 13 - Climate Action, fostering youth participation from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. She has conducted capacity-building workshops on Water and Climate Change Resilient Youth Champions & Communities, focusing on Saharanpur, Baghpat, and Ghaziabad villages near Hindon River Basin, utilizing climate reality presentations. With over 20 years of experience, Priya excels in project management, partnerships, networking, marketing, content development, and documentation. Her leadership extends to organizing workshops, competitions, panel discussions, fellowships, media briefings, film festivals, grants, campaigns, and research projects on diverse topics like environment, climate change, water security, livelihood, wildlife, social change, etc.

“Roti, Kapda, Makaan” (Food, clothing and shelter), the famous dialogue from silver screens makes us assume that life is content if we are able to secure the said things but seems the narrative was put across differently. Education and good healthcare are fundamental to a thriving and progressively north-looking nation. But how are they made to function, function well; one fundamental aspect is ‘Energy or our Electricity’ needs. Imagine, a house (Makaan) is made but without electricity, it is incomplete. Clothing (Kapda) can’t be thought of as made by looms alone, so to suffice a nation of billion plus, we need machines running on electricity. Image Courtesy: Pixabay The same goes for education, we need books to be published, computers to run; fans and lights to be switched ON while in school/college; electricity forms a fundamental aspect here as well. And thus comes the debate of equity, the equitable distribution of resources. Rich nations achieved these basics many decades ago and countries like India are aspiring for it now. Of late, debates at national/international forums are revolving around these very ‘Parity issues. We celebrated electricity reaching each village, every hamlet. In modern times, it is almost a deprivation, if we don’t have electricity made available to everyone almost akin to the ‘Right to Food and Right to Education’ considering its usage. Governments understand this well and hence have been advocating for ‘Energy Security’. But how to find this security when resources are getting scarce with every passing day, and energy requirements are increasing? The peak electricity demand is expected to reach 229 GW up from 211GW last year, imagine, how to bridge this gap given all the supply chain constraints, renewable sources/generation part procurement issues, and discomfort financial health. Then there are minion issues as well that become big if not given attention like the transportation of fuel. Railway tracks were used for other items with the COVID supply chain given priority and now with ship transportation being used, the cost has increased from 4400 Rs per tonne to 7300 Rs per tonne, imagine the extra burden falling on generators, when their financial health is already in the red. So, where is the ray of hope? Energy efficiency is the key. Image Courtesy: Pixabay It is considered the lowest-hanging fruit; we just need to pluck it. Households, industries, and institutions can be powerhouses of 5–8% savings just by taking small measures in their day-to-day usage of electric appliances. Imagine, one unit saved here is three units saved at generation and even more on the resource input side like usage of gas or coal. New and green technology like Hydrogen, fuel cells, and battery storage are currently under experiments for big-scale deployment, hope there is more harmony among nations for tech transfer so as to have a more accelerated and acceptable deployment across the global north and south. As has happened with mobile and defense manufacturing, India is envisaged to become a solar module manufacturing hub with an outlay of 14000 cr. incentive to kick start these industries which would produce 38000 MW worth of energy in times to come with modules made in these mega factories. In the wind energy sector, we are a net exporter of gears, drives, and blades, thus making us stand tall in the world’s supply chain for this sector. In all, these steps are also going to provide ‘Green Jobs’ for more than 40,000 people directly and 60,000 plus indirectly in maintenance deployment and after-sales-related issues. Overall, it seems we are trending in the right direction but to sum it all up, our own ‘mindful’ energy usage would be a showcase to the world on how to follow suit. Let’s be the source of charge to the world. About the Author Bhavesh Swami is an energy advocate who envisions India to tread on sustainability by having reliance on renewable energy solutions. Currently, he is working as the Lead — Energy in The Climate Reality Project — India & South Asia branch. He has more than seventeen years of experience working with national/international development agencies, multilateral organizations like World Bank and Global Environment Facility (The GEF), Govt bodies, finance, policy institutes, and NGOs in various capacities. He helped set the ball rolling for NCR’s biggest Renewable Energy Park in Gurgaon, a collective effort by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Haryana Government, and ADEME, The French Development Agency. Working on the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Govt. of India project, he helped percolate benefits of resource efficiency among the Indian SME fraternity. His project with Indian industries has helped reduce 2 million tons of CO2 over its cumulative timeframe. These efforts got featured in India’s submission at UNFCCCs at COP15 as a ‘Project worth emulating’. He is a Climate Reality leader, Mentor lead and keeps an active engagement with a range of stakeholders including students, teachers, high-level govt. officials and civic society representatives at national and international levels on the subject of clean energy and climate change.

