Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amrita School for Sustainable Futures and UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation & Development, jointly with the Department of science and technology (DST), Government of India is working towards setting up Community Covid Resilience Resource Centers (CCRRC) across India.The centers aim to provide community level interventions focussed on various thematic areas to translate technological advancements to provide sustainable solutions to various challenges.
Sustainable Management of Sacred Groves
The study focusses on preserving the endangered ecological and cultural elements of Kerala’s sacred groves. It explores socio- cultural aspects, management, and threats to these sites, with a goal of devising strategies to safeguard their socio-cultural significance, ecosystems, biodiversity, and heritage.,
Agroforestry
Land degradation especially affects people in rural regions, who are dependent on land for provision of food, fodder, livelihood and shelter. The research seeks to apply a system thinking approach to ecological restoration to understand the interplay of biophysical and anthropogenic factors leading to land degradation and develop community-led restorative solutions.
Study on the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
This study delves into how women in the region employ their traditional wisdom to manage natural resources, preserving both their livelihoods and local ecosystems. Proposed initiatives include forming women’s cooperatives and self-help groups, empowering them as key stakeholders in conservation, and enhancing their ecological knowledge for a sustainable community.
Study on the Impact of Water Hycinth Infestation in Kerala
The study assesses water hyacinth’s impact on the community and develop cost-effective biofuel production, leading to better water quality, economic empowerment, and reduced carbon emissions by implementing a sustainable business model. This creates employment opportunities, enhances livelihoods, and optimizes the growth and harvesting of water hyacinth for environmental sustainability and the creation of recreational opportunities.
Reviving Wetlands through Sustainable Solutions
Amrita researchers are pioneering sustainable solutions, like Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT), to combat the degradation of the water ecosystem. VGT aids environmental protection in flood- prone rural Indian river communities. It uses vetiver grass to restore riverbanks, reduce soil erosion, conserve rainfall-runoff, improve groundwater recharge, remove water pollutants, and mitigate flooding risks. This interdisciplinary approach also explores livelihood opportunities through vetiver crafts and localized vetiver oil distillation.
There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature within it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain. If we wait for others to change nothing will ever happen. We should try to change first then others will follow our example. – Amma
The guiding light of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Tackling the Loss of Biodiversity
Globally, over a million trees have been planted to restore and nurture the natural environment that sustains our lives.
Member Organization of UN Billiom Tree Campaign
30,000 Trees Planted along 13 Kms in Tsunami Affected Coastline
The Global Seedball Campaign was launched with an aim of producing 1 Million Seedballs as a part of Civil 20 India 2023 to promote environmental sustainability and restoration of ecosystems. This is an extension of the existing seedball initiative launched by Amma as a holistic solution aimed at ecosystem restoration.
2 Million+ Seedballs Produced
1.8 Million+ Seedball Disbursed
5 Continents
11 Indian States
Amrita Vanam is a reforestation program that encourages people to plant and maintain saplings including native species in select public places. As a part of this initiative green houses are being set up to independently generate 100,000 sapplings bi-annually.
To tackle the loss of bio-diversity through initiatives rooted in culture, Amma transformed the cultural tradition of Vishukaineetam, which involves gifting money, gold, and more during the harvest festival Vishu, into Vishukaineetam, a practice of gifting saplings. Elders give tree saplings to younger ones rather than money, to signify the new hopes and aspirations for a new year of health and well-being.
450k+ saplings distributed all over kerala
Climate Adaptation – Bird Feeder
The initiative Muttathoru Pazhathopp, Mukalil Oru Kilikkoodu, which is translated “An Orchard in the Yard, a Birdhouse on the Treetop”, has been launched to sustain biodiversity and preserve the existing and migratory birds even during the extreme weathers. As a part of the program, fruit-tree saplings and bird feeders are distributed amongst local households to provide shelter, food and water for birds.
Towards a Cleaner & Greener Future
Launched in 2010, the Amalabharam Campaign aims to restore the lost balance of natural beauty by mobilising tens of thousands of people. This initiative which has spread globally also aims to create awareness regarding the importance of personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
Ponnuvilayum Mannu, Thenoorum Koodu
This initiative focuses on preserving fragile ecosystems by conserving bee population. Through the manufacture and distribution of beehives, it fosters eco-harmony between humans and nature. This enhances ecosystem resilience, maintains biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and supports beehive reforestation efforts. Ultimately, it ensures food and nutrition security, generates income, and supports sustainable agriculture.
BABEL Project
Bee Hives project in France for large-scale beekeeping and soil fertilization. Several other beekeeping projects are undertaken globally and across Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Campuses.
Preservation of Heritage seeds by preparing Seed Banks across Europe, Americas and Australia. Free seeds have been distributed to 10,000 women so they can grow organic vegetables to feed their families. A total of 1,000 acres of land has been earmarked for this project, and training and demonstration classes by organic farmers are also arranged.
The recycling center at Amritapuri, serves as an educational model of professional waste management designed to meet the needs of India’s rapidly increasing population. The center serves as a tour model for visiting groups of school teachers and children, business people, political officials, and waste management professionals
Cultivation and consumption of organically grown vegetables in 150+ communities in India and across Europe. Tens of thousands of seeds have been distributed to women of all social stratas to grow organic vegetables to feed their own families.
Kitchen Gardens
Supports impoverished people to grow organic vegetables on their own land. The villagers cannot afford to buy such produce in local markets, so growing their own helps them obtain essential vitamins and nutrients.