By Rabiullah, Project Coordinator, APF-Sundarpahari Project, Community Wellbeing
On 19th February 2025, Keystone Foundation organized an awareness meeting under the Gram Sabha initiative at Bada Palma village and Bada Paktari Panchayat, Sundarpahari Block of Godda District (Jharkhand). The meeting aimed to educate the local community about environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Villagers participated actively in the session, where they discussed crucial topics regarding natural resource management and ecological balance in detail.
The meeting emphasized the importance of keeping the Jharna catchment area clean, preventing pollution, and avoiding forest fires. Participants learned of the critical role recharge zones play in maintaining groundwater levels and how their conservation is vital for sustaining water resources. The Keystone team elaborated on their ongoing efforts in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental education, ensuring that the community understands and actively participates in these initiatives.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the creation of a social map and a resource map, which helped in identifying key areas that need immediate attention and sustainable management. These maps provided a visual representation of the community’s resources and the potential threats they face, enabling better planning and decision-making at the grassroots level.
The awareness program concluded with an open discussion, where villagers shared their experiences and concerns regarding environmental challenges in their region. Keystone Foundation assured continuous support and encouraged collective responsibility in preserving natural resources. The session was not only informative but also served as a step forward in fostering environmental stewardship among the local communities.
All PC-Sanjala Soren
