The Commons Convening at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre emphasized the vital role of community-led conservation in safeguarding Indias vast ecological Commons. The three-day event, attended by stakeholders from over 20 states and union territories, spotlighted how collective action can drive progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action.
With Indias Commons encompassing 205 million acres and supporting over 350 million rural residents, the forum highlighted the need for robust governance and community involvement. The opening session celebrated grassroots leaders like Jishudan Dishari from Odisha, who has mobilized local youth and women for conservation efforts, and Y Nuklu Phom from Nagaland, whose communitys transition from hunting to protecting Amur falcons has fostered key partnerships with policymakers.
Urban perspectives were also featured, with Bengaluru lake activist Usha Rajagopalan warning that improving urban livability is crucial to prevent further environmental degradation. Key figures including Rajesh S Kumar from the MoEFCC and Muniraju SB of NITI Aayog underlined the importance of leveraging local wisdom in conservation strategies.
