GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)
KERALA CHURCH FINALIZES SCHEME TO FIGHT POVERTY, SAVE NATURE May 5, 2009 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India (UCAN) -- If a Church plan succeeds, Kerala state will have more ground water, hundreds of organic farms and fewer poor people in the next five years. Social service organizations of the southern Indian state's 29 Catholic dioceses have finalized guidelines for a massive action plan to fight poverty and work for environment-friendly development. "This is the first time the Church is coming up with a comprehensive sustainable developmental model, targeting the poorest of the poor in the society," said Bishop Mathew Arackal of Kanjirapally, who has gained a reputation as a consultant in sustainable development. The guidelines were finalized at an April 27-29 conference of about 100 representatives of diocesan social organizations. It was organized by Kerala Social Service Forum, which brings together these organizations. According to the five-year plan, the Church will enroll about 1 million marginalized families in a social security system, the bishop said. The Church action comes after a wave of suicides among indebted and impoverished farmers in the past decade. According to media reports, at least 150,000 farmers have committed suicide since 1997. An estimated 11,500 deaths were recorded in Kerala, mostly in the key farming districts of Idukki and Wayanad. The Church plan involves developing food security programs in 200 parishes and promoting organic farming. About 10,000 owners of small- and medium-size farms are expected to join the scheme to develop exclusive organic farming villages. The farmers' religious affiliation is not a factor. The Church also plans to take action to increase the levels of ground water in drought-prone areas by building earthen dams or basins to collect rain water. It aims to involve local people in protecting water sources and nature. In recent years Kerala has experienced severe droughts in April and May. The state gets six months of rain, but experts say increased deforestation of hills and sand mining in rivers have caused rain water to flow into the sea within hours. The state has yet to come up with plans to hold water in higher altitudes to help replenish ground water. About 50,000 voluntary and self-help groups, regardless of religion, will participate in the programs, according to Father Romance Antony, chairman of Kerala Social Service Forum. "The programs are not designed exclusively for Catholics. Our aim is sustainable development for the entire local community," Father Antony explained. The Church is contacting national and global agencies about marketing agricultural produce, the priest said, adding that eminent social thinkers and scientists would work with Church organizations in executing the programs. "The Church has realized that it should address environmental and ecological issues, and promote a green culture among the poor for achieving faster sustainable growth," he said. Father Varghese Kattuparambil, who attended the conference, said Church social services have moved from dispensing charity to working for the welfare of people and sustainable development. "We now attempt to motivate the poor to better themselves. The Church guides and empowers the poor to fight poverty," he said. Social activist P.T. John welcomed the Church initiative to promote a sustainable model of development. "It's certainly a new plan. The Church can do a lot in this field," he said. - Forwarded by gaspar almeida, www.goa-world.com Goa World Super Goa (em Português) TGF Writers' Sketchpad www.colaco.net www.goa-world.com/goa/ music/ - The Online Music Station for KONKANI Mahableshwar http://www.mahables hwar.com St. Mary's School - Mt Abu, Rajasthan India http://www.abusms. com EXPRESSIONS - THE FLOWER SHOP http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/ COLVA CONDOS - Your Holiday Home in Goa http://www.goacom.org/hotels/colvacondos/goa.html He that that hath a head of wax must not approach the fire. ~Proverb, (French)~
