By Gunashekar M., Technical Coordinator, Climate Change
Climate change is a global phenomenon that impacts all regions, with rural communities being among the most affected. Keystone Foundation, through the community-based MRV project funded by the UK PACT, is collaborating with rural communities on climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. In this context, raising climate literacy within these communities is crucial. Keystone Foundation has partnered with Poovulagin Nanbaragal, an environmental organization, to organize a climate change awareness event at the Aracode, Vellode, and Killai field sites on 17th February, 20th February and 30th January 2025 respectively.
Jenny Mariadhas, Prabhakaran, and Geo Damin from Poovulagin Nanbaragal interacted with key community stakeholders involved in the UK PACT community-based MRV project.
The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss climate change and its impacts on rural, ecosystem-dependent communities. Historical climate events specific to agriculture, forests, and fishing were reviewed. The organization also explained topics such as mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in a more accessible manner. Discussions also covered issues such as temperature projections, crop yield loss, and nutrition, using videos, illustrations, and PowerPoint presentations.
In addition to the key community stakeholders, farmers, NTFP collectors, members of the fishing community, the farmers’ society, and the forest rights committee attended the event. Attendees shared their experiences in adapting to changing climate conditions and expressed appreciation for the relevance of these talks.
