SELF – Sustainability, Environment & Livelihoods Forum

Democratizing Climate Action by Restoring Environment and Strengthening Livelihoods

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Who We Are

SELF (Sustainability, Environment and Livelihood Forum) is a section 8 company registered under The Company Act, 2013. SELF is initiated by seasoned development and environment professionals with the objective of mainstreaming and democratizing environment conservation and climate action, while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods.

With a strong background in civil society engagement, the founders bring more than two decades of experience each in environment conservation, social work, and community empowerment. Their collective journey has been shaped by the recognition that environmental degradation is steadily eroding resilience, often hidden by shifting baselines that make us forget what has already been lost.

SELF exists to challenge this invisibility — to restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure that climate action is led by those closest to the land. By capitalizing on the social strength of communities and civil society organisations, and by addressing market asymmetries and knowledge gaps, SELF builds pathways where farmers and rural communities are not just participants, but leaders of transformation.

Sustainability

At SELF, sustainability is about more than reducing emissions — it is about restoring resilience, dignity, and equity in the way communities live and work. True sustainability means confronting invisible losses and building pathways that protect both ecosystems and livelihoods.

Environment

Restoring balance by transforming ecological threats into regenerative opportunities, advancing resilience for people and planet.

Livelihoods

Empowering rural communities through dignified work, local value chains, and climate-positive opportunities.

Our Approach

Farmer-led Climate Action

Placing small farmers, especially women, at the center of solutions ensures that sustainability is rooted in local realities.

Livelihoods with Dignity

Sustainable practices must strengthen incomes and agency, not burden communities with costs or risks.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Demystifying science — from methane emissions to soil health — so that farmers can act with clarity and confidence.

Addressing Market Asymmetry

Tackling roadblocks and inequities in access to finance, markets, and technology to ensure fair participation.

Collective Strength

Harnessing the power of civil society organisations and community networks to drive systemic change.

ESG Integration

Aligning our work with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles — ensuring that climate action is transparent, accountable, and socially just.

Mission & Vision

SELF is guided by a clear commitment to democratize climate action and create equitable pathways for rural communities.

Our Mission

Empowering farmers and rural communities to restore environment and livelihoods by breaking market barriers and bridging knowledge gaps — democratizing climate action for resilience and equity.

Our mission is to democratize climate action by empowering small farmers and rural communities to lead the restoration of environment and livelihoods. We capitalize on the social strength of communities and civil society organisations to drive collective action, while actively addressing market asymmetries and roadblocks that hinder equitable participation. By demystifying the science, creating financial and market linkages, and fostering inclusive, farmer-driven models, SELF builds pathways where ecosystems are restored, livelihoods are strengthened, and climate action becomes both just and enduring.

Our Vision

Democratizing Climate Action by Restoring Environment and Strengthening Livelihoods

We envision a future where rural communities lead climate resilience, supported by the collective strength of civil society and empowered through access to knowledge, markets, and finance. Environmental degradation has been slowly eroding our resilience, often hidden by shifting baselines that make us forget what has already been lost. By recognizing these invisible losses and addressing both market asymmetries and information gaps, SELF seeks to build a world where climate action is inclusive, livelihoods are dignified, and ecosystems are restored through collective agency.

Our Projects

WISE 1 WISE 2 WISE 3
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Focus: Women & Livelihoods

Women Initiated Social Enterprises (WISE)

WISE is a pioneering model by SELF that positions women as nano-entrepreneurs, enabling them to lead climate-smart transformations in agriculture and dairy.

  • Empowered as entrepreneurs — moving beyond subsistence roles to lead sustainable enterprises.
  • Equipped with knowledge — demystifying methane emissions and climate science.
  • Linked to markets and finance — addressing asymmetries that often exclude women.
  • Driving resilience through balanced ration feeding and climate-smart solutions.
Discussion on Prosopis Infestation Discussion with community in Pali
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Focus: Ecology & Livelihoods

Eradication of Prosopis juliflora — From Weed to Feed

In Rajasthan, our initiative promotes decentralised feed processing units in Ajmer, Alwar, Karauli, and Pali to convert invasive Prosopis juliflora pods into livestock feed, reducing ecological threat while creating local value chains.

