What, in your view, defines effective partnership in the context of sustainable development and climate solutions?

Effective partnerships in sustainable development go beyond transactional relationships. They require deep, transformative collaborations where partners may need to sacrifice short-term gains for long-term impact. These partnerships must involve diverse stakeholders—sometimes seemingly unrelated—who come together with a shared commitment to multi-solving. A holistic approach is essential, where solutions address interconnected challenges, offering a collective path forward to address the complex challenges arising from climate crisis.  

How do you envision integrating climate solutions and sustainability across policies, industries, and sectors?

I personally believe that we are late for sustainable solutions because resources have dwindled, climate crisis may no longer offer us the luxury of time. What we need are regenerative solutions. These solutions will not only have to solve the issue but regenerate resources or functional natural processes. Thus, making policies across sectors very important. We will have to address the aspirations through regenerative solutions, which should address the spirit of policies at multiple levels from local self-governance to policies at the centre. This can possibly be done through an approach where we go beyond ‘balance between environment and economy’ to how regenerative solutions that benefit both environment and economy. This may require efforts that are in addition to conventions policy white papers and advocacy. We will have to set up working models with the help of policy makers, especially, the think tanks such as NITI Aayog.

What means of implementation and enabling environment are needed to encourage partnerships involving different stakeholders?

The most crucial enabler for partnerships is a shift in mindset. We must transition from being gatekeepers to being aggregators, co-creators, and facilitators. True partnerships require empathy, active collaboration, and a hands-on approach. Once we embrace this spirit of collective action, the external environment will align—creating a fertile ground for impact. While funding is vital, the real challenge is mobilizing stakeholders who are committed to the cause. When we approach these collaborations as architects, not just fundraisers, we unlock the potential for exponential change.

Can you provide an example of how your organization has used partnerships to accelerate sustainable development and climate solutions?

One of The Habitats Trust (THT) core value is collaborations. Thus, in everything we do, we collaborate. Today THT has over 120 partners ranging from government agencies, armed forces, sports organizations, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and grassroots individuals. There are thus over 50 examples. However, if I have to name one I will pick our Lakshadweep project. Where we are developing an integrated plan for development of the archipelago. We have partnered with local organization, researchers, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Tourism, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, local communities, and Biomimicry 3.8 (a design firm). If we are able to find a solution, we will be able to multi-solve various challenges such as energy, water, waste management, tourism, livelihoods, economic sustenance of the islands, and more.   Thus, offering a comprehensive, regenerative solution that can serve as a model for other island communities facing similar challenges.#