Understanding Sustainable Development at TERI 2026

Our journey to Supi began at 5:30 am as we travelled past lush green hills, railway tracks, and villages along the way. After a long yet enjoyable journey, we arrived at the research centre of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), surrounded by beautiful gardens and farms. Located near Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand, the centre introduced us to various research initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

TERI’s Research Initiative at Supi for Himalayan Advancement (TRISHA) was established in 2003 to support sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Its work focuses on horticulture, herbal farming, and the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. We learnt how farmers were trained in sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of polyhouses and greenhouses for protected cultivation, vermicomposting to improve soil fertility, and rainwater harvesting to conserve water. These methods were particularly important in the Himalayan region, where changing climatic conditions affected farming and natural resources.

Another interesting feature was the air quality monitoring unit, which helped researchers study pollution levels. We also visited Kumaon Vani, a community radio station, where we, the students of Kunskapsskolan International, had an interactive experience recording a conversation about our journey through Uttarakhand. We discussed TERI’s initiatives, education in mountain communities, organic farming, and the challenges faced by local farmers. Our visit to Supi was much more than an opportunity to admire its serene beauty. It helped us understand how scientific research, environmental conservation, and community participation could improve people’s lives. As we travelled home through the quiet, pine-covered ridges of Mukteshwar, we carried not just photographs but also a deeper appreciation of sustainable development in the Himalayas.

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