New Delhi, Dec 13, 2024: American Express, in partnership with Safe Water Network, has launched Program Vasundhara, a three-year initiative designed to promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience in Bengaluru and Gurugram. This comprehensive program will support India’s climate and sustainability goals by empowering local communities, restoring ecosystems, and fostering sustainable development practices in collaboration with Safe Water Network.
Program Vasundhara will prioritize water resource management, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy across the two cities.
Around the Aivarakhandapura Lake, Program Vasundhara is building an 18-million-liter rainwater harvesting structure to boost local water availability and reduce dependency on external sources. This is a crucial step in addressing local water challenges while fostering resilience in the community.
Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express, India, said, “At American Express, we are committed to creating a positive impact on communities and the environment. Program Vasundhara exemplifies our dedication to climate resilience and sustainable ecosystems in Bengaluru and Gurugram. Through this partnership with Safe Water Network, we are not only addressing current environmental challenges in parts of India but also paving the way for a greener future.”
To further enable local farmers, an automated weather station has been set up, linked to a mobile app providing hyperlocal weather insights. This advanced system will guide farmers on crop management, pest control, and disease prevention, using AI to offer accurate weather updates to prepare for any extreme weather impacts.
In the Aravalli region, reforestation and ecosystem restoration will be central, including the planting of 15,000 trees and land restoration across 10,000 hectares. These actions will increase green cover, boost biodiversity, and support the region’s climate resilience efforts. Solar-powered solutions will also be implemented in key public areas, reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.
Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability at American Express, commented, “Program Vasundhara is about making environmental progress to address the pressing water crisis through local engagement and education. By partnering with Safe Water Network, we’re ensuring that communities gain the tools and support to protect and nurture their natural environments. It’s a significant collaboration that aligns with our commitment building resilient communities that are empowered to respond to extreme weather and natural disasters.”
In both regions, Program Vasundhara emphasizes empowering local communities through sustainable livelihoods and eco-friendly enterprises. Nearly a thousand women from 85 villages will receive training and resources to launch small and micro-enterprises in agriculture and conservation. Participants in self-help groups (SHGs) will learn to cultivate, market, and sell medicinal plants and process other agricultural products. The program will also connect them with government schemes, banks, and cooperatives to secure financial support.
Poonam Sewak, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Safe Water Network, shared, “We are honored to lead Program Vasundhara with American Express, an initiative rooted in community participation and ecological restoration. This program illustrates the profound impact of local engagement in conserving and rejuvenating vital ecosystems. Together, we’re building pathways for sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship that will benefit generations.”
Additional Features of Program Vasundhara include restoring urban and peri-urban ecosystems (land and water); enhancing ecosystem services, including local food systems, water sources, and medicinal plants, through conservation of key regions; climate action by adopting measures and energy-efficient solutions to reduce climate vulnerability; livelihood-based eco-restoration that empowers communities, especially women, with sustainable income opportunities; providing technical training for local stakeholders to support long-term conservation practices; showcasing the program as a model for corporate-supported biodiversity efforts on national and global platforms.
Sewak further emphasized, “This program aligns with India’s climate goals and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), setting a powerful example for community-driven conservation.”
Program Vasundhara will benefit over a million people across 85 villages in Bengaluru and Gurugram. It includes major ecosystem restoration activities, such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, climate action with tree planting, and renewable energy integration. Implemented by Safe Water Works, the program also aims to increase the technical capacity of state and local institutions, including biodiversity and watershed committees, and to establish a lasting model for biodiversity conservation.
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