Caritas India is an Executive Member in The Inter-Agency Group Tamil Nadu (IAG TN) that had its initiation in 2008 with few NGOs and gradually gained momentum reaching out to more agencies and stretching the geographical spread within the state of Tamil Nadu. Over a period, till now IAG TN has initiated capacity building based on the contextual need and enabling an effective atmosphere of sharing, learning, and strengthening the capacities of agencies. One of the key aspects is the interactive approach that has enabled the evolution of Strategy Paper (2013- 2022) of IAG TN which has an inbuilt system for mutual learning.

The various assessment studies undertaken by IAG TN has enabled a process of learning with the involvement of more local agencies. They have brought in the understanding of the need to focus on protecting and building the existing local systems and enhancing the scope for the same. As an outcome of periodic reflections with dynamic member organizations, IAG TN Nadu has initiated an Academy to promote Collaboration namely, Academy of Collaborative Efforts (ACE). The Academy forms its own significance, where it is important to build in a system of learning on Collaborative Efforts bringing in the experience of member agencies, government agencies, community organizations, communities, and other stakeholders. The crux of this initiative lies in building on the local systems and processes and ultimately enabling local leadership within the IAG.

With the wealth of experience and knowledge gained by the member NGOs over the years, enormity in terms of human resources,  connectedness with the grassroots communities, emerging trends in the fields of development/ DRR and the need to conscientise the public with an evidence-based proven methodology, the need for a scientific method of research becomes imperative. ACE will have a specialised focus in the area of Research to enable stakeholders to come up with a new theory of change.

The formal launch of ACE was held on 05/02/2021. Mr.Joseph Sagayam, Convener of IAG TN in his introductory address explained the evolution and uniqueness of this network and the initiatives. Prof. Santosh Kumar, Head – Governance and Public Policy, NIDM, New Delhi delivered the inaugural address. IAG TN collaborators and close associates viz., Amar Jyothi Nayak( Global adviser, IHART ActionAid International), Kunal Shah (Acting Regional Manager, HEA, Asia Pacific Region, World Vision International), Job Zachariah (Chief of UNICEF, Chhattisgarh),   Satchithananda Valan Michael( Head of Field Office, UNHCR, Chennai), Dr.Banu Pratap Mall (Convenor- IAG Uttar Pradesh) and Sanjay Pandey (Convenor IAG- Bihar) gave felicitations. They recalled the proactive role played by the member organizations of IAG TN and their effective response mechanisms that are instrumental in the swift assessment and humanitarian support to the disaster impacted marginalized communities.

On behalf of Caritas India, Executive Director Fr. Paul Moonjely congratulated the efforts of IAG TN and assured his support to the effort. He also explained the evolution of similar initiative by Caritas India named CIDAL (Caritas Institute of Development Action & Learning). He continued his felicitation with a keynote address for the First Webinar under the aegis of ACE  led by Caritas India on the topic “ Land and Water – A Disaster Risk Reduction Perspective”. Fr. Paul with examples narrated the role played by the communities in reducing the loss of human lives during the 2018 Kerala Floods. He insisted that the community is the first respondent and Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction methodology is the need of the hour.

The first panellist Dr. John Arokiaraj, Manager Caritas India made his presentation on the topic ‘Disaster Risk Reduction through Land and Water Management’. His discussion framework analysed the impacts of disasters due to failure in protecting land and water, conditions of the affected people in terms of their vulnerabilities, learnings from recent disaster experiences, recommendations and the role of governance mechanisms in DRR. He emphasized that where human law is preoccupied with licenses, nature’s law is concerned solely with location and hence illegal encroachment for whatever purposes and devaluing of any land should be avoided at the first instant.

Pull and Push Factor is influencing agrarian economy leading to urban boom in Tamil Nadu resulting in the conversion of rural poverty into urban poverty. What is ironical is that when the scope for agriculture is shrinking, the number of agricultural workers is on the rise. Inefficient and ineffective quality control systems fail to prevent the overuse, underuse, abuse, and misuse of natural resources. This is very badly affecting our ecosystem mainly water- the source of life and land – the source for livelihood, identity, and human dignity.

DRR sustainability measures should encompass equitable distribution of resources, economic activities,  active participation of communities in matters affecting their life and Stewardship of environment. Make investments in communities: Let them Control, Command, Communicate and Co-ordinate. Train the communities on Public Expenditure Reviews (PERs) that will focus on objective analysis of public spending issues and analysis of revenues, levels, and composition of public spending. Train them also on Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS) that will track the flow of government resources, determine the amount that actually reaches service delivery level and coverage of services uncovered by the public system.

It was impressive to see the outcome of a cluster programme on Land and Water called Thulir implemented in Tamil Nadu by 10 partner Organisations wherein the recorded volume of water conserved by stakeholders from 134 villages in 63 panchayats when converted into the equivalent of money is calculated as a whopping Rs.27.55 crores in a year which otherwise would have been wasted.

The discussions further led to self-introspection concerning ethical standards in resource allocation, assuming collective responsibility, adherence to humanitarian standards, value for democratic participation and ownership, why people are poor despite enormous resources, people-centric plans for the rehabilitation of affected, how to address the consequences of land and water deterioration and how will we instil confidence in the minds of poor and vulnerable.

Rev.Dr.M.C.Rajan, Human Rights and Legal Aid Consultant, Tamil Nadu dealt with the topic ‘People-Centric Approach for Sustainable Development’. He said that the present socio-economic situation of affluence and extreme poverty demands systemic thinking and strategic planning for a future vision. The dynamics of influencing policy-making at different levels requires the representation and leadership of the marginalized poor which is still found wanting. The response to poverty cannot be ‘property’, rather the alternative to both must be ‘community’, A caring, sharing community gives identity and dignity, humanizes our lives. Empowerment facilitates localization of development and makes communities subjects of transformation. Let them make decisions for the issues affecting their lives dealing from both micro and macro perspectives and long-term impacts.

The panellists explained that environmental degradation, the livelihood of traditional local communities Vs Interest of Corporates, forced displacement on the pretext of development, destroying the culture of communities built around the resources that sustain them, insufficient knowledge dissemination and political space for dialogue, unsafe migration, rapid urbanization and unplanned development are the casual factors leading to disasters.

Dr.U.Irudhayasamy, Managing Trustee of IRDRP, Chengalpattu dealt on ‘Land titles to Marginalised People’ with special reference to Irula Tribal Communities who live along the banks of water bodies without any land ownership. He insisted on the need to have collaborative efforts with Government, NGOs and CBOs for land titles. The challenges faced by these marginalized communities and the exclusion from mainstream were detailed.

All the panellists were unanimous in concluding that the time has come that environmental issues are addressed through micro development initiatives with the involvement of communities. Though the mindset of people on the existing agricultural practices is seen as a challenge, the  CBOs, Farmers clubs, Linkages with government agencies, Universities and departments, Knowledge management, people’s movements addressing land and water rights, existing replicable models and  Panchayat Raj Institutions contribute to a positive environment for collaborative interventions.  Introduction of effective and efficient quality control systems is necessary to bring in accountability in the utilisation of natural resources.

The webinar was moderated by Ms.Esther Maria Selvam (Associate Director, Women’s Rights, ActionAid Association, Tamil Nadu State Office) with Dr.John Arokiaraj, (Manager-Caritas India, chennai) as Session Lead. Mr.Maria James ( Director -RUC, Nagercoil) proposed vote of thanks.