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DR. SUDHANSHU TRIVEDI ADDRESSED ISSUE OF POPULATION STABILIZATION DURING MOBIUS FOUNDATION’S VIRAM CONCLAVE

DR. SUDHANSHU TRIVEDI ADDRESSED ISSUE OF POPULATION STABILIZATION DURING MOBIUS FOUNDATION’S VIRAM CONCLAVE

Mobius Foundation, in partnership with ‘TV Today Network’, launched a one-year-long social cause initiative called ‘VIRAM- Agenda Sustainability’. The project was focused on the impact of overpopulation on the most pressing environmental problems of climate change,  pollution, human health, habitat loss, over consumption of finite natural resources, such as fresh water, arable land and fossil fuels. Overpopulation also has an impact on housing, poverty, employment and education as well. The project aimed at creating awareness about these issues and urgency to take action, in the short and long term to conserve and protect nature and the mother earth, for the survival of humanity and other life forms. Although the general population is aware that the future looks bleak, the causes are not immediately apparent to the common person.

Every month, a total of twelve episodes addressing various environmental problems caused by excessive population growth were telecasted. The episodes can also be found on the YouTube channels of Lallantop, UP Tak, Bihar Tak, and Mobius Foundation.

Mobius Foundation culminated the campaign with an on-ground two-hour-long Thought Leadership Conclave. The event featured policy experts, demographic researchers, and academicians interacting under two robust sessions i.e. “Balancing the Global Equation: The Imperative of Overpopulation Stabilization” and ‘जनसंख्या स्थिरीकरण और पर्यावरण संसाधनों के बीच ताल- मेल की ज़रूरत’ along with an exclusive one-on-one fireside chat with Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member Rajya Sabha and Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation.

Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, chief guest at the conclave said that “We are becoming more and more numerous, but if we stick to our traditional knowledge system, managing the population and environment won’t be a problem. Traditional knowledge, also known as “local knowledge,” is a record of human achievement in understanding the complexities of life and survival in frequently hostile environments. Therefore, going back to our roots will enable us to create a sustainable future.”

Mr. Pradip Burman said “My vision is of a future in which our population co-exists in harmony with nature and prospers on a healthy planet, to the benefit of all., and which will only happen when our existing population stabilises or starts declining.”

Other dignitaries present at the conclave were G. V. L. Narasimha Rao, Member Rajya Sabha, Kiran Karnik, Padama Shri Awardee and Former President of National Association of Software (NASSCOM), Siddharth Kak, Indian documentary maker, television producer, and presenter, best known as the producer and presenter of Surabhi, Poonam Muttreja, Executive director Population Foundation of India, Akash Ranison, Co-founder & Director, Greener Earth Foundation and Arun Krishnamurthy- Environmentalist Foundation on India.

In the English and Hindi sessions, respectively, President Mr. Praveen Garg, Former Special Secretary, MoEFCC, Rtd. IAS and  Dr. Ram Boojh, a former UNESCO representative and advisor to the Mobis Foundation, presented the organization’s vision for Population Stabilization. That is “Each one of us puts pressure on the natural world, consumes the Earth’s finite resources and contributes to climate change. One of the most effective ways that we can help our planet today is by choosing to have a smaller family.”

G. V. L. Narasimha Rao during the session said that Government of India has formed high power Committee for extensive consideration of the challenges arising from fast population growth and demographic changes. He further added the Committee will be mandated to make recommendation for overcoming the above challenges.

Kiran Karnik brough focus on women education as a tool to fight population growth and stated that the higher a woman’s level of education, the fewer children she has per woman. Compared to women with 12 years or more of education, who have an average of 1.8 children, uneducated women have an average of 2.8 children.

Siddharth Kak spoke about how media plays a crucial role in educating and making individuals, communities, and society conscious about sustainable development, the need for more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, the need for family planning and encouraging them to take action directed towards change and a more sustainable future.

Poonam Muttreja, said, States going through various stages of the demographic transition will require context-specific policies and programs due to the vast size of the country’s population and significant demographic variety.

