VIKSAT

Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction

Profile Presentation

History

• • Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai founded Nehru Foundation for Development – NFD (1966).

NFD initiated 4 organisations to initiate theme based programmes for overall development of the Society o Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (1966) o

VIKSAT (1977)

o CHETNA (1980) o Centre for Environment Education (1984)

Philosophy

VIKSAT believes that

Goals of sustainability in natural resource management can be achieved only through decisive participation of the communities who constitute the primary stakeholders of the resources in the local area.

Brief about campus

 The 14 acres campus is situated at Thaltej, Ahmedabad  Diverse floral elements; Total of 1560 trees belongs to 200 different species  Wonderful ecosystem with mighty trees (inclusive of 150 medicinal species), lianas, shrubs, herbs, butterflies, reptiles, birds and mammals.

 Has combination of maintained and wilderness area in one campus.

 Diverse and beautiful species of palms, bamboos and climbers.

 Attracts nearly 100 bird species.

VIKSAT Campus at Ahmedabad

VIKSAT Campus at Ahmedabad

Medicinal Nursery VIKSAT Campus

Thrust Areas

•

Forest

•

Land and Water

•

Natural Resource Management

•

Sustainable Livelihoods

•

Creation of sustainable people’s Institutions

•

Sustainable Agriculture

•

Women’s Empowerment

Geographical coverage

     Currently working in almost 150 villages in northern and eastern Gujarat Presence in 5 districts of Gujarat i.e. Banaskantha, Kachchha, Mehsana, Patan and Sabarkantha.

Covers mostly the eco sensitive regions having fragile natural resource base.

Has benefited close to 12000 families through variety kind of interventions With strong focus on nurturing peoples’ institutions we have    467 SHGs – 6105 members 336 Pani Samitis – 2708 members 96 Tree Growers Co-operative Society – 15363 members  37 Farmers’ Clubs – 407 members

Major Initiatives

          Joint Forest Management Programme Integrated Grassland Development Programme in Kachchh Watershed development projects Watershed plus: enhancing livelihood resilience of the tribal communities Drought proofing and ravine land development programme National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP) Water and sanitation programme for salt pan workers Development planning and assessment Umbrella Programme for Natural Resource Management Landscape development

Joint Forest Management and Protection

Watershed development – participation is the key to success

Participatory planning with stakeholders

National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP)

Wasteland development programme

• • • • • • •

Documentation and dissemination

Publication of Research results.

Presentation of Research papers in International Forums.

Working Papers for limited circulation.

Publication of Articles in Journals and News Papers.

Disseminating results of successful improved methods and models through electronic media (CD, Television, Radio) - Sargasan Model - Roof-top Rainwater Harvesting Participate in Exhibitions: Wall posters, Acrylic model of RWH and VIKSAT Publications.

Participating in Web (e-network) based debates.

IEC material on water

   Rainwater harvesting- A Panacea for Gujarat’s Urban Water Crisis (CD) Interactive CD on Rain Water Harvesting Publications        Managed Aquifer Recharge: and assessment of its role and effectiveness in watershed management Augmenting Ground water Resource thought artificial recharge Groundwater Availability and Pollution Groundwater Law: The Growing Debate The Fluid Mosaic Managing Groundwater resources in rural India: The community and beyond RWH Brochure

Thank you

Contact Details

VIKSAT Nehru Foundation for Development Thaltej Tekkra Thaltej, Ahmedabada – 380054 Phone – 079-26856220, Fax – 079-26852360 www.viksat.org

, [email protected]