An AEIF-funded initiative focused on empowering coastal communities in Ernakulam, Kerala, to build resilience against climate change–driven tidal flooding through participatory and community-led approaches.
Overview
The AEIF-funded project, “Co-Creating Community Resilience to Climate Change–Aggravated High-Tide Flooding in Coastal Kerala”, was active from July 2022 to June 2023. It sought to empower vulnerable communities in Ernakulam district, Kerala, to enhance resilience to climate-exacerbated tidal flooding.
Through rights-based advocacy, participatory tidal mapping, community theatre, volunteer training, and grassroots campaigns, the project built a pioneering model of community-driven disaster preparedness and resilience building.
The campaign engaged 25 coastal Local Self Governments (LSGs) across Ernakulam district, with more in-depth participatory work carried out in Kumbalangi, Puthenvelikkara, and Ezhikkara.
Objectives and Approach
The project set out to raise awareness on climate-linked tidal flooding and mobilize campaigns rooted in community rights. Volunteers, including youth groups, women’s collectives such as Kudumbashree, ASHA workers, and theatre artists, were trained to map and document flooding events. Together, communities and governance bodies developed participatory tools for tidal flood mapping and co-created action plans tailored to local needs.
Another major focus was advocacy, building recognition of tidal flooding as a natural disaster in its own right and urging resource mobilization for mitigation measures.
Partnerships and Leadership
The project was supported by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (U.S. Department of State) and led by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Technology support was provided by EQUINOCT, while the Community Resource Centre in Puthenvelikkara anchored the grassroots implementation. The Ernakulam District Panchayat and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) were key government collaborators.
The initiative was directed by Dr. C. Jayaraman of EQUINOCT and steered by Fulbright alumni Prof. B. Manjula Bharathi (TISS) and Mr. Basheer (former Bureau Chief, The Hindu).