Image Courtesy: Pixabay At the 2023 session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), the UN Secretary-General António Guterres lauded indigenous peoples for their pioneering efforts in protecting nature and preserving biodiversity. The Secretary-General recognized the crucial role of indigenous people and local communities as guardians of the world’s biodiversity, particularly in regions like the Amazon, the Sahel, and the Himalayas. Many of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots are located in areas inhabited or controlled by indigenous peoples. Traditional Indigenous Territories cover around 22 percent of the Earth’s land surface and hold 80 percent of its biodiversity. Moreover, the greatest diversity of indigenous groups can be found in the largest tropical forest wilderness areas across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Indigenous Peoples and communities legally own 11 percent of the world’s forest lands, presenting an opportunity to expand biodiversity conservation efforts beyond protected areas. Image Courtesy: Pexels Involving indigenous peoples as experts in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management can result in comprehensive and cost-effective practices worldwide. Territories with secured land rights have demonstrated better conservation outcomes compared to adjacent lands. The Global Biodiversity Framework has recognized the full and effective involvement of indigenous communities in meeting global targets and emerging biodiversity governance. Indigenous peoples possess valuable solutions to the climate crisis, given their ancestral knowledge and wisdom, and have a key role in climate change mitigation and adaptation around the world. Preserving vast forested areas not only aligns with climate change objectives but also respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and conserves biodiversity. The full involvement of indigenous peoples in the climate change agenda has been mandated by the UNFCCC at the Glasgow Climate Conference (COP26). Image Courtesy: Pexels Despite their significant contributions to the environment, indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable groups affected by climate change. However, their ancestral territories often exhibit resilient landscape designs that can withstand the negative impacts of climate change. Over time, Indigenous Peoples have developed adaptation models and genetic varieties of plants and animals with natural resistance to climatic and ecological variability. Indigenous Peoples, as custodians of 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity, possess traditional expertise in adapting to, mitigating, and reducing climate risks. Their knowledge and practices sustain biodiversity and inform scientific research and management approaches. Indigenous peoples contribute to biodiversity conservation through various means. They act as stewards of the land, employing sustainable practices like selective harvesting, rotational farming, and controlled burning to maintain ecosystem health and productivity. Additionally, they collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to actively engage in conservation efforts and advocate for the protection of biodiversity and indigenous rights. However, indigenous peoples face significant challenges in biodiversity conservation. The loss of traditional lands and territories remains a major obstacle, leading to ecosystem fragmentation and degradation. Factors such as land grabbing, resource extraction, and climate change contribute to this loss, adversely impacting both biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods. Additionally, indigenous peoples are often marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes related to biodiversity conservation, despite being crucial stakeholders and knowledge-holders. Image Courtesy: Pexels To address these challenges, it is crucial to support indigenous peoples’ efforts in conserving biodiversity and protecting their rights. This includes recognizing and respecting their rights to traditional lands and territories, involving them in decision-making processes, revitalizing and transmitting indigenous knowledge and practices, and fostering partnerships and collaborations among indigenous peoples, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Image Courtesy: Pixabay By recognizing their rights, supporting the revitalization of their knowledge and practices, and promoting collaborative approaches, we can ensure the continued health and productivity of our planet’s ecosystems, benefiting all inhabitants, including indigenous peoples. About the Author: Rituraj Phukan is an environmental writer, adventurer & naturalist based out of Assam. He serves as the National Coordinator for Biodiversity, Climate Reality India and is a member of the IUCN.

