Now is the time for effective environmental stewardship

New Delhi [India], February 19: In the face of an escalating environmental crisis, from climate change to resource depletion, the need for effective environmental stewardship has never been more critical. Our approach to development often overlooks the long-term impact on ecosystems that sustain us. This leads to imbalances that threaten the very foundation of life on Earth. To address these challenges, we must embrace our traditional approaches integrated with nature-based solutions—those that work in harmony with the natural world, restore its balance, and enhance its resilience.

At the core of this transformative approach is water, the essential element that sustains both ecosystems and human life. Water management, when aligned with nature's rhythms and needs, holds the key to creating a more sustainable, resilient future. By prioritising water stewardship, we can not only ensure the survival of vital ecosystems but also foster community resilience, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable planet.

My journey in environmental stewardship began in 2008 with a simple but powerful focus on recycling, driven by the need to reduce waste and conserve resources. What started as a small step soon evolved into a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. Over the years, this initial spark of change grew into a commitment to not just manage waste, but to actively restore and revive the natural environment. As I lead SEEDS’ inclusive environmental stewardship projects- from water conservation and ecosystem restoration to climate resilience, I continue to learn and advocate for solutions that protect and restore the delicate balance of our planet.

The Climate Challenge: Water as a Core Element

For a long time now, we have been taking undue advantage of the resources available to us. This has resulted in environmental degradation today, reaching a level where the ecosystems are approaching an irreversible threshold that could trigger widespread collapse. Our planet's life-support systems—its air, water, and biodiversity—are under intense pressure. As we advance our understanding of planetary boundaries, it's clear that our future sustainable development framework must align with these boundaries. This means working in ways that not only reduce harm but actively regenerate and restore the environment. Water, being the lifeline of both the ecosystem and humanity, is at the heart of this transformation.

For the communities we work with, particularly those in the coastal regions of India where primary livelihood completely depends on water it is very precious. In those climate vulnerable regions where 80% of the population relies on alternative modes of livelihood, the effects of changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather conditions etc have been devastating. The traditional rainfed farming systems, which have sustained communities for generations, now face declining yields due to unpredictable rains and extended droughts. Moreover, rapid urbanisation is depleting natural water bodies, further exacerbating the challenges communities face.

Nature-Based Solutions for Water Security

To address these challenges, our model of sustainable development focuses on the rejuvenation and protection of natural water systems. The solutions we pursue are not just about managing water but about restoring the vital systems that support it. A holistic approach to water management is crucial—one that integrates the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

By focusing on the revitalisation of wetlands, riverbanks, and natural water sources, we can help communities build resilience against climate hazards. Rejuvenating these systems is not just about ensuring a reliable water supply; it also involves fostering biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing vulnerability to climate impacts.

Wetlands, for example, act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during floods and releasing it during dry spells. By re-establishing these wetlands, we provide a critical safeguard for both the environment and the people who depend on it. Similarly, riverbanks, when properly protected, prevent erosion, safeguard agricultural land, and preserve the integrity of water systems.

Focus Areas for Sustainable Water Resource Management

Our work focuses on key areas where water systems are most at risk and where interventions can have the most significant impact. These areas include:

1. Wetland Rejuvenation: Restoring wetlands to enhance water storage, filtration, and biodiversity while mitigating flood risks.

2. Reducing Crop Losses to Water-Related Disasters: Strengthening agricultural resilience to water-related hazards, such as floods and droughts, to ensure food security.

3. Riverbank Protection: Safeguarding riverbanks to prevent erosion, protect farmland, and maintain the health of surrounding ecosystems.

4. Balancing Water Ecosystems: Maintaining a healthy balance between fauna and flora to ensure ecosystem integrity and resilience against climate change.

5. Waste and Water Management in Urban Areas: Addressing the growing challenge of water scarcity and pollution in urban and peri-urban areas through better waste management practices and water conservation techniques.

6. Sustainable Water Resource Use for Community Resilience: Promoting the equitable and sustainable use of water resources to enhance community resilience, especially in agriculture and rural settings.

7. Green Corridors for Water Source Sustainability: Creating green corridors to protect and sustain water sources, ensuring long-term availability for both ecological and human needs.

8. Improved Sanitation and Water Disposal: Enhancing sanitation infrastructure to reduce pollution and re-create valuable water resources through effective wastewater treatment and reuse.

9. Water Resource Evaluation: Regularly assessing water availability and quality in regions with growing populations to ensure future water security.

Building Resilience Through Community-Centred Solutions

Our approach is rooted in the belief that community resilience is key to tackling climate change. By engaging with local populations, we empower them to become active stewards of their environment. The communities we serve often face the double threat of climate-induced disasters and socio-economic instability, making them particularly vulnerable to water-related issues. By focusing on water security, we provide a lifeline to these communities, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive.

To date, our efforts have directly and indirectly helped over one million people build resilience. Through a mix of localised interventions and collaborative partnerships with local and central authorities, we have been able to create a scalable and sustainable framework for water management. The outcomes of our work are measured not only in terms of water availability and quality but also in the improved livelihoods of the people we serve, particularly in rural and marginalised areas.

A Call to Action: Policy and Collective Responsibility:

The role of policy in addressing water and climate challenges cannot be overstated. We believe that policy discourse must prioritise the revival of wetlands and water sources to shield communities from the effects of climate change. Inaction on this front only deepens vulnerability and increases the pressure on government and local authorities. By investing in nature-based solutions to water security, we can reduce the strain on both the environment and public systems.

As we move forward, we call for greater recognition of water as a critical element of climate resilience. Governments, businesses, and communities must collaborate to implement integrated water management strategies that prioritise both ecological restoration and sustainable development. Only through collective action can we secure a water-secure future for generations to come.

We have been taught since childhood; water is more than just a resource—it's a lifeline for both people and nature. As we work to rejuvenate our natural water systems, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable populations but also taking meaningful steps toward long-term climate resilience. The time to act is now, and the path forward is clear: we must restore our water systems to restore balance to our planet.