Greening Mother Earth: How Vanvadi In Maharashtra Is Reclaiming Forests For A Cause
By Uttara GangopadhyayonJ ul. 03, 2023 https://vikalpsangam.org/article/greening-mother-earth-how-vanvadi-in-maharashtra-is-reclaiming-forests-for-a-cause/ The 65 acres of clear-felled land was bought 28 years ago by a non-profit collective of over 24 people by pooling in their money,..The collective decided that the land should be allowed to regenerate naturally, and offered it protection from interference....
Vanvadi offers a range of participatory programmes and workshops. One of their popular events is the forest walks with experienced Adivasi elders to learn about traditionally useful plant species and forest foods. “Here people learn about special plants and foods, such as karvanda, mahua, the ‘shevli‘… ” said Mansata
For a more broad-based dissemination of knowledge, Vanvadi is working on a plan to build an organically evolving ‘eco-versity’ and learning alliance – a community where people can collaboratively live and learn, supporting each other in symbiotic harmony – “like the forest around us,” said Mansata.