The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Kundgol taluk, Dharwad district, Karnataka has achieved global recognition by winning the Equator Initiative Award 2025, presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Often described as the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation”, the award celebrates innovative, community-led solutions for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Among 10 global winners, the Bibi Fatima SHG stands out as the only Indian group honoured this year. The selection was made from a competitive pool of around 700 nominees representing 103 countries, reflecting the group’s extraordinary achievements in protecting biodiversity while improving local livelihoods.
A Grassroots Movement for Conservation and Empowerment
Formed by rural women in Teertha village, the Bibi Fatima SHG has spent years working to protect natural ecosystems, restore degraded lands, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Their approach blends traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques, ensuring that environmental initiatives are deeply rooted in community needs.
The group has championed organic farming, water conservation, and the revival of indigenous plant species. By reintroducing native crops and medicinal plants, they have not only enhanced biodiversity but also provided local families with healthier food options and supplementary income.
Sustainable Livelihoods Through Innovation
Beyond conservation, the SHG has worked tirelessly to create economic opportunities for women. Initiatives such as producing organic manure, processing herbal products, and developing eco-friendly handicrafts have allowed members to earn steady incomes while minimising environmental impact.
By integrating biodiversity conservation into their economic activities, the Bibi Fatima SHG has demonstrated how rural communities can thrive without depleting their natural resources. This balance of ecological responsibility and economic resilience was a key factor in their selection for the Equator Initiative Award.
Global Recognition for Local Leadership
The Equator Initiative Award is presented biennially to recognise local and indigenous communities making outstanding contributions to nature-based solutions for climate change, land degradation, and sustainable development. Past recipients have gone on to influence policy and inspire similar grassroots initiatives worldwide.
For the Bibi Fatima SHG, this award not only validates years of dedication but also brings international visibility to their work. “We are honoured to receive this recognition on behalf of our village and the countless women who work every day to protect our land and water,” said the group’s spokesperson.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
The recognition is expected to amplify the group’s impact, attracting more support for their projects and inspiring other rural communities across India to adopt community-led conservation models. Local authorities have also pledged to integrate the SHG’s sustainable practices into wider development plans for the Dharwad district.
By placing a small village in Karnataka on the global map, the Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group has shown that meaningful environmental change begins at the grassroots level—with empowered communities, shared responsibility, and a vision for a greener, more equitable future.
