GIZ India

How do you call...? A word map for India’s Wetlands 🌿 Have you ever heard of sarovar, madugu or pat? All three words describe the same phenomenon, namely the unique areas where land meets water. #Wetlands are vital ecosystems that act as natural water filters, provide habitat for diverse wildlife and help protect against floods. They are important for the conservation of India's rich biodiversity and the health of our planet. The diverse terms used to describe wetlands in different geographical regions show the close relationship between local communities and their natural environment, which is often reflected in their language. Inspired by this diversity, we created a Wetland Word Map. Join us on a linguistical journey through India 👉 https://bit.ly/3X9PBWc Key Findings of the Wetland Word Map: 🗺️ India’s rich geographical and cultural diversity is reflected in the various terms used to describe wetlands. The same wetland type can have completely different names across regions. 🗺️ Documenting regional terms is important to engage with local communities and support them in conserving wetlands. 🗺️ Language reflects how communities interact with their environment. Local and regional interpretations of wetlands reveal local conditions and cultural ties. 🗺️ In some cases, there are no exact translations as the wetland type is unique to a particular region. The map was officially launched during the 'Regional Workshop on Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands for Southern States and Union Territories under Sahbhagita Mission' in Hyderabad. It serves as a nod to the ongoing International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 – 2032) and marks an important contribution to the conservation of #biodiversity and wise use of natural resources. Both topics are priority areas of bilateral cooperation as declared in the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (#GSDP) between #India and #Germany. Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/3Ar6wdV The Wetland Word Map is a growing database that can be enriched by your contribution. Let us know in the comment section how wetlands are called in your hometown. 👇💬 📌 Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV) | International Climate Initiative | Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India | Convention on Wetlands | UNESCO | Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI) | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

#DYK that nearly 50 per cent of the #waste generated in cities is biodegradable? 🗑️ Start now and follow our guidebook to turn your kitchen waste into valuable compost or biogas! 🌱 👉 Receive practical instructions on how to set up and maintain composting and biogas systems at home. 👉 Explore step-by-step instructions for various composting methods. 👉 Learn from case studies and examples.

Sustainable Cold Chain Solutions for Farmers 🧑🌾 Climate change particularly affects the agricultural sector by causing unpredictable weather patterns that lead to crop failures and lower yields. This threatens the livelihoods of farmers and overall food security. One solution to this problem is the introduction of cold storage. They allow farmers to extend the shelf life of their produce, reduce post-harvest losses and fetch better prices by selling crops when market demand is higher. Together with CoolCrop, we have therefore piloted 40 solar-powered cold storages for smallholder farmers in the potato and apple value chains in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. With a capacity varying between 5 and 20 metric tons (MT), this will benefit around 200 farmers and increase their incomes by 15%. What are the advantages of our pilot model? 🏚️ Smaller capacities of 5-20 MT make the technology more accessible to smallholder farmers and facilitate the expansion of cold chains in rural areas. 🧑💻 Installed in a ‘cooling as a service’ model, the technology service provider bears the upfront investment and invoices the farmers for the stored products. This offers a viable business model that encourages private sector participation. ☀️ The use of renewables such as solar energy avoids greenhouse gas emissions, generates potential additional revenue streams by selling electricity to the grid and mitigates the erratic power supply in rural India. 💰 Farmers can negotiate better prices, as cold storage extends the shelf life of the products and enables them to sell their produce during the off-season. Following the positive response during the pilot phase, the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) visited the new cold storage facility at the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur, Punjab. As next step, the NCCD will develop standard guidelines for decentralised solar cold storages, which will be integrated and expanded into existing government schemes. This will ensure that the pilot is scaled up and many more farmers can benefit from this innovative approach in the future. Together with our partners, we work towards sustainable agricultural practices, promoting  the sustainable use of natural resources and advancing the transition towards sustainable agri-food systems, in line with the objectives of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (#GSDP) between India and Germany. Learn more about our project activities: https://bit.ly/4cBPskj 📌 Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India | National Horticulture Board | SELCO Foundation | Inficold | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