Co-creating values of co-existence is the first step towards preserving biodiversity. Image Source: Pixabay and Canva for graphics The Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5 C focuses on reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by transitioning to renewable energy generation by 2050 and stopping deforestation and land conversion to prevent the emissions of carbon already stored in ecosystems. However, even if fully implemented, current commitments will still take us beyond a catastrophic 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Besides, more measures are required, including ‘negative emissions’ solutions that remove and store up to 500 Gt of atmospheric CO2 by the turn of the century, to negate the heat-trapping potential of the already extant CO2 in the atmosphere. In this context, one recent paper “Trophic rewilding can expand natural climate solutions” presents scientific evidence to show that protecting and restoring wild animals and their functional roles can enhance natural carbon capture and storage. The researchers called for new thinking that includes restoring and conserving wild animals and their ecosystem roles as key components of natural climate solutions. The paper asserts that while natural climate solutions can arrest climate change by protecting and enhancing carbon capture and storage in plants, soils, and sediments in ecosystems, while also protecting habitats and landscapes to conserve the diversity of wildlife species, we must now pay attention to the role animals play in controlling the carbon cycle. Wild animals, especially terrestrial and marine mammals, and marine fish, also have consequential effects with a diversity of functional roles in the ecosystem. The authors explain that using wild animal conservation explicitly to enhance carbon capture and storage is known as ‘animating the carbon cycle’ and requires the creation of dynamic landscapes. Protecting and restoring the ability of animal species to reach ecologically meaningful densities so that as they move and interact with each other and fulfill their functional roles in ecosystems is known as trophic rewilding. Image Courtesy: Author The current focus of trophic rewilding on larger-bodied wild vertebrates like whales, elephants, bison, tiger, wolves, etc., is because of their larger ecological effects, sensitivity to human exploitation, habitat loss, etc., and because rewilding these require challenging interventions compared to restoring plant biomass and diversity. The authors see a huge scope for expansion of natural climate solutions and rewilding, as wild animal species occur in all ecosystems, and the variety of locally relevant, community-led initiatives, depending on the prevalence of diverse species in different regions. The authors also underlined the need to consider the complexities associated with trophic rewilding because some species’ impacts may vary across ecosystems. Another concern is that trophic rewilding of large herbivores will increase methane release unless it occurs with measured reductions in domestic livestock. There is an urgency for further research, policy changes, and implementation because we are losing populations of many animal species just as we are discovering how much they functionally impact carbon capture and storage. Image Source: Canva Trophic rewilding solutions represent the convergence of action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Deploying natural climate solution-based projects is more likely to create an opportunity to address regional inequalities. The return of the great mammals to their historic populations will have trophic cascading impacts and ensure long-term planetary health and human wellbeing. About the Author: Rituraj Phukan is an environmental writer, adventurer & naturalist based out of Assam. He serves as the National Coordinator for Biodiversity, Climate Reality India and is a member of the IUCN.

Nature as an Element for Learning, Connecting & Resilience: EfS is Imperative Image Couresty: Pixabay It is never late to learn, but it is good to start early. By writing such an oxymoron-ic statement, I am trying to stir the need to segregate the realization and methodologies of execution for a better approach towards an effective start. Many people who already are parents and those expecting to-become parents soon, must acknowledge the significance of nature and environment in the art of parenting. Everything that we consume or use, be it vegetables, fruits, water, air, and other resources, are all from nature. Nothing more we can do towards nature than cultivating the art of gratefulness towards it by being sensible and sustainable. To make this simple process more efficient, we need to start early. Right from their birth, children should be inculcated with the attitude of realizing the values of gifts nature bestows upon us. What could be the best way of thanking than integrating the same in the system of education? Sustainability education unlocks a lot of doors for everyone on Earth to decipher solutions to problems that look even impossible to be bent. It encompasses a broad range of topics, including climate change, biodiversity, resource conservation, and sustainable development. It aims to provide individuals with an understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental systems, and to equip them with the tools to make informed decisions and take action to address environmental challenges. Hence, it has immense potential to transform lives and our future. