Pune: Mitsubishi Electric India, in collaboration with Earthwatch Institute India, has launched the CSR initiative towards a sustainable lake ecosystem and strengthening climate resilience. The CSR initiative actively engages diverse stakeholders through innovative programmes that emphasise field action, education, skilling, knowledge-building, scientific approaches, and digital technology to promote the conservation of lakes and surrounding biodiversity in a changing climate. Around 100 participants across Talegaon and Pimpri Chinchwad were engaged in training and capacity-building activities, including self-help groups, students, teachers, and community participation in planting campaigns, and biodiversity documentation across 30 waterbodies.
This unique CSR initiative of Mitsubishi Electric India is training and building knowledge and capacity among self-help groups, community members, students, and teachers on the growing importance of conserving the lake ecosystem and how it can strengthen climate resilience, influence local microclimate and help cool surrounding areas. By storing large amounts of freshwater, lakes help buffer against droughts, floods and erratic rainfall patterns. Leading scientists and experts, educators and communicators are associated with this initiative in developing easy-to-understand educational and learning resources for training various stakeholders.
The CSR initiative works with community members and self-help groups to plant native tree species near the lakes, supporting rich biodiversity and ecological balance in the lake ecosystem. Ecologists and tree experts work with communities and recommend appropriate native species beneficial to the lake ecosystem, supporting avifauna, pollinators, and aquatic species.
Fisherfolk groups and community members are trained to understand how stable and resilient lake ecosystems support fisheries, irrigation, and tourism. Local communities can help conserve lakes through eco-friendly fishing, sustainable practices, and protecting lakes from plastic pollution and invasive species. Sustainability experts and skill development trainers are associated with this initiative in training and capacity-building programmes.
The CSR initiative collaborates with teachers and engages students as citizen scientists in water quality monitoring programmes, conserving water resources, and promoting clean water, health and hygiene. Interactive learning resources on water, sanitation and hygiene are being developed with experts for school educational programmes. Educational resources are also developed to promote the conservation of lakes and biodiversity through building knowledge and appreciation for natural assets in our cities.
- MEI launched the CSR Booklet on climate change’s impact on waterbodies, educating and training people about the growing importance of conserving waterbodies in a changing climate
- The Company launched the Project Brochure and E-Learning Resources for the CSR Project for students, teachers and community members.
Impact Achieved:
- Training and building knowledge and capacity among self-help groups, community members, students, and teachers on the growing importance of conserving the lake ecosystem and how it can strengthen climate resilience.
- Influence the local microclimate and help cool surrounding areas.
- Ultimately, taking small yet impactful steps to bring “Changes for the Better” in the ecosystem we all live in.