Prayas Youth Foundation

The Prayas Youth Foundation employs the innovative Miyawaki Method to establish dense, native forests for ecological enrichment. This approach, pioneered by Dr Akira Miyawaki, involves planting numerous native species closely together, resulting in rapid growth and increased biodiversity. Notable projects include the creation of Maharashtra's largest urban forest, the Project Oxygen Hub, spanning over 5 acres and funded through CSR initiatives. Collaborating with various entities, the foundation has established forests in locations like Sant Srishti, AMC Garbage Processing Plant, Canpack Can Division, GCL Chikalthana MIDC, Modi Farm, Siemens Ltd - Shendar MIDC, Dr Kalam Smriti Vann, and Jabalpur. These initiatives focus on improving air quality, addressing waste processing odours, combating water scarcity, and paying tribute to national figures like Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam through dedicated forest plantations.

Prayas Youth Foundation employs the traditional method of afforestation, ensuring appropriate spacing between trees while planting 100% indigenous species to enhance ecological health and biodiversity. Its initiatives span various locations and contexts, such as Chaitanya Housing Society, Alankar Society, Colours Of Aurangabad, Sant Srushti - Ulkanagari, IPCA Ecology Project, Water Resource Department, Mission Respect - Kargil Plantation, GOGA BABA HILL BASE - UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, and Sterlite Green Belt. The Foundation aims to transform barren lands into green spaces, paying homage to Kargil war heroes through tree planting, creating ecological restoration projects, and engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavours with organisations like Sterlite Technologies Limited. Its work encompasses planting native flowering trees, dense plantations, and fostering a culture of environmental respect across Aurangabad.

Prayas Youth Foundation adopts the agroforestry method, integrating tree cultivation with crops or pastureland. This approach mimics natural ecosystems, enhancing the farming system's sustainability and functionality. Trees offer a range of valuable products such as fruits, nuts, medicines, and wood items. Additionally, in collaboration with COSMO Foundation and Green Yatra, it addresses the concerns of global deforestation caused by farming and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry emerges as a solution, addressing challenges related to food, nutrition, energy, employment, and environmental security, while utilizing available land resources effectively.

Prayas Youth Foundation addresses India's pressing water crisis through its Water Conservation programme. With the country facing severe water stress and a rising water crisis, the organisation is dedicated to combating agrarian distress, preventing soil erosion, and increasing access to safe drinking water. By creating ponds, employing hill trenching, utilizing recharge pits, and implementing desilting techniques, the Foundation has conserved a remarkable 40.59 crore liters of water to date. This initiative is a crucial step towards water security in a nation where over half the population lacks access to safe drinking water and where water scarcity has profound socio-economic implications.

The activities of Prayas Youth Foundation focus on revitalizing biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life forms found in various ecosystems, such as land, sea, and desert environments and the interconnected systems they create. Each species contributes uniquely to its ecosystem by capturing energy, generating organic matter, and engaging in decomposition. Acknowledging the inherent value of all species, the Foundation has effectively conserved and introduced over 80 species of plants and animals into forests.