Our Approach
Our Approach
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Our Approach
The Challenges
Unfortunately, ecosystems in much of rural India today are highly degraded. This is an outcome of the rapid climate change and human activities leading to a state of massive ecological imbalance.
India is amongst the countries most vulnerable to global warming and its impact. The severe repercussions of climate change are limiting the availability of several natural resources that the rural communities depend upon. This crisis is causing ecosystem degradation, unpredictable weather patterns, low agriculture productivity and declining socio-economic status of people in our villages. This will push the rural community into a downward spiral, where the poor become perpetrators of further degradation.
To combat this challenge, several government-led initiatives have been launched in the past two decades. While these social protection programs are working well for the poor, they haven’t yet been able to address the root causes of rural deprivation.
For holistic development, there is a need to strategically invest in the revival of the ecosystems and transform them into vibrant hubs of prosperity.
WOTR’s Ecosystem-based Approach (EbA) strives to promote ecosystem restoration in a sustainable manner.
Enhancing Livelihoods & Income Security
IRDMS promotes diversified and climate-resilient livelihoods through capacity building, market linkages, value addition, and collective enterprise models like SHGs and FPOs. The organization facilitates access to microfinance, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial training, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups to ensure sustained income generation
Strengthening Natural Resource Management (NRM)
We adopt participatory watershed management and sustainable land use planning, empowering communities to conserve and manage local resources. Interventions include soil and water conservation, afforestation, and renovation of irrigation infrastructure. Training and technical support are provided to local institutions for long-term asset management and ecological balance
Improving Health & Sanitation Outcomes
IRDMS works with high-risk and underserved populations to raise awareness on SRH, HIV/AIDS, hygiene, and nutrition. We implement targeted intervention projects in collaboration with NHM and NACO, strengthen community health workers, and facilitate access to public health systems. Behaviour change communication (BCC) and regular health camps are also part of our outreach
Promoting Women & Child Welfare
We mainstream gender across all our programs by strengthening women’s leadership in SHGs, Pani Panchayats, and FPOs. IRDMS works on improving access to maternal health services, education, and nutrition for women and children. Child rights awareness, early childhood care initiatives, and protection measures are integral to our child welfare approach.
Revitalizing Education & Skill Development
Our education initiatives focus on improving enrolment and retention, especially among tribal and girl children. IRDMS supports bridge schooling, functional literacy, and remedial classes. Skill development is aligned with local market needs, and youth are trained in agriculture, vocational trades, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship for sustainable employment.
Building Climate Resilience & Promoting Clean Energy
To address climate risks, IRDMS promotes solar-based irrigation systems, dryers, cold storage units, and eco-friendly farming practices. We work with communities to develop climate adaptation plans, build awareness on climate change, and support the adoption of clean energy technologies through convergence with government and CSR support
Institutional Strengthening & Good Governance
We invest in building the capacity of community-based institutions such as SHGs, WSHGs, FPOs, and Pani Panchayats for better governance, decision-making, and service delivery. IRDMS fosters convergence between departments, ensures inclusive planning processes, and promotes transparency through regular audits, reviews, and social accountability tools
Contribution to National & Global Sustainability
IRDMS is committed to contributing meaningfully to India’s national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its rights-based, inclusive, and climate-resilient development approach. By empowering tribal communities, promoting natural resource conservation, advancing clean energy, improving health and nutrition, and strengthening grassroots institutions, IRDMS aligns its programs with global sustainability standards while addressing the local needs of marginalized populations across Odisha. Our initiatives are designed to integrate social equity, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability—ensuring long-term impact. Through strong community engagement and partnerships with government agencies, multilateral donors, and corporate CSR, IRDMS has been able to scale transformative interventions that contribute to both local resilience and global goals.
SDG 1
No Poverty
SDG 2
Zero Hunger
SDG 3
Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4
Quality Education
SDG 5
Gender Equality
SDG 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10
Reduced Inequality
SDG 13
Climate Action
SDG 15
Life on Land
SDG 17
Partnerships for the Goals