Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Wins SGP Best Innovator Award for Women-Led Grassroots Climate Action.

At the national thematic platform on “Women at the Frontlines of Climate Action, Biodiversity & Land Restoration” held at Jehangir Hall, Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi , Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham received the SGP Best Innovator Award under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

The award recognises Amrita’s women-led grassroots climate initiatives implemented through its Live-in-Labs programme — where students and faculty work directly with rural communities to co-design climate-resilient livelihoods. The initiatives include training women’s collectives in sustainable seaweed cultivation, biodiversity conservation and land restoration practices, while building community-owned micro-enterprises that strengthen environmental resilience and economic independence.

Representing the institution, Dr. Bhavani Rao R, Dean, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences & the UNESCO Chair on Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality highlighted that when research begins with listening and compassion, sustainability becomes a natural outcome. The recognition affirms Amrita’s field-driven academic model that integrates research, implementation and policy engagement — ensuring climate solutions remain locally rooted and community-owned.