Akash Ranison and Arun Krishnamurthy represented young individuals working in the field to improve the world one day at a time. They brought real-life problems to light while working on the ground and discussed how to dispel misunderstandings and barriers surrounding family planning among people.

About the Mobius Foundation:

The Mobius Foundation is a non-profit organisation, committed to supporting sustainability, empowering technologies, strengthening systems, encouraging healthy behaviour and   focusing on education. The Foundation intends to create sustainable, culturally relevant   solutions, enabling communities to break longstanding practices that are detrimental to human existence. The Mobius Foundation has been working in India since 2015, collaborating with a diverse range of civil society partners and NGO partners to contribute to achieving a sustainable India.

Mobius Foundation’s Efforts Towards Wetland Conservation

Mobius Foundation’s Efforts Towards Wetland Conservation

The Mobius Foundation held a panel discussion on February 23rd, Friday, at Travancore House, New Delhi to commemorate World Water Day

To bring concerns pertaining to wetlands conservation to the attention of the world community, World Wetlands Day is associated with a particular subject every year. The subject for 2024 is “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” which emphasizes the important relationship between wetlands and various aspects of human prosperity, including as environmental, mental, and physical welfare.
The Mobius Foundation held a panel discussion on February 23rd, Friday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Travancore House, 10A, KG Marg, New Delhi to commemorate World Water Day and raise awareness of the various benefits of wetlands and their significance for human welfare. The event was attended by many dignitaries from central government agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, media and experts.

Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman of the Mobius Foundation, delivered the introductory remarks to the distinguished guests and said “The value of wetlands lies not just in their beauty but in their ability to sustain life and promote well-being and the beauty of nature is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Let’s cherish it and ensure its survival”

The World Wetlands Day 2024 theme was introduced by Dr. Suneesh Buxy IFS, Member Secretary, Wetland Authority of Delhi. He discussed the conservation of water and wetlands, the relationship between wetlands and communities, and urban wetlands. He also shed light on wetlands by portraying them as our kidneys, forests as our lungs, and rivers as our blood. He emphasised that we are not doing justice to our kidneys, lungs, and blood. He also discussed that our small water bodies are still more significant while we have completed 80 sites under the Ramsar Convention. As the Delhi Wetland Authority, they have designated 1045 water bodies and are actively working to protect these sites.

Mr. Ramveer Tanwar one of the most well-known of the numerous people fighting for water conservation; in fact, he is frequently referred to as “India’s Pond Man” commenced his keynote address by emphasising the wetlands’ immense ecological significance. He has been trying to revitalize and restore these key water reservoirs around the nation for the past few years. He emphasised on his organization’s contribution to energizing wetlands conservation through the promotion of a society-wide strategy. He said “The rate at which water bodies across India are depleting is alarming, as several forms of life depend on lakes and wetlands. The water bodies help recharge the water table, support livelihood and fulfil living beings’ requirements. In the coming times, it’s only expected to get worse.”

A panel discussion on ‘Wetlands for Wellbeing’ was organised in the second session. The session was moderated by Ms. Neha Sinha, Head of Policy and Communications, WWF India, Conservation Biologist and Author. Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, IFS (Retd.), Ex Principal Chief

Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, West Bengal, Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands International South Asia, Dr. Aditya Joshi, ex PCCF, HOFF, CWLW – Manipur, Advisor- Think Tank, Mobius Foundation and Mr. Suresh Babu SV, Senior Director – Ecological Footprints, WWF India, participated in the panel discussion.

Mr. Suresh Babu, discussed the crucial role of wetlands and said, “Wetlands can play an important role in recharging the aquifers, which can fuel the rivers. Groundwater is a source of many of our rivers. If we lose our wetlands, groundwater recharge will reduce, and therefore, we can lose the flow in our rivers.”

He explained another issue, “Wetlands served as our buffer against flooding, but because we have damaged and encroached on most of our urban wetlands, we now experience flooding and water logging when the monsoon arrives.”

