ECO INDIA: on tour with Jessica Kiely

Author: Youth 2 Youth

"My first trip to India in May was an amazing and unique introduction to the country. I was privileged to be part of an eco-enterprise study tour that meant I saw and experienced parts of India, its culture, and way of life that would not have been possible if I was there for a normal tourist holiday.

I was a little overwhelmed at the beginning of my trip with the heat, pollution, poverty and general chaos that is Chennai, India, but these were soon forgotten as we became immersed in our work and began our fast-paced visit of various 'green' initiatives in the Tamil Nadu area over seven days.

Organised by the M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation in India, in partnership with the Youth Employment Summit Global Alliance and the Education Development Centre Inc., USA, our group of international, intrepid innovators travelled by train, bus, auto-rickshaw, boat, and car throughout South India.

Our field trips took us to a pearl farming enterprise, an agar production enterprise, knowledge centres and a Biovillage enterprise (among others) where I saw many successful examples of combining traditional knowledge with new technology to find environmentally and socially sustainable solutions.

I learnt that a 'whole of village' approach to multiple micro enterprises, an emphasis on bringing technology to the people and ensuring they benefit from it, and the need for better and stronger partnerships between scientists and the communities were essential ingredients to eco-preneurial success.

As a result of my experience in India and my strength and expertise in youth enterprise education and training, Y2Y is creating the International Youth Eco-Entrepreneurship Training Project for youth eco-entrepreneurs. The program will provide training for young people interested in setting up their own green enterprise or project, and will offer a train the trainer element."

For more info, or to get involved, contact Jessica jessica@youth2youth.com.au or Ph: 02 9484 7722

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