Eco-Ethical Integrated Sustainable solutions – Resolving Food, Water, Energy, Waste Nexus | Govardhan Eco Village – 31st Oct and 1st Nov 2015
By Nimai Lila das
Over the past few years, Govardhan Eco Village(GEV) has been making steady attempts to generate positive change waves on the social and environmental front through its multifarious programs and projects. GEV is frequently visited to witness a working model of spiritual ecology demonstrated with its efforts in areas like Organic Farming, Cow Care, Green building, Community living, Integrated waste management, Alternative Energy generation, Education, Rain water conservation, Floriculture and biodiversity projects. Today GEV is an acclaimed ecovillage showcasing a Symbiotic Development Model, wherein it utilizes natures intelligent design where in every system works in harmony with another. Against this backdrop, a two day National Eco conference titled Nexus Conference, which was a first of its kind event was held here. The conference was focused on the theme – ‘Eco-Ethical Integrated Sustainable solutions – Resolving Food, Water, Energy, Waste Nexus‘. The dates for the conference were 31st Oct and 1st Nov 2015.
The conference witnessed stimulating discourses, deliberation and dialogue in line with the above mentioned theme, under six major streams:
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Water Conservation
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Renewable Energy Management
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Waste – Improperly used resources
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Social Wellness
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Biodiversity Conservation
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Sustainable Agriculture Practices
The main objective of the Nexus Conference 2015 was to bring in ideas, views and experiences on integrated sustainable solutions from renowned speakers, practitioners & leaders and cast them into working solutions for a sustainable and synergistic future for all of us. Noted personalities like Dr. Claude Alvares, Dr. Sultan Ismail, Mr. Ajay Piramal, Dr. Amiya Sahu along with environmental activists like Mr. Arun Krishnamurty and Dr. M. B. Nirmal shared the stage in this two day event The conference took place at the newly constructed Yoga Studio facing the Western Ghats. It saw an outstanding presence of over 250 audience across all age groups and occupations. The biggest highlight of the event was the inspirational talk given by noted personality Smt. Kiran Bedi, who lauded the efforts of HH Radhanath Swami and the entire GEV team in her talk. The Nexus Conference 2015 was powered by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India. The Conference was a success on account of the combined efforts of Govardhan Eco Village, Share Your Care, Artha Forum and Wada College of Management & Science.
The conference saw a fusion of knowledge and best practices from Eminent Environmentalists, Corporates, Spiritual Leaders, Academia, and Students. It brought forth valuable experiences and learnings in the respective areas of discussions. A common theme in all the sessions was the realization that environmental degradation has its close links to rampant exploitation of natural resources and our worsening human lifestyles, which warrants the dire need to spread Srila Prabhupada’s instruction of ‘simple living and high thinking’. The conference also brought home the importance of ‘Respect and Compassion’ in Environmental Conservation. It delved into the importance of water conservation and how by community initiatives our water bodies can be conserved. It underscored the importance of waste as a valuable resource. Even the food we eat can be sustainable if produced through organic practices without affecting the native vegetation.
The conference witnessed sharing of knowledge on best sustainable practices by providing an opportunity for exchange of ideas and views between the audience and the Experts. The best part of the conference was the GEV tour of the Symbiotic Development model by the experts themselves. This gave the audience an opportunity to witness the Internationally recognized and Award winning Govardhan Eco Village and learn from the experts themselves who helped to develop the Symbiotic Development Model. The venue was most opportune to host this one of its kind Nexus Conference. The Nexus Conference was a sure success and would continue to positively influence people in the days to come.