Our Initiatives
Ponds
Simply put, ponds can be described as small reservoirs of freshwater that are formed on land either naturally or artificially. It is smaller than a lake, lesser in depth and the amount of emergent vegetation generally covers less than 30% of the total surface of the pond. The water is generally stagnant with aquatic flora and fauna dominating the ecosystem.
A pond can be divided into four zones as described below:
- Littoral Zone: This is closest to the shore and has shallow water and abundant vegetation due to the ability of sunlight to penetrate the zone in sufficient quantities. This zone can be narrow or wide based on the age of the waterbody. Some of the commonly found residents are Reeds, Grasses, Cattails, dragonflies, freshwater mussels, snails, etc.
- Limnetic Zone: This zone represents the open area of a pond that supports a good population of fish, algae, and other aquatic plants and animals. Its upper part that receives sunlight is known as Euphotic and the lower one which sunlight couldn’t penetrate is called the Profundal zone.
- Benthic zone: This represents the bottom of the pond and consists of soil and sediments. All dead material and waste essentially settle down in this zone.
These three zones have different characteristics and together support a variety of ecological functions, processes, and biodiversity. Any alteration in this state can have an adverse impact on the health and functioning of these ecosystems that ultimately affect ecosystem processes and dependent species. Also, the ability of the ponds to provide ecosystem services is limited to an extent, impacting all forms of life dependent on these waterscapes for their survival.
These three zones have different characteristics and together support a variety of ecological functions, processes, and biodiversity. Any alteration in this state can have an adverse impact on the health and functioning of these ecosystems that ultimately affect ecosystem processes and dependent species. Also, the ability of the ponds to provide ecosystem services is limited to an extent, impacting all forms of life dependent on these waterscapes for their survival. .
Our Motivation
We as a generation have seen ponds being used for a lot of purposes, especially during our childhood. Many Bollywood movies also depicted a thriving community interaction around local village pond. However, that scenario is unimaginable now and It’s less due to the mass migration of the rural population to cities and much more due to the rapid deterioration of these water bodies.
Over the years, it has been witnessed that these ponds which once formed an indispensable part of daily life in India, are degrading at an alarming rate. National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas shows that although ponds are the largest by percentage within India (59.5%) amongst all types of wetlands, ponds are also the ones with the most encroachment (67.6%) that points towards their dilapidated state and loss. Empirical observations by our field staff also supported these facts and brought to the fore many causes and impacts for the same. It didn’t take us much time to understand that it was not just waterbody that was being lost, rather it was part of a larger saga of extinction of a way of life, which was sustainable and environment friendly. We took it upon ourselves to preserve these natural ecosystems and reinstate the sense of connection of shoreline communities with their ponds.
Common Threats for water bodies in India
Extensive reconnaissance surveys conducted by the Say Earth team have brought to the fore a set of common threats that threaten to degrade and deplete our waterbodies. These can be broadly mentioned as Encroachment; introduction of invasive plants and fish species; disposal of solid waste and untreated sewage; Deforestation and urbanization of the catchment area; Destruction of habitats
We as a generation have seen ponds being used for a lot of purposes, especially during our childhood. Many Bollywood movies also depicted a thriving community interaction around local village pond. However, that scenario is unimaginable now and It’s less due to the mass migration of the rural population to cities and much more due to the rapid deterioration of these water bodies.
Over the years, it has been witnessed that these ponds which once formed an indispensable part of daily life in India, are degrading at an alarming rate. National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas shows that although ponds are the largest by percentage within India (59.5%) amongst all types of wetlands, ponds are also the ones with the most encroachment (67.6%) that points towards their dilapidated state and loss. Empirical observations by our field staff also supported these facts and brought to the fore many causes and impacts for the same. It didn’t take us much time to understand that it was not just waterbody that was being lost, rather it was part of a larger saga of extinction of a way of life, which was sustainable and environment friendly. We took it upon ourselves to preserve these natural ecosystems and reinstate the sense of connection of shoreline communities with their ponds.
