In India, the Smily Academy for innovative eco-enterprises

In India, the Smily Academy for innovative eco-enterprises: Gathers 30 people from four continents in Assam

MAHABAHU DESK

Thirty people from four different continents gathered in Assam, northeastern India, for a training program to create innovative eco-enterprises.

They are guests, from today until March 26, at the first “experiential workshop” of the Smily Academy, the project launched during COP28 in Dubai by the national coordinator for bio-diversity with climate reality India Rituraj Phukan, and Professor Claudia Laricchia, the first non-indigenous person to lead the World Forum of Indigenous Peoples for Climate Justice.

Each of the 30 participants is developing a project “aiming to bridge biodiversity and the ‘indigenous factor’ with technology and business culture.”

Over the course of seven days, a period was spent conducting fieldwork in the region that lies between the dense, lush jungles of Jorhat and the renowned Kaziranga National Park, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This time frame allowed for an immersive experience in the diverse ecosystem that characterizes this part of India, providing ample opportunities for exploration, observation, and study.

Jorhat, known for its dense tropical jungles, is a significant ecological habitat in Assam. This area offers a rich biodiversity that includes a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region. The fieldwork conducted here likely involved navigating through thick vegetation and the challenges that come with a tropical jungle environment, such as high humidity, insects, and dense undergrowth.

Kaziranga National Park, on the other hand, is a protected area famed for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park stretches across vast grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas, providing a sanctuary for numerous other species, including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species.

The park’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its global importance as a biodiversity hotspot and a critical conservation area.

The seven-day field stint would have involved various activities such as wildlife observation, data collection, photography, ecological research, or conservation efforts, depending on the specific objectives of the fieldwork. This period would also allow for engagement with local communities, understanding conservation challenges, and possibly participating in ongoing efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems found in both the Jorhat jungle and Kaziranga National Park.

Overall, the time spent between these two important ecological sites would offer a broad perspective on the natural beauty and environmental importance of the region, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation.

The Smily Academy, acronym for ‘Sustainable Mindset and Inner Level for Youth‘, is based on a system of adoptions by corporate partners, who can guide young entrepreneurs in developing their original projects or involve them in their own initiatives addressing market challenges, or explore new business opportunities with them and become partners.

Supporting the initiative are 30 partners including GammaDonna, Sumus Italia, the Institute for Transformative Innovation Research in Pavia.

“Climate change,” emphasized Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo De Luca, “is one of the most critical contemporary threats. Human actions can still determine future scenarios; we are all actors, victims, and agents of change. I believe you can be a significant source of innovation and creativity, and I expect that with the innovative approach proposed by the Smily Academy, by the end of the week, you will be able to look at the problems we are all facing with new eyes.”

26-03-2024

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