JALAJ Livelihood Centres, a joint initiative of the Namami Ganga Mission and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), aimed at integrating river conservation with sustainable livelihoods in the Ganga river basin. The initiative promotes community ownership of conservation efforts while creating dignified livelihood opportunities, with a special focus on women’s participation. Background The Ganga River basin is home to a large population of marginalized communities residing in close association with the freshwater resources. In order to engage the community members in conservation initiative and to reduce their direct dependency, alternate livelihood skill development training are being imparted under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. As a part of this project the WII developed a trained cadre of volunteers from the local community, known as Ganga Praharis. These Ganga Praharis are working for biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation. Livelihood and skill enhancement activities carried out through the project aligned Ganga conservation through livelihood centres and innovative mobile livelihood centre “Jalaj”. The business model created thus, was recognised and replicated by district as well as state administrations all over the Ganga river states. Thus, the proposed project aims to realize Arth Ganga in the Ganga River basin by linking local livelihoods with aquatic conservation, through Jalaj – a model for symbiotic linkages between river and people. Jalaj concept Jalaj is a concept to establish symbiotic linkages between river and people. Jalajs are also visualized as models for livelihood diversification, through promotion of local produce, and are aimed as models for strengthening women participation in ecological and economic spheres. Communities thus empowered, will be resilient and will make informed decisions related to natural resources. The Jalaj models are also envisioned as tools to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and would act as model for nature-based solutions for addressing climate change and provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring ecosystems. Jalaj will be developed in accordance with local skill sets, raw material, market and demands, hence will have site specific models such as knowledge corners, livelihood training and sale points, ecotourism-based safari boats, nurseries, health and wellness centres, sewing and stitching centres, local produce-based food processing units and sale points etc. The Jalaj model will have facilities for dissemination of the information on aquatic biodiversity conservation, livelihood training and sale centres for the products developed by livelihood trainees. To locate the Jalaj centres, click here. Source : Jalaj website