Location: Ajmer, Alwar, Karauli, Pali — Rajasthan  |  Status: Ongoing

Civil Society Network 1 Community sharing problems in Karauli Discussion with Disha team, Saharanpur Discussion with Ecolife team in Ajmer
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Focus: Civil Society

Robust Civil Society Network for Climate Action

SELF has partnered with 23 NGOs and many FPOs to strengthen capabilities around climate action. SELF provides support, coordination, and collaboration to ensure climate action starts from the ground and its voices are heard at the top as well.

Discussion at CTI, Ranchi, Jharkhand Discussion with PRI representatives in Ranchi Climate resilient varieties in Sehore Discussion with youth climate group in Sehore End term assessment, Sehore Discussion with GP Sec, Dahikheda, Sehore Water Security Initiative in Sehore
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Focus: Advisory

Advisory Services

  • Scoping study for commons and ecological restoration — Jharkhand
  • Endline assessment of JEEVAN Program — Sehore, Madhya Pradesh
Methane in Dairy and Agriculture 1 Methane in Dairy and Agriculture 2 Methane in Dairy and Agriculture 3
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Focus: Climate & Agriculture

Reducing Methane in Dairy and Agriculture

SELF works with farmers and dairy communities to adopt balanced ration feeding and improved agricultural practices that significantly cut methane emissions. By demystifying the science and linking farmers to actionable solutions, this initiative advances both climate goals and farm productivity.

Kharka Initiative – Bundelkhand
Nature-Based Solutions for Just Transition (2025–2027)

Kharka Initiative – Revitalizing Agriculture and Livelihoods in Bundelkhand

Bundelkhand is poised for transformation. The Kharka Initiative ensures irrigation-led growth is matched with ecological restoration, institutional strengthening, and social inclusion — creating a resilient, equitable, and convergence-ready model for just transition.

  • Regional Solution: Tackles Bundelkhand’s agrarian and ecological crisis through revival of the historic ‘Bundela’ ecosystem.
  • Core Approach: Restoring traditional tanks, promoting organic farming, and empowering migrant youth — anchored in climate resilience and social justice.

Key Challenges Addressed:

  • Erratic rainfall and water scarcity
  • Soil degradation and biodiversity loss
  • Distress migration and social exclusion
  • Weak local governance and fragmented schemes

Project Locations

Haryana Uttar Pradesh Punjab Rajasthan

About the Directors

Rishu Garg

Rishu Garg

Executive Director and Co-founder, SELF

LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Piyusha Tiwari

Dr. Piyusha Tiwari

Director and Co-founder, SELF

Democratising Climate Action Through Restoring Environment and Strengthening Livelihoods.

LinkedIn Profile
Priyank Dubey

Priyank Dubey

Director Communications, SELF

A writer and creative producer. Written and creative produced Ajey the untold story of a yogi (2025). Has worked with Eros International, ESPN, and other international communication firms.

LinkedIn Profile
Prof. A.P. Mishra

Prof. A.P. Mishra

Sr. Advisor

Former Head and Dean, Department of Chemistry, Dr. H.S. Gaur University.

Partners

SELF works in collaboration with a growing network of NGOs, FPOs, and knowledge organisations committed to climate action and community empowerment.

Krimanshi
Magenta
Partner
DAANG Vikas Sansthan
KRIPAVIS
Lok Kalyan Santhan
Prayatna
RMKM
Partner
Krimanshi
Magenta
Partner
DAANG Vikas Sansthan
KRIPAVIS
Lok Kalyan Santhan
Prayatna
RMKM
Partner

Get In Touch

Contact Information

info@self.org.in

Dr. Piyusha Tiwari: +91 70110 25490

Rishu Garg: +91 99108 49280

Communication Address

1240 B1, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi – 110070

Registered Address

Innov8 Ras Vilas, Lower Ground Floor,
Salcon Rasvilas D-1, Saket District Center,
New Delhi – 110017


Get Involved

Whether you want to Volunteer, Partner, or Support our work, we'd love to hear from you.