Common Threats for water bodies in India
Extensive reconnaissance surveys conducted by the Say Earth team have brought to the fore a set of common threats that threaten to degrade and deplete our waterbodies.
These risks tend to deteriorate the health and functioning of pond ecosystems gradually bringing about a complete transformation of their natural states impeding the provision of ecological services and their life-sustaining characteristics.
How we address these Issues
Say Earth believes in taking up a stepwise approach when it comes to providing solutions. A needs assessment survey is conducted to gauge the type and extent of the problem. It helps in curating specific solutions unique to the ponds which is then discussed and implemented on the field. A general methodology applied is presented above
Forests
Forests are biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat to various plants, animals, and microbes. Dominated by trees, It is a functional system characterized by intricate relationships between its various biotic and abiotic components. Disturbances to any of its components impact all interrelated elements and functioning.
Healthy forest ecosystems provide a plethora of services to humans and other species. They contribute to the formation and conservation of soil and regulate hydrology besides providing habitat to a variety of plant and animal life. Besides, forests also support climate change mitigation by carbon sequestration and govern the carbon cycle. Also, forests provide a range of products like food, fibre, fuel, water, and other resources for sustenance making them significant natural resources. Many such forests worldwide are also a part of socio-cultural practices and belief systems, making them a part of customs and traditions.
Our Motivation
Our team hails from different regions of Delhi-NCR and has heard stories of forests that once adorned the region. There was a relationship of mutual dependence between communities and these forests that supported each other. The elements of nature could be felt in their pristine form and the air was pure. The resources too were organic in nature and the incidence of disease was less. However, a boom in real estate and demand for housing an increasing population and providing for it has led to the clearance of these forests on a massive scale. It is a well-known fact that today’s sprawling cities were once covered with dense forests. As the cities expanded vertically and horizontally and infrastructure developed, the green cover shrunk.
This trend has gone unchecked for a long time causing a transformation in the structure and functioning of vast expanses of landscapes. Once-green areas have now turned barren, disrupted natural processes, and caused a plethora of environmental issues. The problem of housing might have been solved but sustaining of healthy life itself has become a problem.
It has led to loss of habitat for native species of plants and animals, low carbon sequestration, increased temperatures, pollution, the proliferation of diseases, and low quality of life.
How we address these issues
Say Earth team thought of doing whatever possible to reintroduce green cover by planting trees on sites that were lying vacant and were of no use. Sustained efforts were made to sensitize stakeholders about the urgency of planting trees on a large scale. Many challenges were faced in the form of lack of availability of suitable land, administrative issues, opposition from encroachers etc., But we took a stepwise approach and gradually were able to plant six urban forests in a short span of three years. After much brainstorming, the Japanese technique of Miyanwaki was selected as the appropriate choice for recreating dense forests in less duration of time.
Using this technique we have been trying to restore land in degraded landfill sites by transforming them into urban forests. They are metamorphosing into a refuge for biodiversity and an aesthetic asset for the region. Once-dead lands are now teeming with a variety of life forms. These mini forests are helping to abate the urban heat island effect and augmentation of groundwater recharge. Ecosystem services have been restored to an extent and a healthy forest ecosystem is developing.
Restoration of Water Bodies
India as a nation faces a unique dilemma regarding its water situation. With only 4 percent of the world’s fresh water and a population comprising almost 17.76 percent of the global population which is projected to grow to 1. 66 billion by 2050, the country just doesn’t have enough water to support its burgeoning population. NITI Aayog, the think tank of the government of India, in one of its reports (ICWMI) published in 2018, mentioned that India was facing a water crisis and that around 600 million people were facing high to extreme water stress. The report also informed that around 70% of the water was contaminated, further adding to the problem.
We, at Say Earth, believe that along with conventional measures, an effective solution to address this water crisis lies in the re-introduction of our ancient systems of restoration of water resources, collectively. As a majority of Indian habitations have at least one waterbody, efforts must be made to restore and conserve them as local groundwater augmentation and freshwater storage units. They are nature’s very own solution to drought, floods, and excessive temperatures and provide many other ecological services, pivotal to the functioning and sustenance of life on the planet.
