Today, on World Water Day, Novartis inaugurated an integrated watershed development project to help address water scarcity in the Telangana region of
Managed jointly with the
A watershed is an area of land with a common set of streams and rivers that all drain into a single larger body of water, such as a river, a lake or even an ocean. Yet a watershed is much more - it is an interdependent web of living organisms, including human beings, that inhabit a geographic area and depend on it for clean soil, air and water.
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Beyond water, the watershed management project hence considers the entire ecosystem, including land, flora and fauna and human beings. This integrated approach is essential to promote an inclusive development, one that maximizes economic and social welfare without compromising vital ecosystems. For instance, drinking water and sanitation facilities will be installed at local schools, livelihood support (e.g., backyard poultry, livestock for milk) provided to landless families through women self-help groups, and 3 000 trees planted.
Importantly, the program will be very cost-efficient, enabling the conservation of 75 liters of water for
'Community watershed programs are among the most impactful strategies to address interlinked issues, but they require empowering communities to use natural resources efficiently to be effective,' says Dr M R Ramasubramaniyan, Executive Director,
In addition to the watershed project, as an active member of the
Contact:
Tel: +44 7966 118 652
Email: richard.jarvis@novartis.com
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