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
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
ECOSYSTEM BASED ADAPTATION (EbA)
The project proposes EbA as an approach for governments to meet their global commitments under the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030. The aim is to document evidence on the effectiveness of EbA measures and develop a roadmap for upscaling EbA in rainfed regions through multi-stakeholder engagement. The project is being jointly implemented with TMG Research, Berlin, Germany, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), Germany.
Under the project, W-CReS has conducted two state-level consultations, several thematic and expert meetings, training and capacity building workshops, two films and three analytical reports on upscaling EbA in Maharashtra.
Soil Protection And Rehabilitation For Food
Security In India
With a focus on small farmers (particularly women farmers) the objective of this project is to take measures regarding soil protection, rehabilitation and fertility management. The project, funded by GIZ, aims to study various factors hindering the wide application of sustainable practices and its impact.
The project is implemented over an area of 18,053 ha in 20 villages of three districts in Maharashtra.
Generating Knowledge To Build Drought Resilience In A Changing Climate
The project aims to build a knowledge pool and devise solutions for drought management through on-ground, participatory and trans-disciplinary research. In partnership with HSBC Software, W-CReS is currently conducting the following three studies.
- Triggers for good groundwater management
- Cost-benefit analysis of climate change adaptation
- Policies and programs for water resource development and management in Maharashtra
Research Publications
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.
