WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies

WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies

Initiated in 2007 and set up as an autonomous unit in 2016, the WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS) undertakes multi-stakeholder, applied research on ground-level problems using a trans-disciplinary approach. The objective of W-CReS is to understand causal relationships and drivers of behavioral change, identify and test effective strategies for change and contribute to capacity building and policy enhancement. W-CReS has formal MOUs with leading publicly funded research and scientific institutions in India including ICAR, IMD, and CRIDA. Both WOTR and W-CReS work in close collaboration with civil society entities, companies, and the federal and state governments to achieve their objectives.

Here are the core objectives of the centre:

  • Promote collaborative, multi-stakeholder, trans-disciplinary research
  • Develop and test knowledge-based tools for effective planning, implementation and monitoring
  • Disseminate knowledge at national and international levels through various forums, events and publications
  • Contribute to policy formulation through engagement between diverse stakeholders including Government, scientific institutions, domain experts and decision makers
  • Build stakeholders’ capacity across geographies and thematic areas
Focus Areas

Ecosystem-based adaptation

Economics of land degradation

Climate resilient agricultural practices

Stewardship of water and other natural resources

Socio-economic impacts and well-being

Women empowerment and inclusion

Ecosystem-based adaptation

Economics of land degradation

Climate resilient agricultural practices

Stewardship of water and other natural resources

Socio-economic impacts and well-being

Women empowerment and inclusion

Expertise

W-CReS has built an in-house expertise of competent professionals. We have a team of over 30 researchers in diverse disciplines including economics, anthropology, social work, development studies, engineering, climate and agriculture. The team is led by Dr. Marcella D’Souza – Director, WCReS.

Major Projects

Research Publications

Economic Valuation of Reducing Land Degradation in East Madhya Pradesh

The study indicates the economic viability of watershed development to mitigate the risks of climate extremes. The study, conducted in four villages of eastern MP, showed encouraging impact of watershed development, especially during the droughts. The results work in favour of ecosystem regeneration and improvement of community’s well-being.

The report shows that EbA can help build systemic resilience in ecosystems and communities. It highlights 6 key messages and makes several recommendations that would be useful for policymakers at the state and central level as well as those in the scientific community and practitioners working in NGOs.

This publication has detailed information about soil health indicators, the importance of soil health cards and the categorization of soil based on nutrient availability.