SEEDS Receives United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction
South Asia’s Non-Profit SEEDS Honored at Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
In a moment of great recognition and pride, SEEDS (Sustainable Ecological & Environmental Development Society), South Asia’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to disaster risk reduction and climate change initiatives, was awarded the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction. The award ceremony took place at the 7th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Bali, Indonesia in 2022. The United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, established in 1986 by Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa, founder of the Nippon Foundation, celebrates outstanding efforts in mitigating disaster risk across the globe.
SEEDS’ Decades-Long Resilience-Building Journey Acknowledged
With 28 years of dedicated service to vulnerable communities in South Asia, SEEDS has been a beacon of hope and empowerment. By blending traditional wisdom with modern science and technology, the organization has been instrumental in enhancing resilience among communities facing climate crises and natural disasters. The award recognizes SEEDS’ adoption of a multi-hazard approach and its unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency while responding to climate emergencies.
Co-Founders’ Vision for a Sustainable Future
Upon receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Manu Gupta and Dr. Anshu Sharma, the co-founders of SEEDS, expressed their delight and humility. They emphasized the importance of innovative approaches, technology integration, and community empowerment in overcoming recurring disasters. Looking ahead to the 2030 horizon for the Sendai Framework, SEEDS aims to continue building resilient communities through a holistic, inclusive, and multi-hazard approach.
SEEDS’ Remarkable Impact
SEEDS’ impact over nearly three decades is truly commendable. The organization has been instrumental in rebuilding over 62,000 homes and 650 schools and healthcare facilities. Additionally, they have conducted school safety programs for more than a quarter million children and developed disaster management plans for 500+ communities. Through their efforts, SEEDS has provided emergency assistance to over 830,000 people and positively impacted the lives of more than six million individuals.
Emphasizing Inclusive and Resilient Societies
The awardees’ remarkable achievements were praised by Masato Seko, Senior Program Director of the Global Issues Department at The Nippon Foundation. He stressed the need to prioritize disaster risk reduction (DRR) and build inclusive and resilient societies. Local perspectives and knowledge, along with active involvement from governments, NGOs, businesses, research institutions, media, and community members, are crucial for effective risk reduction policies and actions.
Pioneering the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Disaster Preparedness
SEEDS has been at the forefront of utilizing cutting-edge technology in disaster risk reduction. Through their program, Sunny Lives, they have successfully integrated Artificial Intelligence to identify and anticipate disaster risks to human settlements. These insights are then translated into actionable warnings for communities in South Asia, ensuring better preparedness and response to potential disasters.
Empowering Communities through Participatory Approaches
Across South Asia, SEEDS has embraced participatory approaches, collaborating with local leaders through citizen forums, government-civil society coordination mechanisms, and elected bodies. By mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR), SEEDS continues to make a significant impact in creating safer and more resilient communities.
Meta Description: Discover how SEEDS, a prominent South Asian non-profit organization, was honored with the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022. Learn about their pioneering efforts in disaster preparedness, community empowerment, and the use of Artificial Intelligence for risk assessment. Celebrate SEEDS’ remarkable impact in building resilient communities and reducing disaster risks.
