H&M Foundation and SEEDS Announce New Partnership to Build Resilient Communities in India

The H&M Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with the Sustainable Environment & Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) to enhance the resilience of communities exposed to disasters and climate change impacts in Assam and Uttar Pradesh, India. This ambitious three-year project is backed by a financial commitment of SEK 7,500,000.

Disaster affected communities often face both immediate and long-term challenges. The immediate impacts typically include loss of life, injuries, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure, while the long-term effects can involve economic hardship, health crises, psychological trauma, and disruption of essential services such as education.

Our partnership with SEEDS has a multi-phase approach, starting with emergency response and relief, progressing through rehabilitation and reconstruction, and ultimately aiming for sustainable development and resilience building. The project aims to address the specific needs of communities affected by disasters by providing immediate relief, supporting long-term recovery, building resilience, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring effective resource mobilization and implementation through continuous monitoring and evaluation.

"This partnership marks a significant step towards building resilient and sustainable communities in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. By addressing both immediate relief and long-term recovery, we aim to empower the most vulnerable populations to withstand future disasters and climate challenges. This collaboration is not just about rebuilding what was lost, but about creating a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future." says Kristina Svartling, Project Manager at H&M Foundation. 

Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, disabled individuals, and economically disadvantaged groups, are particularly at risk when a disaster hits and often bear the brunt of these challenges. Environmental and geographic factors, like coastal locations and climate change, also exacerbate the vulnerabilities. The funds from H&M Foundation are estimated to reach a quarter of a million people and are directed to Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The project is focused on:

• Vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters, including excluded groups, women, children, elderly, minorities, and single parents.
• Disaster-affected households, particularly marginalized groups such as landless farmers, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities.
• Nature and surroundings, as recipients of interventions aimed at preservation, restoration, and sustainable management in disaster-affected areas.

The overall goal of the project is to go beyond the actual disaster and create resilient, sustainable, and equitable disaster-affected communities. Whereas one portion of the budget is allocated to immediate relief efforts, such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies, a major part of the budget is allocated towards recovery and preparedness efforts. By addressing key areas such as shelter, livelihood, water sanitation and health, the target communities are fostered to be resilient and better equipped to withstand future disasters and climate crisis. Further, environmental sustainability is integrated in the project with the aim of providing long-term health of eco-systems and communities. By implementing sustainable infrastructure such as waste management, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation, environmental well-being and community resilience are recognized as interconnected systems.

Key to success of the project is the involvement of the affected communities themselves, leveraging local knowledge and fostering collaboration among government agencies, non-profits, the private sector, and community members. The project also has a systems change approach and aims to address for instance policies, practices, resource flows and behavioural change.

For more information or scheduling interviews please contact:  

Jasmina Sofić,
Media Relations Responsible, H&M Foundation 
Mobile +46 73 465 59 59 
E-mail: jasmina.sofic@hmfoundation.com

The H&M Foundation, funded by the Persson family, founders and majority owners of the H&M Group, supports the textile industry in halving its greenhouse gas emissions every decade by 2050, while promoting a just and fair transition for both people and the planet. Its projects target high-emission areas along the textile value chain where the H&M Foundation’s philanthropic strengths can have the greatest impact. More information, hmfoundation.com