There is a word in Sanskrit called ‘Wasundhara’ which literally can be translated as ‘the earth’ symbolizing compassion, caring, co-responsibility and harmony. WOTR works on the principles of Wasundhara. The word also an acronym for ‘WOTR is Attentive to Social Unity, Nature, Development and Harmony in Rural Areas’.
How does this take place in reality? While compassion and caring is what prompted the setting up of WOTR, the action plan behind each project that the organisation takes up is to involve the participation of the villagers. Each watershed project, for example, is for them and by them. The betterment of their future is their responsibility. WOTR is just an agent that sparks the initiative. And harmony is achieved when several factors come together as a whole. This may include regeneration of water sources, agriculture, increasing livelihood opportunities, literacy, women’s role in governance, securing the future of the girl child and so on.
The ‘Wasundhara’ approach has been implemented in over 200 villages with far-reaching impacts. It has resulted in promoting equity, gender sensitivity and sustainable development. The process continues beyond the project period.
WOTR Trainings
- Watershed Development with a “Climate Change Adaptation” Angle: an Orientation & Exposure on July 9, 2013
- Training in Technical Aspects of Watershed & Ecosystems Management on July 31, 2013
- A Visual Integrator Planning for development in a Climate Change Adaptation Context on August 20, 2013
- Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction on September 24, 2013
- Assessing Vulnerability to Climate Change for Development Planning on October 22, 2013
