Islands of excellence: community organizations as torch bearers

ICEF has been in operation for mante than a decade and has acquired truly national character through the over fifty projects it has supported all over India Enhancing the capacity of Indian organizations to undertake sustainable management of natural resources has been the hallmark of projects designed and implemented Much like the potter's wheel, ICEF has guided and shaped, hand crafted and allowed to evolve as circumstances required, and built inherent capacities of organizations at all levels and of various hues. As a reading of the four case studies presented in this booklet reveals, this is an arduous but intrinsically rewarding task given the project mode of funding with the attendant limitations of time and resources and the need to mould a community of diverse socio-economic strands into an empowered institution capable of charting its own future. The title "Islands of Excellence-Community Organizations as Torch Bearers is reflective of this By vesting the community with requisite skills, resources and the processes of good governance, ICEF ensures sustainability of the interventions and gainful utilization, over a period of time, of the considerable investments made. However, very often, in a project, only one or two community organizations become an empowered community vehicle. putting their villages firmly on the path of progress and development within a short span of time. They have thus been the torch bearers bringing light and hope to many others The four case studies presented in this booklet are from two ICEF supported projects on Natural Resource Management. The first two cases are from the project for "Water Resources Development and Energy Conservation for Sustainable Management of Environment implemented by BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune. These relate to the Charagah Samiti (Pasture Committee) in Bundi District. Rajasthan and the Community Biogas Committee in Hassan District, Karnataka. The next two studies are from the project for "Water Resources Development and Conjunctive Utilization for Environmental Restoration in Tribal Area of Patratu Block, Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand and implemented by Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra, Ranchi. These relate to the Village Development Committees of Armadag and Pali villages Since taking over the helm of affairs at ICEF, I have emphasized on sharing the wealth of experience gathered from projects in land, water and energy sectors. This booklet is part of a series of five booklets to disseminate lessons learnt and bring hope and encouragement and benefit to the millions who depend upon natural resources for sustainable livelihoods.