Dr. Aditya Joshi provided insights into Loktak Lake in Manipur, the largest natural freshwater lake in the north-eastern region of India. During his discussion, he delved into the significant challenges confronting this Ramsar site. Additionally, he underscored the distinctive ecosystem of Loktak and emphasized the reliance of indigenous communities on its diverse ecological services.

Reconnecting wetlands with urban design and water security solutions is what Dr. Ritesh Kumar called for. He also drew attention to the fact that rivers and wetlands were being used as wastelands due to an increase in sewage generation and a lack of investment in efficient sewage treatment technologies. The session included vibrant engagement with the attendees who called for localization of international guidelines and increased local action for wetlands conservation. Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta discussed the conservation strategies implemented for the Sundarban Wetland, situated in the world’s largest mangrove forest. He provided details on the effective approaches employed to actively involve local communities in conservation initiatives while simultaneously safeguarding the region’s tiger population.

In Mr. Praveen Garg’s closing remarks he said going beyond their ecological significance, wetlands function as natural capital, making substantial contributions to local and national economies through a myriad of ecosystem services. By recognizing true value of these unique ecosystems, we can pave the way for a future where sustainable development flourishes in harmony with nature’s silent riches.

The event acted as a forum for collaboration and the exploration of potential collaborations among conservation organisations, financial institutions, and governmental entities.

For More Details Contact

Niddhi Singh

DY Manager (Media and Corporate Communication)

Mobius Foundation

9818-7354-10

MOBIUS FOUNDATION AND INDIAN EXPERTS JOIN TOGETHER TO IMPROVE RIVER DOLPHIN CONSERVATION

MOBIUS FOUNDATION AND INDIAN EXPERTS JOIN TOGETHER TO IMPROVE RIVER DOLPHIN CONSERVATION

Biodiversity of the Ganga River is under stress due to reduced water availability, habitat degradation, pollution and unsustainable resource extraction. To conserve the ecological integrity of Ganga River, the Mobius Foundation had organised a panel discussion “Diving Deep with Dolphins”, 13th October, Friday, 6:00 PM -8:00 PM: Bikaner House, New Delhi, to delve into innovative ideas for dolphin conservation and emphasize the critical need for such solutions. Esteemed experts from various fields, including conservationists, financial experts, and policymakers gathered to exchange insights, share success stories mechanisms to support dolphin conservation efforts. Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman of the Mobius Foundation, delivered the introductory remarks to the distinguished guests and  said “One of the easiest ways you can help to keep dolphins safe is to leave them be! You should never attempt to feed dolphins, pet dolphins, or interrupt their way of life if you happen to see them in the ocean or in some freshwater rivers.”

Ms. Gargi Rawat, Senior News Anchor and Environment Reporter moderated the panel discussion. Panellists at the event were  Mr. G Asok Kumar, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt of India. Said “The personal initiative of PM Narendra Modi came out where the authority sanctioned 2,000 crore rupees and was given a responsibility of monetary and ensuring that there is a good regulation on this, keeping full checks on state governments and stakeholders to take necessary actions”.

Mr. Sanjay Upadhyay, Supreme Court Advocate, Founder and Managing Partner of India’s First Environmental Law Firm, Enviro Legal Defence Firm highlighted laws related to Conservation of Ganga River Dolphins and also said that the elusive freshwater cetacean is an umbrella species of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river system and has a significant ecological importance as its presence indicates the good health of an area.

Mr. Sandeep Behera, Consultant- Biodiversity at National Mission for Clean Ganga at MoWR, RD & GR, Govt of India, shared his experience in building GANGA PRAHARI, GUARDIANS OF THE GANGA “A cadre of motivated volunteers from the local community”

Mr. Suresh Babu SV, Senior Director Ecological Foot Print highlighted the fact that “local communities (villagers, fishermen, farmers) can play a crucial role in monitoring of the species and habitats. It is important to analyse the external threats (land use changes and changes in the flow regimes) and arrive at a mechanism to engage with various district administrations and line departments.”

Mr. Praveen Garg, President Mobius Foundation highlighted how individuals and the government may contribute to the conservation of dolphins, the use of natural fertilisers by farmers, the prevention of residential sewage disposal in rivers, the reforestation of riverbanks, and the prohibition of commercial fishing and sand mining activities.

