Awareness Building and Knowledge Transfer
Accessing information, particularly in remote areas, remains a challenge. The explosive growth of information and communications technology provides us with an opportunity to connect and bridge the information gap.
Eco-restoration and Conservation
Eco-degradation is at an all-time high, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, particularly in the fragile Himalayas. These challenges disproportionately affect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities and require urgent attention. The program aims to restore habitats through afforestation, treatment of degraded slopes, implementing community-based initiatives such as conserving spring sheds, effective drainage management, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, and responsible eco-tourism.
Sustaining Livelihoods
Aim to rejuvenate villages by enhancing agricultural productivity by focusing on horticulture, agri-based micro-enterprises, and village tourism. We ensure profitability through integrated services, including customized training for farmers, logistical support, mobilizing private investment, and marketing. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in government agricultural extension services.
Cultural Research, Healthcare, and Education
By integrating cultural research, we aim to preserve indigenous culture and restore ethnobotanical practices in healthcare and education. We also provide targeted counseling for youth to help them navigate their futures effectively.
Gender is a cross-cutting theme in all our initiatives.
Integrating gender as a cross-cutting theme in all initiatives is essential for promoting equity and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of all community members are considered. This is crucial to create a more inclusive environment that empowers all community members and ensures equitable development outcomes.
Future Directions
ERA is dedicated to sustaining all its programs. As we move forward, we aim to expand our reach and impact by addressing emerging challenges and fostering local initiatives. We believe that a meaningful blend of emerging challenges and existing programs adapted to modern knowledge, tools & techniques, requires a better understanding of the eco-system, culture, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Renewed Focus
While we are open to working across the country, our current focus has shifted to the Tons Valley, which spans western Uttarakhand (primarily inhabited by the Jaunsari) and eastern Himachal Pradesh (by the Hatti indigenous communities). With decades of experience, we are reframing our approach to combine service, empowerment, and advocacy.
Strategic Focus Areas: Our strategy includes:
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Service: Addressing specific community challenges.
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Empowerment: Enabling individuals to take leading roles in their development.
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Policy Advocacy: Systematically addressing pressing issues.
