‘Sadhana’ for Reviving the Ecology
Did you know that the Tamil Nadu coastline was once covered with indigenous ‘Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest’ (TDEF)? Well, a volunteer-based organization, ‘Sadhana Forest’ knew about it and attempted to revive it. But, why do you think all these efforts are necessary? It is because the forest was very unique to the Tamil Nadu coastline and is now endangered due to urbanization and illegal logging.
Founded on December 19th, 2003 by Yorit and Aviram Rozin, the organization transformed 70 acres of severely eroded land on the outskirts of Auroville. However, the revival process was definitely not unplanned. The plan first included encouraging the local residents to follow sustainable living practices to maintain the balance in both ecological and socio-economic scenarios.
The community also aims to combat water shortages through water conservation, permaculture, and education. It also allows the residents to cultivate their own food thus promoting self-sufficiency. They thrive to improve soil health for the well-being of reforested trees. Wastage reduction and mindful consumption are encouraged too. And to help the initiatives, they have two key organs:
Haiti: Sadhana Forest also has a sister community in Haiti. It was founded on April 8th, 2010 with the same objectives and aspirations as that of the ‘Sadhana Forest’.
Kenya: Kenya Sadhana Forest was founded in Samburu County in June 2013 and it has more emphasis on food security due to droughts and malnutrition in Kenya.
When we visited the Forest for an interaction with the people, we saw the people living without electricity in their huts. The infrastructure was also made up of locally available natural resources.
The organization is in general completely volunteer-based. They invite people of all ages with different capabilities from across the world. The children from local Tamil villages are also engaged in a 2.7-acre project called the ‘ Children’s Land’ which was started on 27th December 2009. It aims to involve the children in the world of sustainability in a way that empowers them to be creative and think independently. In this project, children initiate the different activities or join the pre-initiated activities.
With its initiatives, ‘Sadhana Forest’ is encouraging people all around the world to participate in forest conservation and sustainable living. Now, shall we think back about what impact these activities of the Sadhana forest had on us?
Pictures By – Allakonda Sai Vivek
Written by – Onteddu Gitanjali
Edited By – Rupam Shukla
