German Consul General Praises WOTR for Advancing Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Communities

Mumbai, January 21^st, 2025: The Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) marked three decades of groundbreaking rural development at its “Ripples of Change” celebration, showcasing its far-reaching impact on millions of lives across India. In a ceremony at Mumbai’s Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, WOTR’s journey of transforming barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems took centre stage. 

The organisation has reached 7.92 million people in 10 states, 75 districts, and 7,255 villages. The event drew an impressive crowd of its funding organisations, knowledge partners, and community members underscoring WOTR’s extensive network of support and collaboration.

H.E. Mr Achim Fabig, Hon. Consul General of Germany, delivered a stirring keynote address praising WOTR’s pivotal role in sustainable rural development and climate resilience. “We are committed to building a green and sustainable partnership with India, which remains our top priority. Initiatives like watershed management with WOTR are pivotal to this collaboration. Over the next five years, Germany plans to invest $10 billion in this partnership, focusing on projects that drive green development and renewable energy solutions. We share a vision of working with India to create a sustainable future.” Mr Achim Fabig remarked. 

WOTR’s achievements over the past thirty years paint a picture of monumental change: 3.83 million hectares of degraded land restored to productivity, 252,829 women empowered through self-help groups, and extensive work in integrated watershed development and climate adaptation. 

Mr Asoke Basak, Chairman and Trustee of WOTR, reflected on the organization’s journey: “Over 30 years, WOTR has evolved from a ‘ridge-to-valley’ watershed development program to pioneering climate-resilient agriculture and water governance. While empowering women was a turning point in the 1990s, today, initiatives like trans-disciplinary applied research (undertaken by the WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies or W-CReS), ecosystem-based adaptation, and water stewardship continue to drive impactful change, in partnership with governments and communities alike.”

The event celebrated past achievements and unveiled WOTR’s vision for the future. It also honoured long-standing partners and supporters for their invaluable contributions to WOTR’s mission. With climate change increasing threats to rural livelihoods, WOTR is poised to expand its innovative programs, leveraging three decades of expertise and an ecosystems approach to build more resilient and prosperous rural communities. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing WOTR’s mission of creating sustainable and resilient rural communities. 

About WOTR: 

WOTR is a nationally and globally recognised leader and think tank in rural development, committed to eradicating the root causes of rural poverty. Through initiatives aimed at enhancing water availability, improving land and agricultural productivity, diversifying livelihoods, empowering women, and bolstering the health and well-being of vulnerable rural communities, WOTR has significantly transformed rural landscapes. Celebrating 30 years of impactful operation, WOTR has worked in over 7,255 villages across 10 states in India, bringing positive change to 7.92 million individuals. 

For more insights into WOTR’s work and impact, visit WOTR’s website. Contact Anupriya Pandey, Officer, Communications and Communications Strategy, WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust) for media inquiries or further details. Email id: anupriya.pandey@wotr.org.in.