Promoting solar energy among farmers 👨🌾 ☀️ In 2019, the Government of India launched PM-KUSUM, one of the largest schemes in the world to boost solar energy use in agriculture. The initiative helps to reduce farmers' dependence on conventional energy sources and supports India's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity. One component of PM-KUSUM is the installation of solar power plants on barren or uncultivable land. These small solar plants allow farmers to generate clean energy and earn extra income by selling electricity to the grid. This is a win-win situation, as it enhances farmers' livelihoods and marks an important step towards India’s green energy transition. However, farmers are often not aware of this potential. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India have therefore initiated a series of workshops to sensitise farmers across India. We support the Indian Government in this endeavour. Together with our partners, the AGRICULTURE SKILL COUNCIL OF INDIA, National Skills Foundation of India, the India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA), and Transform Rural India, we will organise 100+ outreach events at 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs – agricultural science centres) across India. The events will be held in the local language to be as inclusive as possible and aim to reach more than 3,000 farmers. Our objectives: ☀️ Engaging #KVKs across India to scale up the scheme ☀️ Raising awareness among farmers and farmer organisations about the potential of AgriPV under the Government scheme ☀️ Identifying awareness gaps among farmers, particularly with regard to the link between renewable energy solutions and agriculture The first workshops in Himachal Pradesh have already demonstrated great interest among farmers. The 115 participants discussed various options for pooling their land in a village to be able to take part in the scheme. With our joint efforts we actively contribute to a green energy transition, which is a priority area of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (#GSDP) between #India and #Germany. Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/gZCC7Eti 📌 Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) | ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH | Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF-SO)

Redefining Plastics: Sustainable chemistry for a greener tomorrow 🌿 Did you know that approximately 90% of all plastic waste ever produced still exist? Single-use plastics (SUPs) contribute to massive environmental pollution, harming wildlife and ecosystems. It's time to find smart alternatives! Sustainable chemistry plays an important role in this by developing innovative technologies that focus on creating eco-friendly materials. These innovations aim to replace traditional plastics with biodegradable, renewable, or recyclable options, supporting a more sustainable future. Good reasons to take a closer look at this exciting field! We invite you to the third edition of the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) Sustainable Chemistry Club. The insightful online session will focus on ‘Avoiding and Substituting Single-Use Plastics (SUPs)’. 📅 22 August 2024 ⏰ 15:30 – 17:00 (IST) 🔗 Register (via Zoom): https://lnkd.in/gNEwcE7a Why should you tune in? 🥤 Gain insights into the field of sustainable chemistry and its contribution to the #SDGs 🥤 Explore sustainable chemistry approaches to avoid and substitute #SUPs 🥤 Learn from innovative start-ups developing SUP alternatives 🥤 Discuss the key policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable innovations 🥤 Network with industry leaders, policy makers, companies and fellow innovators Alternatives to SUPs are an integral part of circular economy approaches as they encourage materials that can be reused or recycled, which reduces waste and preserves resources. Through our joint efforts, we actively contribute to the realisation of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (#GSDP) between #India and #Germany that declares the promotion of #CircularEconomy solutions as priority area of bilateral cooperation. Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/gvUzthkd 📌 Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV) | Umweltbundesamt - German Environment Agency | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH | Leuphana Universität Lüneburg | DECHEMA | Zerocircle | qudrat | Thooshan | Varsya Eco Solutions | Arani Ecosteps | Natupla: Bio-based polymers and plastic

Discover how the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' framework is shaping the future of #WasteManagement! ♻️ This report delves into how advanced technology, forward-thinking policies, and innovative practices are turning waste into resources. From AI-driven recycling systems to upcycling projects that breathe new life into old products, these developments prove that the 3Rs are not just a slogan but a powerful tool for achieving #sustainability. As cities and businesses adopt smarter waste strategies, they are paving the way for a #CircularEconomy where materials are continuously repurposed, reducing environmental impact. Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV)

Towards a Blue Sky: Insights from the NCAP Consultant Training ☀️ Air pollution is a severe issue, especially in major cities, where smog and particulate matter often exceed safe levels, posing serious health risks. The primary contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, construction dust, and agricultural burning. In 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India (MoEFCC) launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to tackle this issue. The key objective of the NCAP is to reduce particulate matter pollution (PM10) by 40% by 2026, using 2019 as the base year. To achieve this ambitious target, relevant actors need to be equipped with the necessary skills and capacities. We have therefore teamed up with MoEFCC and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to organise a two-day training course. The programme was targeted at more than 100 consultants engaged by the CPCB to effectively support the implementation of the NCAP in the 131 identified non-attainment and million-plus cities across India. It was supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST). The training programme covered the framework of the NCAP and provided orientation on the tasks and responsibilities that the consultants are expected to perform. In addition, it gave valuable insights into the PRANA portal which facilitates data collection, analysis, and public dissemination to support efforts in reducing #AirPollution. Training highlights: 💡 Consultants have been trained in the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the #NCAP. 💡 Experts shared innovative tools, methods and approaches for informed decision-making. 💡 Participants received guidance on the implementation of state and city-level action plans in interactive group exercises. 💡 Municipal commissioners of selected cities shared best practice examples in live sessions. The training marks an important step towards strengthening the capacities of the consultants to effectively implement India's NCAP. The 100 plus participants will actively contribute their knowledge to the realisation of the programme and help colour the sky over India's cities blue again. Together with our partners, we are committed to co-create innovative solutions for sustainable urban development, which is a priority area of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between #India and #Germany. Read more about our work 👉 https://bit.ly/46zM6vj 📌 Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV) | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

