The target landscapes under the SGP-OP8 include regions in India that have a relatively high population belonging to vulnerable and often marginalised communities in India. In the northeastern region, 20.2% of the population belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST), which is one of the most vulnerable populations in India. 11.17% of the population in the Indian Coastal Region and 4.92% of the population in the Himalayan region belong to the ST community. The Aravalli Region and Western Ghats, on the other hand, have Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations of 10.6% and 7.03%, respectively. These communities are important stakeholders in conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and preventing and treating land degradation, especially because they live in close contact with their environment and natural ecosystems, often depending on them for day-to-day survival.
Out of the regions under consideration, coastal Maharashtra consists of a population that has about 5% of its population belonging to the Scheduled Caste or the SCs. The SGP focuses on community engagement and the improvement of the social ecology in the selected regions in consideration of the increased vulnerability of such groups residing in the selected project landscapes. It also gives the community members new opportunities and responsibilities, such as allowing them to run the projects alongside the other stakeholders. Such activities not only ensure their active involvement but also desired outcomes as these populations show perseverance to better their situation. Inclusivity ensures the sustainable development maxim of ‘leave no one behind’.