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a program by United Nations, underlines the system of education that encourages a sustainable and just society for all, through knowledge, skills, attitude, and values. If developed and implemented properly, ESD can become a powerful tool against the climate crisis and its impacts. ESD aims at a balanced future. Its objective is to equip the present and future generations to meet their needs using a balanced and integrated approach toward economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. As a component of measurement, ESD is an indicator for SDG 12 (Sustainable Development Goals) which stands for “responsible consumption and production.” Of 11, 8th target of SDG 12 aims at making people aware of sustainable development and lifestyles, with relevant information and harmony with nature. This goes without saying that all of this wouldn’t be possible without a strategic scheme of education. As Fredrich Froebel has emphasized that educational environment plays an important role in the development of a child’s mind and body, then why not start this process of strategic learning from their preschool and primary days? Image Courtesy: Green Campus Program team, The Climate Project Foundation The relation between nature and humans renders two-way impacts. Our actions, and nature’s resources. Nature, through its abundance and love, provides ample opportunities to children to connect with them (nature) and themselves. Not through rote memorization, but through unstructured free-play with nature and its systems, children improve their thought processes, creativity, comprehension, and sensibilities toward sustainable living. Let the child decide which path to walk inside the biodiversity parks, of course, you follow and guide them. At least, with this freedom of choice, they would know what they feel there and are curious about. Another activity in the nature trails could be letting them analyze the variety of flowers, leaves, trees, birds, etc. they witness during their trails. By asking them to maintain a scrapbook of the same (maybe a sample leaf, stem, or anything else), you teach the attitude of valuing nature. This lets them connect. I would like to cite an example here. Four-year-old Kashvi spent her weekends with her parents on a seashore. There, she drank tender coconut water as her father mentioned that coconut trees are abundantly found in such regions. She saw fishermen catching varieties of fish. She also created a sandcastle by mashing, cupping, mixing, and molding wet and dry sand. She loved the texture. She also collected conches from the seashore and made a neckpiece out of some of them. She used the remaining shells in decorating her pen stand. Observe! Right from getting the essence of natural beauty, here, Kashvi learned several other things, including sustainable crafts, flora and fauna, and others. Just one visit of free-play (topped with guidance) increased her knowledge bank. There is one of the programs that is close to my heart as it transforms lives of children and youth by transforming the campuses of schools, colleges, and Universities and guides them to tread the path of Net Zero or Low Carbon Future. The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) — India and South Asia branch has a flagship program, known as the “Green Campus Program (GCP).” GCP enables schools and colleges to conserve natural resources like water and biodiversity, optimize energy efficiency, manage waste, and educate about climate change and sustainability while addressing the well-being of the students as compared to conventional educational institutes.” The vision and mission of this program is to create a sustainable tomorrow. TCPF believes that the climate crisis needs long-term and highly impactful solutions, and there is no better tool to resolve it than do it through education. To inculcate the values and bring about behavioral changes in our future generations making them more planet-sensible, TCPF is setting perfect examples right there in the campuses through physical and behavioral changes through GCP. Image Courtesy: Green Campus Program team, The Climate Project Foundation “GCP serves as an effective transformative catalyst. As the name suggests, the objective of the program is to transform conventional campuses into green campuses. It is a platform wherein schools/Colleges are suggested measures to improve the sustainability factor and green practices on the core parameters of water, energy, waste management, biodiversity, air quality, and wellness. GCP also imparts climate change education to teachers as well as students. The best part is students get involved in the process. They can calculate their carbon footprints, change their lifestyle bring in behavioural changes to make this Earth a better place to live for all living beings.,” shared Rekha Lalla, Program Manager — GCP, TCPF. As a perfect catalyst of STEM education, nature contributes to children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. It boosts critical thinking, problem-solving attitude, creativity, enthusiasm, and relationship skills among others. Fresh air, sunlight, oxygen, and greenery can push children to get into physical activities with their friends or groups. They may run and play; climb trees or hug them; dip their feet in the water; splash water from the spring collected in their cupped palms; or simply lay down and gaze at the clouds to create their own imaginary