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Environment and Ecology
At SCODWES, we are dedicated to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable environmental management. Since 2009, our efforts have focused on safeguarding natural resources for both present and future generations by fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Through various initiatives, we aim to build resilient communities that understand and implement sustainable practices.
Vision
A world where ecological balance and sustainability are the foundation of all human endeavors.
Mission
Promoting sustainable practices that protect our ecosystems, raise awareness, and encourage active participation in environmental conservation.
Key Interventions
Pollination Campaign
Honey bees play a vital role in sustaining life by providing nourishment for various living beings. However, we have noticed an alarming increase in conflict between humans and wildlife, exacerbated by the declining population of honey bees, which has negatively affected agricultural productivity. To address these challenges, we are actively implementing a comprehensive pollination campaign in the Western Ghat region. Our initiatives focus on raising awareness, conserving traditional honey bee varieties, and distributing bee boxes to support local farmers. We have successfully provided numerous boxes to the farming families and conducted a series of awareness and training events. Looking ahead, we envision a future where millions of bee boxes are installed across the Western Ghat region, fostering better pollination and enhancing the relationship between agriculture and wildlife.
Rainwater Conservation
Rainwater conservation is a core focus of our initiatives, aimed at enhancing water availability and promoting sustainable resource management. We engage in the construction of check dams to effectively capture and retain rainwater, which reduces soil erosion and increases groundwater recharge. Our efforts also include de-silting these check dams to maintain their capacity and functionality. Additionally, we establish and rejuvenate farm ponds that serve as essential water sources for agriculture and livestock. The creation of soak pits further facilitates the efficient absorption of rainwater into the soil. We are committed to revitalizing tanks, lakes, and other waterways, ensuring they serve their ecological and community functions. Through these comprehensive strategies, we aim to improve water security and empower local communities to thrive sustainably.
Agro - forestry
Rainwater conservation is a core focus of our initiatives, aimed at enhancing water availability and promoting sustainable resource management. We engage in the construction of check dams to effectively capture and retain rainwater, which reduces soil erosion and increases groundwater recharge. Our efforts also include de-silting these check dams to maintain their capacity and functionality. Additionally, we establish and rejuvenate farm ponds that serve as essential water sources for agriculture and livestock. The creation of soak pits further facilitates the efficient absorption of rainwater into the soil. We are committed to revitalizing tanks, lakes, and other waterways, ensuring they serve their ecological and community functions. Through these comprehensive strategies, we aim to improve water security and empower local communities to thrive sustainably.
Sacred Groves
The concept of 'sacred groves' has deep roots in Indian tradition, where we honour trees and conserve portions of forests as sacred spaces. This practice aims to protect forests and biodiversity. However, in recent years, the significance of sacred groves has been diminishing. To address this issue, we are actively working to restore and conserve these valuable ecosystems. SCODWES envisions promoting and preserving 100 patches of sacred groves in the coming years.
Conservation of Mangroves
Mangroves are essential coastal ecosystems composed of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that flourish in intertidal zones. They offer a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits, playing a crucial role in maintaining environmental health and supporting coastal communities. With this in mind, our initial phase involves transplanting a minimum of 500,000 mangrove saplings along a 10 km stretch of the Aghanashini River banks.
Promoting Sustainable Forest Management
Sustainable forest management is vital to preserving biodiversity and ensuring that our forests continue to thrive. To achieve this, we conduct training programs for Village Forest Committees (VFCs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These sessions focus on enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices. To date, 261 VFCs and SHGs across the Sirsi, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Ankola, Siddapur, and Karwar forest divisions have directly benefited from these initiatives, empowering local communities to take charge of their environmental stewardship.
Environmental Awareness and Shramadan Camps
Awareness and collective action are keys to long-term environmental protection. SCODWES has organized 6,575 environmental awareness camps, educating communities on the importance of conserving natural resources and adopting eco-friendly practices. These camps focus on topics such as sustainable living, forest conservation, and water resource management. In addition, we have held 964 Shramadan camps, where community members come together for activities like cleaning drives and tree planting, fostering a cleaner and greener environment.