3rd Edition of Maru Manthan: A Forum to Celebrate the Spirit of the Desert underway at Thar Desert

Jaisalmer/Imphal: The Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities, gathers at the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, on February 9-10, at Maheshwari Haveli, Barmer Road, Suthar Para, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

This distinctive forum serves as a platform to deeply connect with the land and its people, sharing stories of resilience and nature-based solutions amidst the challenges faced by desert communities.

The programme is being participated by representatives from Foundation for Ecological Security, ICAR – CAZRI, URMUL groups of organisations, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation, Ethiopia, Camel Herders Association, Rajasthan

Jatan Trust, Shiv Nadar University, Bahula Naturals, Selco Foundation, Rangyul FPO,

Central Wool Development Board, NRAA

ICAR – National Research Centre on Camels,

Samakhya Alternatives, ICAR – NINFET, ICAR – CSWRI, PHIA, FAO, MILLs, HIAL, CEEP, WASSAN,

IYRP- SA, NIDAN, Dept of Animal Husbandry,

ASAR, and The Locavore.

These organizations, along with esteemed individuals and community representatives, will contribute their expertise and insights to enrich the discussions and activities at Maru Manthan 2024.

Anshul Ojha, director of Desert Resource Centre, remarks, “Maru Manthan is not merely a gathering; it’s a movement towards preserving the essence of the desert. Our goal is to celebrate the unique beauty and resilience of the desert while addressing the pressing issues encountered by its inhabitants. Together, we can forge a sustainable future for this invaluable ecosystem.”

Maru Manthan 2024 coincides with the UN International Year of Camelids, underscoring the significance of these remarkable creatures in the desert milieu. Participants engage in demonstrations of pastoral production systems, partake in panel discussions on climate change and community aspirations, explore innovative solutions for desert communities, and celebrate the camel production system.

The forum also marks the inception of the Desert Alliance, a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing comprehensive desert bioregion agendas through collective action.