world. Any child or any person, who has spent a substantial amount of time in nature or natural patches, knows the real meaning of connection, freedom, happiness, and serenity. Ambitious SDGs have a universal agenda to transform the world for the better, and the challenge it has issued is to provide all children with quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education by 2030. Nature-based education offers a platform that blends quality with learning. Tapping the emotional wellness, nature helps in reducing anger, anxiety, impulsive nature, stress, disorderly behavior, and negative thinking. Nature dons plentiful health benefits, including a healthy heart and mind. It is the best pillow, mattress or quilt to improve your coping skills and resilience. A simple barefoot walk on green grass can stimulate reflexology further reducing pain and inflammation. Likewise basking under the sun improves the level of Vitamin D, which further helps in balancing mood, motivation, strengths, and positivity. Walking, jogging, exercising, or sprinting in a lush green park or biodiversity park alleviates oxygen levels stimulating brainpower and working as a stress buster. A picnic spot in the lap of nature is incomparable! Outdoors is magical and so is indoors. Image Courtesy: Pixabay The pandemonium of pandemic COVID has put a thick cloak of suspicion on outdoor activities. The limitations or restrictions of staying indoors have affected the overall development of the children. However, the good news is that one can still stay connected to nature and be sustainable even while indoors. Indoor air-purifying plants can help children breathe better-quality of oxygen. Children can still be taught to be responsible towards nature by participating in upcycling and waste management activities that take place at home. Simply by knowing when to turn off the lights and water taps and more, you make them responsible towards nature. Make a few bottle planters with them and make them part of your daily gardening activities, especially for vegetables and fruits. This will help them understand how food grows and gets into their plates. Acknowledging natural elements like birch, sand, leaves, rocks, pebbles, etc. is another way. Listen to the natural sounds and they calm the mind and senses. How does a cuckoo or a cow sound? How does a flowing river sound? Let them hear and register in their memory of formative years and during primary education that gradually transitions to secondary and higher education. You can also give them near-to-reality experiences through 3D or Augmented Reality systems (especially, books), as these will help them observe and learn better. Expose them to crafts and art with nature. Be it indoors or outdoors, one can stay connected with nature. The will to do so should be strong and backed by thorough understanding of the reason. The idea is to stay connected with nature by incorporating the EfS approach (Education for Sustainability) that brings together students, schools, and communities with the values and motivation to step up for sustainability-related actions starting with their personal lives and scaling it up to the community and worldwide, starting now. Moreover, the opportunity for green jobs is expanding day by day. They are well-paying too. This underlines the fact that they will get a humongous amount of scope to implement their learning professionally and make a living. However, this cannot be a one-way process. There must be a holistic approach for this. The entire ecosystem of pedagogy should have students, teachers, Heads/ Deans/ Principals, parents, and communities intertwined so as to have a positive fission reaction in the co-creation of a greener future. Image Courtesy: Green Campus Program team, The Climate Project Foundation It is never late for either the parents, teachers, or schools to begin teaching their children keeping an angle of sustainability in mind — anyone can start EfS anyway at any growing age of a child. This is how a positive behavioral and attitudinal change in them can be nurtured so they can visualize the world in a much better way and undertake decisions accordingly. Lastly, this is how impacts can be seen, felt, and optimized. All it requires are your time and dedicated efforts. It goes without saying, by investing ourselves for sustainability education, we’re not only investing in our planet but also investing in our future. This Earth Day, we have pledged to be invested in our planet and be proactive in the transformative journey. Image Courtesy: Pixabay About the Author The author, Smruti S Samantray, a Climate Reality Leader, The Climate Reality Project, who has been advocating sustainability education, esp. in the preschool segment, and in the allied areas of sustainability for more than seven years now. Academically, she has pursued Master’s in Mass Communication, and Environmental Law. Currently, she is working as Manager — Communication & Collaborations, The Climate Reality Project — India & South Asia branch. Professionally, she is known in the domain of marketing communications for her innovative/ creative initiatives, since ten years. She has counseled approximately 3000 students and 1500 parents on choosing the right career paths. She has written 3500+ feature stories along with research papers (one of them published with Cambridge Scholar Publishing), and reviewed 40+ books. She is very enthusiastic, and passionately working towards communication in the sphere of sustainability and CSR.

