KUNDAPUR

Kundapur is a town situated near the beach on the west coast of Karnataka state, and is very close to the Western Ghats (a mountain ridge). The Western Ghats is India s prime zone for bio-diversity and known for its animal and plant species in this region. FSL-India has been involved in developing projects for many years in this region and has now formed a very strong network of local partners and local volunteers. Invariably this is one of the prime locations for FSL-India to initiate development interventions in partnership with the local NGOs and civil society organisations. Environment degradation is one of the major issues at Kundapur. To address the environmental issues, FSL-India adopted the Model Street program in Kundapur and is raising awareness on the need of recycling and organic compost making by engaging the local community. We get the residents to separate their garbage and the volunteers regularly visit to ensure locals understand the need of this activity and carry it out. This street is a small scale model and in future we hope it will be replicated and scaled up for the benefit of many. We will employ a process of sustainability approach to Eco friendly activities in the community, by adopting the strategies of home visits, surveys, community based organisations training, advocacy and campaign, green youth group development, cotton bag promotion, implementing of small scale Eco projects and other creative, need-based activities will be undertaken in the days to come. Volunteers are encouraged to bring in their innovations, suggestions and creativity to the project. There are no limitations to this project in so far as development is concerned. However, fixed work (school sessions, Eco-friendly streets and Eco clubs, and community work) will be the usual events for the volunteer to participate in. Nevertheless, new ideas are always welcome. FSL-India cooperates with several local NGOs in assisting various government schools by creating awareness on environment, health and hygiene; work with local schools in teaching basic English and Math through creative learning methods; simple renovation activities like painting, tree planting, making a Kitchen garden etc.