President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday called for strengthening climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation approaches rooted in traditional knowledge, with greater participation of communities affected by climate change.
The President made the remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the International Conference on ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi.
Climate change linked to biodiversity loss, water stress and land degradation
President Murmu said climate change creates imbalances across multiple levels of human existence and is deeply intertwined with issues such as biodiversity loss, water stress and land degradation.
She noted that climate change is also having serious repercussions on food security, health and livelihoods, making it essential to adopt a comprehensive framework of policies and actions to address the challenge.
The President said such a framework must ensure the active participation of governments and legal experts as well as the communities most affected by climate change.
She stressed the need for special sensitivity towards the needs of rural and forest-dwelling societies, small farmers, women and other vulnerable communities, who bear the brunt of natural disasters.
Traditional knowledge key to climate adaptation
The President underlined the importance of traditional knowledge systems, along with the practices and lived experiences of local communities, in enhancing climate adaptation capacity.
She called for climate resilience to be strengthened through people-centric and community-based adaptation approaches rooted in traditional knowledge.
President Murmu also highlighted the role of sustainable afforestation in enhancing climate resilience. She said afforestation efforts that nurture biodiversity and are aligned with local conditions can make an important contribution.
She emphasised that the true objective of sustainable afforestation is not merely planting trees but restoring healthy and self-sustaining ecosystems.
Climate action must align with development needs
The President said developing countries need to chart a path that strengthens resilience while maintaining the pace of development.
She stated that commitments to responsible climate action must be aligned with a country’s development needs and economic aspirations, while also being technically feasible.
President Murmu expressed satisfaction that several such aspects were discussed during the conference.
Mission LiFE demonstrates importance of public participation
The President said India has undertaken commendable work in fostering environmental awareness by engaging common citizens, particularly the youth.
She highlighted the Government of India’s Mission LiFE initiative, stating that it has demonstrated how meaningful progress towards ecological restoration can be achieved through public participation and community ownership.
President appreciates NGT initiative
President Murmu appreciated the National Green Tribunal for bringing together experts, judges, jurists and key stakeholders from various countries who are active in environmental issues on a common platform.
She expressed confidence that the deliberations and action plans emerging from the conference would contribute to building climate-resilient societies grounded in inclusive policies and effective actions.