Enabling Finance Mechanisms for Climate Adaptation 💳🌾 Climate change and resulting extreme weather events have a huge impact on farmers, their land and their harvests. Investing in climate-smart agriculture is critical to transforming the agricultural sector and strengthening farmers' resilience to climate risks.  To advance financing opportunities for climate adaption measures in this sector, we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Limited , Sa-Dhan Association and Sustain Plus. This unique partnership aims to strengthen financing mechanisms for climate-adaptive approaches and promote the use of digital solutions to foster climate resilience in the agricultural sector. Together with our partners, we are working on innovative solutions for climate-adaptive agriculture and new financing mechanisms. The primary focus is on reducing climate risks and promoting sustainable agricultural solutions in rural communities. Key objectives of the MoU:    ⚡ Mainstreaming the availability of climate-adaptation financing in the agriculture sector.  ⚡ Reducing climate risks and enhancing agricultural livelihoods.  ⚡ Enabling private financing of climate adaptation.  ⚡ Promoting technological solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.    Together, we foster #ClimateAction by promoting climate adaptation measures for a climate resilient future. We actively contribute to tackling India’s climate change challenges through collaborative efforts. This is also a priority area of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between #India and #Germany that defines #ClimateChange as key topic of bilateral cooperation.     Learn more about our work 👉 https://lnkd.in/gU3BWDu6 Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Navigating the Urban Landscape with Complete Street Designs 🚲   India’s cities are among the fastest growing in the world. According to a recent report by Oxford Economics, 17 of the 20 fastest growing metropolises will be in India by 2035. To ensure sustainable and equitable development, safe and accessible roads for all must be prioritised. Complete street designs are characterised by integrating key aspects such as accessibility, equity and sustainability. By providing space for different modes of transport, this design philosophy not only improves safety and encourages active modes of transport (such as walking and cycling), but also reduces reliance on private vehicles. Key features of complete streets: 🛣️ Wide pavements, safe cycle lanes, separate bus lanes, accessible crossings and safe junctions.  🛣️ Green infrastructure such as trees and bioswales to manage rainwater, improve air quality and enhance aesthetics. To address this need, we organised a workshop on ‘Complete Street Development’ in Rajkot, Gujarat. More than 50 participants from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation and the City Traffic Police came together to explore approaches to creating more inclusive streets. The workshop contributed to the city's vision of using the ‘Gaurav Path’ in Surat as a model street to transform a car-friendly road into a vibrant public space. The initiative is part of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership between #India and #Germany. By promoting #GreenMobility, we foster environmentally friendly transport options such as walking, cycling and electric vehicles to reduce pollution and improve sustainability. Learn more about our work 👉 https://lnkd.in/d6VsAZ9z Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Rajkot Municipal Corporation Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Let’s Reimagine Waste Collection Centres! ♻️ Do you separate your waste? Here comes your reminder to take that little extra step as proper source segregation ensures efficient waste management by separating recyclable, compostable and hazardous materials. We can all do our part to reduce environmental impact, facilitate proper disposal and recycling processes, and prevent injuries for waste workers! To tackle the growing concern of waste management, we partnered with Coca-Cola India , Tetra Pak and Saahas. Under this unique public-private partnership named ‘Alag Karo’ (Hindi for ‘to segregate’) we created a model waste collection system that focuses on source segregation, waste processing, behavioural change and capacity building for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), caretakers and waste workers. With our joint efforts we have reached more than 2,000 households. But the waste cycle does not end in the waste bin! As the latest case study of Alag Karo shows, waste collection centres play a key role in efficient waste management. Together with our partners, we have thus renovated and revamped the waste collection centre (‘dhalao‘) in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Now you can find there designated bins and wall arts that share the important message of proper source segregation.  Key Achievements: 🗑 Renovated Dhalao: A clean, ventilated dry waste centre with designated bins is functional to collect segregated waste.  🗑 Monitoring: Waste workers are equipped to monitor waste segregation daily.  🗑 Improved Segregation: Source segregation levels increased from 11% to about 98% in selected communities.  🗑 Award-Winning Efforts: Selected resident blocks in Vasant Kunj earned the Swachh Society recognition from the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.  🗑 Spread the word: Awareness raising campaigns through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) tools motived residents to practice proper source segregation. Our joint efforts contribute to a higher level of waste segregation, with the #RWAs and waste workers playing an important role in implementing and maintaining effective waste management solutions at municipal level. Learn more about this transformation in the case study below 👇 The engagement of Alag Karo also serves as catalysator to promote a #CircularEconomy, which is a priority area of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between #India and #Germany. Read more about our work: https://lnkd.in/gqNHS9An Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Municipal Corporation of Gurugram Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH