About
VIKALP
Growing the Future Together since 2002 - Empowering communities through sustainable development, climate action, and environmental conservation.
VIKALP
An Alternative for Sustainable Development
Who We Are
VIKALP (an alternative) is a voluntary organization working in Gujarat 380015, India with Indigenous and Deprived Communities on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change, Agroforestry & Biodiversity, Natural Resource Management as well as Women Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihood.
Registered in 2002 under Public Trust Act, India (Registration No. E/15763/Ahmedabad), VIKALP has official accreditation with UNFCCC, UNCCD & CBD, and is in Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC.
We work toward climate-friendly inclusive development for sustainable traditional agricultural production and social forestry, leading to sustainable food security & livelihood, healthy society, and community access to dignified life through constitutional rights.
Our approach integrates traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices, ensuring that development is not only environmentally sound but also culturally appropriate and economically viable for local communities.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To empower indigenous and marginalized communities through sustainable development initiatives, promoting environmental conservation, climate resilience, and social equity while preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
Our Vision
A world where communities live in harmony with nature, enjoying dignified livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability, while actively participating in global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity.
Our Core Values
Community-Centered
Putting communities first
Sustainability
For future generations
Equity & Justice
Fair and inclusive
Collaboration
Working together
Innovation
Creative solutions
Integrity
Transparent & honest
Knowledge
Traditional & modern
Compassion
Care for all beings
UN Accreditations & Recognition
Officially recognized by United Nations bodies for our environmental and development work
UNFCCC
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNCCD
UN Convention to Combat Desertification
CBD
Convention on Biological Diversity
UN ECOSOC
Special Consultative Status
These accreditations enable us to participate in global environmental policy discussions and contribute to international sustainable development initiatives.
Our Impact in Numbers
23 years of dedicated service to the environment and communities
Trees Planted
Fruit, Forestry & Native
Women Farmers
Connected & Empowered
Villages Impacted
Across South Gujarat
Traditional Varieties
Revived
Income Increase
For Farmers
Biodiversity Sites
4,000+ trees each
Miyawaki Forests
155+ species
Years of Service
Since 2002
Our Approach
Community Participation
Engaging communities in decision-making and implementation, ensuring ownership and sustainability of initiatives.
Traditional Knowledge
Integrating indigenous wisdom with modern science for culturally appropriate and effective solutions.
Collaborative Partnerships
Working with governments, NGOs, and international bodies to amplify our impact and reach.
Capacity Building
Providing training, resources, and support to strengthen local capabilities and leadership.
Evidence-Based
Using research, monitoring, and evaluation to inform our strategies and demonstrate results.
Holistic Solutions
Addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions together for lasting change.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated professionals working towards a sustainable future
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Executive Director
Environmental scientist with 25+ years of experience in sustainable development
Priya Patel
Program Director
Expert in community development and women empowerment initiatives
Amit Sharma
Research Coordinator
Specialist in climate change research and policy advocacy
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether through volunteering, partnership, or support, there are many ways to contribute to our mission of building a sustainable future.