11 grassroots innovators demonstrate effective climate change solutions under SEEDS initiative

PNN

New Delhi [India], October 26: Humanitarian Innovation and intervention technologies have become an immediate need to contain the pressing challenges being posed at both global and community level. Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), a not-for-profit organization, has chosen to identify and onboard participatory and community-led approach to facilitate and community driven frameworks by bringing 11 grassroots innovators though its initiative, 'Flip the Notion'. The initiative's focus is climate resilience through innovation.

During the event, innovators showcased the intervention and outreach programs executed by them in communities which have been affected by climate change and the positive impact the engagements had in communities in terms of future preparedness and upskilling. A short film highlighting the journey of innovators was followed by a panel discussion with distinguished social and humanitarian experts. The panelists included Kamal Kishore, NDMA, Government of India, Takeshi Komino, General Secretary at CWS Japan, Aruna Pandey, Research Consultant, Lighthouse Communities who elaborated and shared their views on transformative solutions for resilient communities, challenges and innovations for stressed communities, collaborations, and technology-based interventions amongst others.

Driving the change for resilient and thriving communities, SEEDS has chosen a mission to strengthen the capacity of these innovators by raising the bar while improving and developing impact parameters that reflect sustainable future for all connected with those communities.

Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Manu Gupta, Co-Founder, SEEDS, said, "We build resilient and sustainable communities across boundaries towards disaster and environmental stewardship. As you know, there are increasing number of climate induced disasters around the world. Our mission, at SEEDS, is to equip the vulnerable to be more resilient. We aim to serve in 225 hotspots in India by 2030, towards building hyper-local resilience eco-system reaching - 315 million lives. SEEDS is engaged with communities, governments, and change-agents across the disaster lifecycle, - response, relief, recovery, rehabilitation, mitigation, and preparedness. "

He added that in the past three decades, "SEEDS has responded to more than 45 disasters, built nearly 100 schools, more than 60,000 homes, nearly 25 healthcare facilities, more than 110 sanitation units - all this enabled through a people-led programme. Alongside we have skilled more than one million learners in SEEDS Gurukul Programmes. Local and national organizations possess a unique vantage point, allowing them to grasp the precise vulnerabilities and challenges their communities face amidst the complexities of climate change. The local and national organizations' intimate understanding of their communities' specific vulnerabilities positions them as crucial agents in addressing climate change, tailoring solutions to the distinct needs of their regions."

The innovators have executed intervention programs in Kashmir, West Bengal, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Delhi amongst other cities. Notable intervention programs include free medical treatment to community members who can't access quality medical facilities, training and mentoring small pond owners, promoting women fish farmers, or building a resilient blue economy.

SEEDS will be working with these innovators to deploy best practices and through its team who works with various communities and develops intervention processes, communication materials and developmental programs and help in making infrastructure resilient to natural disasters.

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