Overall, through this activity we hope to:
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Change people’s behaviour in their daily lives to have more consideration for their individual
impact on the environment, as well as those in their locality. At each local and regional
conference we will facilitate discussion on major environmental topics related to the local area.
This could include, for example, water quality issues, energy security, waste management and air
pollution.
Catalyse a people’s movement to advocate and work for the environment. At each local and
regional conference, leaders will be identified who are passionate to continue working for
environmental issues in their locality. At the international conference, organised in the year
2014, these leaders will come together to share experiences, learn from each other, and unite
with others nationally and internationally.
Popularise environmental issues/education and catalyse environmental advocacy in India.
Environmental movements are strong in western countries, for example through Al Gore’s
campaign. But because of India’s poverty, population, diversity and complexity, a different
awareness is needed, that allows people to improve their livelihood and well-being while also
protecting their natural resources.
Record and summarise the outcomes of each conference. We acknowledge that across such an
amazing country like India, not all environmental issues will be the same. Different pressures
exist for different resources. For example, water is too much in some places, and less in others.
Mining is common in some states, while issues related to urbanisation is more relevant in some
towns and cities. We aim to present findings from each local and regional conference at the
international conference. We plan to channel the questions that come up at the conferences,
then synthesise to achieve some key points that can be easily communicated.
Invite all layers of society to discuss and debate about environmental issues in local/regional
conferences. We want to see all sectors engaged in working for the environment. To encourage
people to attend the conferences, the organisers will run smaller forums prior to the
local/regional conferences will target specific groups of people and leaders in sectors including
government, academia, education, spiritual/religious leaders, activists, lawyers and students. At
the international conference, we hope that the leaders from each sector in the local/regional
conferences will attend at the international conference.
We will work to support people, in whatever position they are in, to do as they can – we will work
with them on issues that will be relevant to them and their ability.
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