Ms. Jessica Gill, Sr. Research Associate, Mobius Foundation, concluded the presentation with a ‘Vote of Thanks’. The event acted as a forum for collaboration and the exploration of potential collaborations among conservation organisations, financial institutions, and governmental entities. Mobius Foundation intended to build synergy and establish real methods to towards conservation of dolphins by bringing together diverse stakeholders.

For More Details Contact

Niddhi Singh

DY Manager (PR)

Mobius Foundation

nsingh@mobiusf.org

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THE AGENDA FOR TIGER CONSERVATION IS URGENT. “TIGER BONDS” IS THE WAY FORWARD, says Mr. Praveen Garg, President of Mobius Foundation and Former Special Secretary of MOEF&CC

THE AGENDA FOR TIGER CONSERVATION IS URGENT. “TIGER BONDS” IS THE WAY FORWARD, says Mr. Praveen Garg, President of Mobius Foundation and Former Special Secretary of MOEF&CC

Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has been instrumental in safeguarding the endangered tiger population in India. The project, launched by the Government of India in collaboration with various stakeholders, has made significant strides in tiger conservation over the years. However, the challenges faced by tiger populations continue to persist, necessitating the urgent need for additional funding and innovative approaches to ensure their survival.

Tigers play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Their presence in the wild indicates the health and robustness of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, tiger populations face numerous threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. To address these challenges effectively, it is imperative to secure sustainable and adequate funding for tiger conservation initiatives.

To this end, the Mobius Foundation had organised a panel discussion “Tiger Talk: A Roaring Dialogue on Tiger Conservation” 04th August, Friday, 6:00 PM -8:00 PM: Bikaner House, New Delhi, to delve into innovative ideas for financing tiger conservation and emphasize the critical need for such solutions. Esteemed experts from various fields, including conservationists, financial experts, and policymakers gathered to exchange insights, share success stories, and brainstormed creative financing mechanisms to support tiger conservation efforts. Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman of the Mobius Foundation, delivered the introductory remarks to the distinguished guests and spoke of the importance of viewing tiger landscapes as an incredible array of biodiversity.

Chief Guest at the event was Shri. M K Ranjitsinh, IAS (Retd) Former Addl. Secretary MoEF&CC, Author, Conservationist, Prime Architect of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. He said “If given the chance, animals have the incredible ability to make a comeback. Providing them with a suitable environment is crucial to their survival and prosperity.”

“To preserve the tiger population, we must take action. Poaching poses the biggest threat to these majestic animals as their skin and body parts are in high demand on the global market. The second threat is the loss of their natural habitat due to urban development and lifestyle changes.” – Dr. S.P Yadav, ADG Forest (Project Tiger) & Member Secretary (National Tiger Conservation Authority), MoEF&CC

Dr. Sejal Worah, Program Director, WWF India emphasized, “In order for the conversation with tigers to continue and infrastructure development to occur simultaneously, we need to seek for strategies to address the conflict between humans and tigers in the future. The only answer is the intelligent infrastructure that supports ecosystem balance.”

Shri. Praveen Garg, President of Mobius Foundation and Former Special Secretary in MOEF&CC, advocated for and developed the concept of “TIGER BONDS,” or the use of bond markets to supplement fund flows to protected areas. The so-called ‘Tiger Bonds’ can be used to raise conservation funds, which can be obtained through government-issued green bonds or private sector participation, and then handed to India’s national parks, supporting the state in animal protection.

The event acted as a forum for collaboration and the exploration of potential collaborations among conservation organisations, financial institutions, and governmental entities. Mobius Foundation intended to build synergy and establish real methods to successfully mobilise funding for tiger conservation by bringing together diverse stakeholders.

Ms. Jessica Gill, Sr. Research Associate, Mobius Foundation, concluded the presentation with a ‘Vote of Thanks’ and emphasised the importance of improved transboundary collaboration for tiger conservation as well as stiffer penalties for poaching and illicit wildlife trade.