Inspired by nature, we have embarked on a journey to restore waterbodies in the country with the active involvement of society members. So far, we have been able to restore and rejuvenate around 65 waterbodies comprising of both lakes and ponds across 6 states of India. We ensure that the process remains participatory to the extent possible and make efforts to make it sustainable so that the health of the restored waterbody is maintained, even after we exit the site.
Inspired by nature, we have embarked on a journey to restore waterbodies in the country with the active involvement of society members. So far, we have been able to restore and rejuvenate around 65 waterbodies comprising of both lakes and ponds across 6 states of India. We ensure that the process remains participatory to the extent possible and make efforts to make it sustainable so that the health of the restored waterbody is maintained, even after we exit the site.
Urban Afforestation
Our country is growing rapidly both in terms of population and Infrastructure. Fast-paced urbanization and the catering to population and a developing economy have taken a toll on the natural ecosystems. Many infrastructure projects require cutting of trees and deforestation to pave the way for such projects. The trend has continued and has led to a significant loss of green cover, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Reports (Global Forest Watch) suggest that India lost 255 thousand hectares of total tree cover between 2021-2022. The implications of such a course of action are profound but are often ignored as they get manifested and are realized only after a few years. An increase in the urban heat island effect; Excessive dust; Low levels of precipitation; Augmentation of episodes of heat stress; Increase in incidences of hydro-meteorological disasters like floods and droughts and Loss of biodiversity are some of the consequences that rampant deforestation has brought about.
Say Earth has its roots in the rapidly transforming Peri-urban region of Delhi-NCR that has been a witness to a sudden change of landscape from green to grey! High rises and office complexes stand on the lands that were once adorned with trees and lush green fields. We have seen this change and have also faced the consequences. Therefore, we have launched the initiative of afforestation of Urban areas. We choose sites that are functionally defunct and are degraded and transform them into dense forests using the Japanese Technique of Miyawaki.
This approach ensures a greater number of species in less area, and growth is ten times faster. Also, the forests are around thirty times denser than the normal forests. Till date, by the end of 2023 Say Earth has successfully planted 6 Urban forests with support from our stake holders in Corporates, Government institutions, and with a dedicated team of volunteers.
Environmental Awareness
Say Earth has a strong faith in the power of collective action and believes that every individual thought and effort has the potential to bring about a larger revolution. Since our inception, we have largely relied on the support of the masses for the implementation of our initiatives, which makes our campaigns participatory, and people oriented. At every step of our work, we encourage dialogue with the communities to enrich our work with indigenous knowledge, simultaneously making them aware of the needs and benefits of our endeavours like pond restoration and urban afforestation.
Our major campaigns comprise of:
- Selfie with the Ponds
- Jal Chaupals
Selfie with Ponds
Taking inspiration from the “Selfie with Daughter” campaign initiated by Shri. Sunil Jaglan and promoted by honourable prime minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, an initiative named “Selfie with Ponds” was launched in 2018 by the organization. It aimed at persuading people from all walks of life to upload a selfie with their ponds and share stories of their lives associated with it. The campaign was a success with the organization receiving more than 1400 selfies from across the nation and abroad.
It helped us understand the perceptions and connections that individuals have with these water bodies and their concerns and aspirations. This initiative also helped generate a sense of belongingness amongst the masses towards their ponds and awareness about the significance of their conservation and restoration. The organization also got information about ponds that were in critical need of restoration and was able to restore a few of them.
Jal Chaupal
This initiative provides an interactive platform that serves to sensitize stakeholders about the need and significance of the conservation and restoration of water bodies and urges them to act. These sessions are conducted before the initiation of restoration activities to achieve a consensus about the requirements and process of restoration.
. It also helps in spreading awareness about larger environmental issues of water conservation and climate change. Besides, these sessions also act as knowledge exchange hubs where community members share about indigenous practices of pond restoration that were once common in the region.