Weeds to Wealth: an initiative by considered one of India’s main environmental NGOs

IN a world dealing with rising environmental challenges, considered one of India’s main environmental NGOs devoted to selling conservation and sustainability is taking part in a pivotal position in addressing urgent points. One such group, the Ashoka Belief for Analysis in Ecology and the Surroundings (ATREE), stands out as a supply of hope and innovation. Based in Bangalore in 1996, ATREE has been on the forefront of producing interdisciplinary data to foster the dual objectives of environmental safety and social justice. This text delves into the multifaceted work of one of many nation’s main environmental NGOs, with a specific concentrate on its exceptional “Weeds-to-Wealth” initiative, which is remodeling the lives of marginalized indigenous communities whereas concurrently contributing to forest conservation.

The mission of ATREE

The mission of one of many nation’s main environmental NGOs is multifaceted and visionary. The group is devoted to producing rigorous interdisciplinary analysis that addresses vital points associated to biodiversity, local weather change, land and water assets, forests, governance and ecosystem providers. Their work goes past educational exploration; it’s about facilitating the utilization of this information by policymakers and society, thereby bridging the hole between analysis and real-world utility. Moreover, ATREE is likely one of the environmental NGOs within the nation that’s dedicated to nurturing the subsequent technology of students and leaders who’re outfitted to sort out the environmental challenges of the long run. To assist ATREE, you’ll be able to donate right here.

Weeds to Wealth: a sustainable initiative

ATREE’s journey into the world of modern conservation and livelihood improvement started with a profound statement. Over 20 years of engagement with the Soliga neighborhood, an indigenous forest-dependent tribe residing within the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, ATREE seen a major decline of their capability to forage Non-timber Forest Merchandise. The important thing issue was the invasive weed, Lantana Camara, which had taken over greater than 47% of the forest ground. Lantana Camara, one of many world’s most infamous invasive weeds, not solely obstructed the expansion of native forest biodiversity but additionally severely hampered the Soliga’s revenue technology. A number of makes an attempt to eradicate Lantana had confirmed futile because the weed continued to return, impacting the livelihoods of the Soliga neighborhood.

In response to this problem, ATREE piloted the Weeds to Wealth program, a artistic initiative aimed toward remodeling Lantana Camara right into a beneficial useful resource. Beneath this program, the weed is used to create furnishings, residence equipment and crafts. This strategy by one of many nation’s most modern environmental NGOs creates a win-win state of affairs: it elevates tribal livelihoods whereas selling forest biodiversity and conservation. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the significance of this initiative, as marginalized communities search various revenue sources as a result of difficulties related to city migration. 

Impression of Weeds to Wealth

The Weeds to Wealth program by considered one of India’s main environmental NGOs has already demonstrated exceptional success, altering the lives of the Soliga neighborhood in important methods. ATREE’s efforts have led to a 42% improve within the family revenue of Soliga grasp craftsmen and girls. Furthermore, over 350 Soliga people have been skilled within the craft, with 20 rising as grasp craftsmen and girls. These expert artisans, in flip, have taken their experience to neighboring villages, the place they’ve skilled an extra 400 craftsmen. The influence of this program has been substantial in bettering the dwelling requirements of the Soliga neighborhood.

ATREE is likely one of the main environmental NGOs that has gone a step additional by organising three Lantana Craft Facilities, which repeatedly evolve their product line. The craftsmen have expanded their craft, creating bespoke items of artwork from Lantana, similar to these of life-size elephants. These modern and sustainable merchandise have discovered recognition available in the market, resulting in collaborations with different NGOs and elevated alternatives for the Soliga artisans.

Past native recognition, ATREE is likely one of the main environmental NGOs that has facilitated the show of the Soliga neighborhood’s handiwork at varied platforms inside Karnataka, garnering appreciation and assist from a wider viewers. The tribal artisans now run their microenterprise by way of the Lantana Craft Facilities, contributing to the native financial system whereas selling forest conservation.

Scaling the initiative

Recognizing the potential of the Weeds-to-Wealth program to influence extra lives, ATREE, one of the crucial impactful and modern environmental NGOs, has accelerated its plans to scale up the initiative. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the necessity for various revenue sources, ATREE goals to generate 36 lakh for the artisans. This funding will serve a number of functions:

• 6 lakh for working capital to tackle new orders, making certain a gentle stream of revenue for the artisans
• 15 lakh to hire a warehouse for 12 months in Bangalore to retailer their merchandise, offering a central location for manufacturing and distribution
• 15 lakh for upgrading instruments and infrastructure to scale their work, bettering the effectivity and high quality of the craft
• Collaboration for a sustainable future

ATREE’s dedication to sustainability and conservation, as one of many main environmental NGOs in India, extends past the Weeds to Wealth program. The group is continually evolving and increasing its horizons. The Centre for Social and Environmental Innovation is at the moment working with Social Enterprise Companions to develop a scalable enterprise mannequin for the sale of Lantana furnishings by native artisans. This collaborative effort goals to make sure the long-term sustainability of the initiative, selling using Lantana as a beneficial useful resource for the Soliga neighborhood.

Help considered one of India’s main environmental NGOs

The Ashoka Belief for Analysis in Ecology and the Surroundings (ATREE) is likely one of the main environmental NGOs in India that stands as a exceptional instance of a company devoted to bridging the hole between environmental conservation and social justice. Their Weeds to Wealth initiative not solely addresses the challenges posed by invasive species but additionally affords a sustainable supply of livelihood for marginalized indigenous communities. 

As ATREE continues to make strides in bettering the lives of the Soliga neighborhood and selling forest conservation, it serves as a shining instance of how interdisciplinary analysis, modern considering and collaboration can create a win-win state of affairs for each the atmosphere and its inhabitants. The Weeds-to-Wealth program just isn’t solely remodeling weeds into wealth but additionally constructing a sustainable and environmentally aware future for all. To assist ATREE, you’ll be able to donate right here.

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