Image Courtesy: The Climate Project Foundation The eponymous Molaikathoni, named after “Molai”, now known as the Forest man of India, is the inspiration for the Molaikathoni Nursery Project. Jadav Payeng has been planting in the famous forest on a sandbar called Arunachapori for over a period of forty-three years now. This one-of-a-kind forest now is now home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, deer, reptiles, and hundreds of species of birds, including endangered vultures. Launched on World Water Day 2022, the Molaikathoni Nursery Project India is an initiative of The Climate Project Foundation in association with the Forest Man Foundation and the Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum. The objective of the nursery is to facilitate the forestation efforts of the large, barren sandbars abundant in the region, replicating the success of the Molaikathoni forest. Image Courtesy: Author The nursery is located at a short distance from the forest, ensuring a seasonal source of native saplings, seeds, and cuttings to nurture before replantation. The species planted include Pride of India, Elephant Apple, Moringa, Jackfruit, Black Plum, Bullet Wood, Amberalla, Burmese Grape, Red Silk Cotton, Indian Jujube, English Beechwood, False White Teak, Custard Apple, Mango, Guava, Lemon, etc. Image Courtesy: Diputa Muli There is a plan to set up 3 other nurseries across Assam as repositories of native species ready to be replanted in deforested areas. It may be mentioned here that the latest Forest Survey of India reports have pointed to a loss of forest cover in Assam and the northeast while showing a positive growth rate in other parts of the country. These nurseries will be an outstanding contribution to combat deforestation and biodiversity loss and enhance carbon sequestration throw intensive forestation initiatives. Image Courtesy: Author Image Courtesy: Author Additionally, a recent study of the Molaikathoni forest found it to be a “major carbon sink” with substantial carbon sequestration nearly four decades after the plantation started. Based on the research, “Planted Forest can be a preferable ecosystem management tool to fulfil the objectives of biodiversity conservation and provisioning climate services like C sequestration.” The nursery will continue to help in expanding the most effective climate action available to the flood and erosion-affected indigenous community. Visitors to the Molaikathoni forest have acknowledged the nursery project as a scalable and replicable grassroots climate action led by indigenous communities. The outcomes include the preservation of biodiversity, water and food security, preservation of traditions, knowledge systems, cultures, and livelihoods dependent on flora and fauna, and enhanced resilience to frequent floods and erosion. Image Courtesy: Author The project has provided livelihood to some villagers for several months, directly motivating the communities to participate in the conservation of the forest and the wildlife species. This project is accepted as an initiative that will also protect traditional indigenous knowledge systems, increase resilience to floods and erosion, preserve biodiversity, and ensure food security. The Molaikathoni Nursery Project will be sustained by the local communities and the nursery will continue to provide saplings of native species for the forestation efforts. Here are 5 facts about Molaikothani Nursery. Watch the video here: Watch the video here https://tinyurl.com/Instagram-TCPF-forest https://tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-TCPF-forest https://tinyurl.com/FB-TCPF-forest https://tinyurl.com/Twitter-TCPF-forest About the Author: Rituraj Phukan is an environmental writer, adventurer & naturalist based out of Assam. He serves as the National Coordinator for Biodiversity, Climate Reality India and is a member of the IUCN.

Snow Leopard (Image Courtesy: Pixabay) As humans, we are fascinated by the feline kingdom, from the unassuming housecat to the pompous lions of the Savannah. Their mature demeanour and grace of movement exudes a high degree of confidence that we aspire to imbibe in our everyday lives. As Mark Twain once mused, “Of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat”. Among its brethren, perhaps no one has a more mythical status than the Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia), native to the rugged and snowy highlands of the Himalaya and Central Asia that constitute some of the harshest and remotest locations on the planet. Eking out its prey in surreal landscapes where mere survival is an accomplishment for the homo sapien, it epitomizes the natural and spiritual fabric of these higher climes, forming an integral part of the folklore of the handful of communities that inhabit these regions, who consider its rare sighting a divine experience. Image Courtesy: Author Let us look at the larger picture. Not only are ecosystems inhabited by the Snow Leopards some of the most unique on the planet, they are the progenitors of life as we know it — the glaciers act as water towers providing freshwater to billions downstream, their rocks are weathered into fertile soils through millions of years of geological processes, and their lofty peaks define the most important climatic event for more than a quarter of the world’s population that are the monsoons. How does a Snow Leopard fit into the scheme of things? As one of the apex predators in the food chain, it maintains the balance of these fragile ecosystems, keeping populations of ungulates like Blue Himalayan Sheep and Ibex in control which prevent overgrazing and subsequently erosion or flash floods. Current population estimates range from 4,000–7,000 individuals across 12 range countries, and intensive efforts are underway both at national and transboundary levels to narrow down these estimations to more accurate figures. Even though Snow Leopards are rare to spot, and their large territories can exceed even 100 sq kms, they still succumb to poaching for their pelt and other body parts. