This award was conferred to Solidaridad at a glittering event during the ‘National Conference on Biodiversity – Conservation and Management for Sustainable Development’ held 27 – 28 February, in the presence of Dr. Kapil Dev Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University and other important dignitaries. The conference was attended by more than 200 national representatives from government agricultural universities, academics and research institutes.
The objective of this conference is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for researchers, practitioners, civil society organizations and academics, and to recognize the efforts and solutions adopted in the field of biodiversity conservation and management for sustainable development.
The award committee recognized Solidaridad’s work in improving productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in India, while addressing social and environmental aspects of the agricultural sector. The committee noted that they appreciated Solidaridad's substantial contribution and excellence in integrating sustainability and biodiversity conservation across agricultural ecosystems.
Also recognised was Solidaridad's role in building coalitions with government bodies, industry associations and producers to sustainably enhance the competitiveness of different commodity sectors such as soy, tea, palm oil and sugarcane. In addition, the promotion of national sustainability frameworks was acknowledged for its role in directly contributing to a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector.
Professor Surendra Singh, Convener & Organizing Secretary, National Conference and Director at Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur said:
“Agriculture is the major driver of environmental change with significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem. We appreciate Solidaridad’s dedicated efforts in maintaining biological diversity in agricultural ecosystems for food production, conservation and efficient use of scarce natural resources and sustainable rural development.”
Dr Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre, New Delhi, said:
“We believe in creating win-win solutions for sustainable development through cooperation and partnership between government, businesses and other stakeholders. Over the years, together with government and businesses, Solidaridad has created models to enhance production and achieve higher yields using less land, water and energy while ensuring natural resources are available for future generations. We are glad today that Rani Durgawati University recognised these efforts through “Award of Excellence.”
Solidaridad’s Regional Expertise Centre, New Delhi, a Charitable Trust registered under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 has primarily been a pioneer in sustainable rural and agriculture development and promoting ecologically sound supply chains across 12 states of the country. A key focus has been on optimising production, the promotion of smart and sustainable land use and producing ‘more with less’ while empowering women. The soy programme has evolved as India’s largest sustainable soy smallholders’ programme with considerable social, economic and environmental impact.
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, also known as the University of Jabalpur, is a government university in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The university was constituted and established on 12 June 1956. The University has produced a large number of internationally acclaimed academicians and scientists, a number of distinctions and awards have been given to its teachers and students and many international fellowships have been bagged by the faculty members. The University is, thus, playing a key role in higher education in Central India.