Progress

Phase I–Ideation, Concept Generation & Validation (2010-2011)

1. Conceptualized the Initiative based on needs assessment and contextual significance of NorthEast India for global sustainability

2. Obtained an institutional backing and support for the Initiative that served to provide the vehicle to launch the Initiative and the opportunity to tap institute’s resources and network.

Phase II–Creation of a Core Structure, Mission and Vision for the Initiative (2012)

1. Assembled a resource group and a think tank for operation, planning and implementation of GISDP as a unique platform for leading the change towards sustainability in NorthEast India. GISDP began targeting its activities for visibility and credibility through outreach and network in order to mobilize support from organizations, institutions and other collective and individual initiatives committed to the vision of sustainability.

2. Formed a Coordinating Council as a core working group that would actively and constructively brainstorm vital issues threatening the social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability of NorthEast India at the grassroot level; conceive measures to mitigate and even reverse the impact of those issues; devise and plan various project activities incorporating such measures, including procurement of the funds and resources needed to execute those activities; and finally set up an Advisory Committee comprising of experts and planners who could oversee the broader functioning of the Initiative and provide key inputs and feedback.

3. Concretized the Vision and Mission statement for GISDP by brainstorming the priority areas of intervention in NorthEast India.

Phase III– Resource Planning for Project activities undertaken by the Initiative (2012 – Present)

1. Devised an action plan for addressing the major areas of intervention identified by the Coordinating Council and Advisory Committee of GISDP. The two areas that were identified are:

a. Create awareness for the urgency to adopt sustainability for NorthEast India through education and outreach. This includes, but is not limited to:

i. Awareness about the need and urgency for preservation of the region’s abundant wealth of natural resources and unique biodiversity threatened by extractive and exploitative commerce in recent decades.
ii. Preservation of the region’s unique cultural heritage and perpetuation of the traditional institutions and value system among the youth.

b. Foster a culture of social entrepreneurship in the region that emphasizes the growth of locally and indigenously owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating on business models that combine both business and development skills, capacities and approaches in their design and implementation.

GISDP recognizes the significance of harnessing the rich resource base of natural biodiversity and indigenous knowledge in NorthEast India to create a model of sustainable and inclusive business, based on commercially viable business solutions with high socio-economic impact. There is an urgent need to create economic growth by eradicating poverty and inequity through business that synergizes development goals with the core business competency goals. In NorthEast, business focus at the grass root level will imply environmental sustainability, livelihood support, entrepreneurship, respect for cultural diversity and biodiversity, equity and economic growth.

2. Apply  for grants and seed funding for the Initiative through specific projects in the area of business and entrepreneurship.