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists the Snow Leopard under Appendix I (i.e. species threatened with extinction), and its status was elevated to ‘requiring concerted action’ by the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2002. It is also listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Image Courtesy: Pixabay Not only this, there are other factors threatening the survival of the cat. Climate change, especially rising temperatures, are shrinking their habitats and forcing them in proximity of human settlements in search for food, leading to a typical example of human-wildlife conflict where the cat is often killed to protect livestock. Overgrazing by livestock also leads to scarcity of fodder for wild grazing animals, thereby reducing the natural prey base and leading to the same problem as above. Then there are other issues like over extraction of natural resources which add fuel to the fire. What do we do then? There are two broad areas to address — restoring the ecological balance by optimizing human dependency upon natural resources and curbing illegal trade in plants and wildlife. The snow leopard remains one of the most unique wildlife species, its demure nature a sign of reverence to the elements of nature that rage at their fiercest in these remote regions. Unlike other big cats, its inability to roar has seemed to render it ‘silent’, with very few people aware of the immense threat the declining population of the animal and destruction of its habitat poses for people downstream. We need to spare a thought for this majestic species and do our bit to revive it in popular imagination, introducing our younger generations to the marvel of this species and the breath-taking beauty of its habitat. About the Author Parth Joshi is a Climate Reality Leader at The Climate Reality Project Foundation. He is also the National Livelihoods Specialist, SECURE Himalaya at UNDP. He is an enthusiastic expeditioner/ mountaineer, and a nature and wildlife photographer.

Image Courtesy: Pixabay When it comes to wildlife and biodiversity conservation, whose responsibility is it ultimately to share the burden of conservation equitably? Wildlife and biodiversity conservation is the basis to bring about sustainable living on planet earth. Right now, humankind is facing a conflict wherein conservation and development are at the crossroads and there are a lot of arguments going on as to how the two should be balanced and which one should be prioritized. Over the years, scientists and economists have realized that the economy cannot thrive without the environment, and conserving the environment is the only way to sustain the society and economy. The biosphere (Environment) is the basis of the Global economy, which is imperative for all of us. (Hans et al., 2013) The Millenium Ecosystems Assessment, 2005 clearly pointed out that many of the ecosystems are facing degradation and need to be restored to maintain the continuous supply of ecosystem services. Continuous and sustained availability of all ecosystem services is necessary for human well-being. The ecosystem constitutes biodiversity and wildlife. Wildlife is an integral part of the ecosystem and they need to be conserved for various reasons. Image Courtesy: Pixabay Ecosystem services are alternatively known as nature’s goods and services and they are of four major categories (provisioning services like food, shelter; regulatory services like soil and water conservation; supporting services like habitat services and aesthetic services like cultural values, tourism etc.,) Except for the provisioning services and a to a little extent the aesthetic services, we do not put a monetary value on the rest of the services and hence they are taken for granted. Wildlife is valued for the aesthetic values and exploited more than the tolerance capacity in terms of unsustained and exploitative tourism in many cases. The extent of Protected Areas kept aside for wildlife conservation in the entire country is only 5% of the geographical area (envis.wii.gov.in). Ideally, it should be more. If more areas are to be brought under conservation, private owned areas will have to be roped in for conservation as Protected Areas. The question then arises as to why a private individual will bear the cost of conservation for the sake of the entire society. Image Courtesy: Pixabay We will need to find ways to fund the conservation of Private Areas so that the societies and specific beneficiaries of the ecosystem services provided by those areas pay for the conservation and the money can be offered to the private owners to promote biodiversity and wildlife conservation. There are examples of hundreds of such schemes which are termed as “Payments/ Compensations for conservation” known in short as PES/CES and should be tried and emulated in India to bring about equity in Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation. Symbolic representation of PES cifor.org About the Author Geethanjali Mariaselvam is an Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer with 20 years of experience working with the Government of India and Punjab state in the forestry sector. Currently, she is serving as Chief General Manager in Punjab Forest Development Corporation. She graduated with a degree in Horticulture and a Post Graduate degree in Agriculture from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. She also completed a rigorous three-year training program equivalent to a master’s degree in forestry and holds a postgraduate diploma in ecology and environment. In addition, she completed a diploma in Wildlife Management from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Her interests include nature and environment conservation through people’s participation, and she has worked on large-scale tree plantations in rural areas of Bathinda, Punjab, with people’s involvement. Geethanjali has also worked in the Forest Survey of India and held various positions in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in New Delhi.