7th Edition

Category I : Leadership in Urban Climate Action

The focus is on initiatives that reflects incorporation of climate change adaptation and mitigation addressing vulnerability and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with cities.

Cochin International Airport became the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy by commissioning a 12 MWp solar power plant. ECA lauds Cochin International Airport’s commitment to reduce its Carbon footprint and recognizes its leadership in Urban Climate Action.

Jury Observations

This is the first airport in the world to become fully powered by the solar energy.
The top management is committed to retain this status and installing more solar plants to enhance the generation capacity in order to fulfill the increasing demand in near future due to the new international terminal coming up.
It shows leadership of being first in the world from India.
Other airports are taking the learning from CIAL and trying to replicate this initiative at their place to make a move towards solar.

The integrated decentralized solid waste management system introduced in the city of Panaji by The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has been able to achieve 100% source segregation. The efforts of Panaji have resulted in a landfill-free and bin-free city. The award acknowledges the CCP’s actions which have led to benefits like better environment and better health for its citizens, and cost saving on waste disposal.

Jury Observations

The Corporation of City of Panaji has achieved 100% segregation and door to door collection of municipal solid waste management.
The city is landfill free and all the waste generated is being disposed of by segregation at source, composting at society and decentralized level, maximizing the recovery of recyclable of waste by further segregation and selling the recyclables to the venders, sending the non-recyclable refuse to the cement kiln for co-incineration.
Education and awareness and citizens participation was found to be very effective in this case.
City is free from the waste bin and city was observed clean by the Jury also.
The city is sustaining this practice of waste management for more than 10-15 years.
City is taking up many initiatives towards the environment protection and cleanliness.
Jury member happens to be on a committee of Goa state related to the environment and observation is that state is taking many initiatives regarding the improvement of city environment.

Category II : Innovations for climate protection

Focus is on development and use of innovative product or services which help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.

Saguna Rural Foundation, led by Krishi Ratna Mr. Chandrashekhar Bhadsawale, has innovated the Saguna Rice Technique (SRT) of paddy cultivation. The technique contributes to reduction of time, resources and chemical inputs in paddy cultivation. Use of simple mould on raised beds enables farmers to sow seeds with less drudgery and cost. Earth Care Awards recognize this innovative technique which has the potential to revolutionize farming practices with emphasis on paddy cultivation not only in India but also in the whole of Asia.

Jury Observations

Work done was commendable and the jury appreciated the efforts of an individual in developing the technique to this level.
However, the jury has suggested that the carbon sequestration claim should be independently verified.
The jury also acknowledged that the technique save time and Labour as no transplantationis required in this technique.

Category III : Community based mitigation and adaptation in water resources, agriculture, forestry and other land use

Focus is on initiatives related to conservation of water and land resources reflecting mitigation and adaptation goals aimed at increasing resilience of communities, to tackle challenges arising out of climate change.

Nature Environment and Wildlife Society’s (NEWS) initiative of engaging vulnerable communities has promoted mangrove regeneration, restoration and reforestation, community nurseries of threatened species, sustainable agricultural and low carbon practices. This initiative builds capacities of communities to deal with the challenges posed by Climate Change. Earth Care Awards recognize the efforts of Stewards, Community and its leaders, Government Agencies and the NEWS team for successfully demonstrating livelihood based climate change adaptation model.

Jury Observations

The organisation has worked extensively for ecosystem conservation in a fragile and highly vulnerable environment.
There is a high level of community participation combined with the rigorous scientific knowledge.

Practical Action, Bangladesh, innovated the Sandbar Cropping model, which has enabled poor and landless communities to access underutilized river sand bars for pumpkin cultivation. This initiative has put in place processes ranging from beneficiary identification to market research and market links. Communities in climate stressed areas have found new hope with this initiative. Earth Care Awards commend the efforts of Practical Action Team.