The Siemenpuu Tamil Nadu cooperation programme began in 2006. Through the programme, funding is channelled to four networks and their member organisations operating in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The cooperation programme has been developed on the basis of earlier projects supported by the Foundation.
This year approximately 90 000 euros will be allocated through the Tamil Nadu programme with 39 projects being approved up until the beginning of 2010.
The aims and guidelines of the programme are:
- Sustainable livelihood of the people living in the countryside,
- Traditional and fair management of natural resources,
- Projects and campaigning related to the challenges posed by globalisation,
- Focusing on common challenges faced by all partner NGOs,
- Focusing on and coordinating partner NGOs so as to create a bigger impact on the common objective,
- The foundation of the work is based upon the different ecosystems found in Tamil Nadu, namely hilly forest areas of the interior, the vast plains and long coastal strips,
- When planning the activities, consideration is given to the fact that detrimental actions in one region could have an adverse effect in other regions,
- Hence, when planning counteractions, activities of other actors will also have to be taken into consideration,
- A demonstration model approach is frequently applied in the projects.
The Tamil Nadu cooperation programme is administered and coordinated by the Tamil Nadu Core Team (TNCT). Its role is to support Siemenpuu in administering the projects as follows:
- Assisting in identifying projects to be supported,
- Assisting in monitoring, reporting and evaluating projects,
- Acting as an intermediary between projects and Siemenpuu.
The following networks form part of the Tamil Nadu Core Team:
- JASUL - Joint Action for Sustainable Livelihood
- TNEC - Tamil Nadu Environmental Council
- LEISA NETWORK - Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture
- SINFPAD - South Indian Network on Participatory Development
Tamil Nadu programme was subject to appraisal process in 2009. The final appraisal report can be downloaded here (pdf, 1 Mb)