EACH ONE OF US HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A CHANGEMAKER
My focus is on empowering individuals and communities and work with corporations and business leaders to foster a mind-set shift towards environmental conservation. As a United Nations India Youth Climate Leader, I have trained over 600 educators in schools on sustainable development and wetland conservation and have led a successful start-up that upcycled pre-owned sarees into cloth bags and providing an additional income source for women from fishing communities in Alappuzha. At SUSTERA, I spearheaded the Climate Leadership Program, training youth to build climate resilience in vulnerable regions across India. The trained climate leaders work with local governments and support NGOs, contributing to sustainable cities and communities. I played a pivotal role in establishing the first model wetland village in Muhamma, Kerala, in collaboration with Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. Through capacity building of the local self-government body and community members, we worked on making the village energy-efficient, and plastic-free. A social innovation lab trained women from fishing communities in cloth upcycling and support young innovators in creating eco-friendly products from waste and weeds. Efforts were also made to promote the use of cloth pads and menstrual cups.India’s Green Movement Lies In Its Youth With their potential, and unwavering energy, the youth of India can effectively tackle the climate crisis. By providing opportunities for the youth to work on sustainability initiatives, we can tap into their capabilities and drive positive change across the country. To create a green future, property buyers and builders need to prioritize harmony with nature. By embracing sustainable practices and restoring ecosystems, we can develop real estate that coexists with the environment. This includes preserving green spaces, utilizing renewable energy, and promoting biodiversity.
Tags : potential changemaker Sanju Soman Co-founder and CEO SUSTERA Foundation building trainings campaigns policy communities climate change corporations environmental conservation United Nations India Youth Climate Leader buyers builders collaboration with Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment