Just a few years ago, the land we now call home was unrecognisable—an arid, eroded landscape, devoid of life. It was hard to imagine that this barren terrain could one day transform into a thriving ecosystem. But as the first saplings took root and water catchment systems were introduced, something remarkable happened: life returned. Today, what was once a desolate space has become a lush, regenerating ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. Our journey has been one of resilience, learning, and optimism.
A Community-Led Approach to Regeneration
The JOI Anitya Project, established in 2017, was never strictly a conservation initiative. It was envisioned as a sustainable living campus—a space to showcase regenerative practices such as natural buildings (e.g., rammed earth, wattle and daub), water conservation, renewable energy, agroforestry, and ecological restoration. Our aim was to create a self-sustaining model that could support both people and nature, fostering harmony between human communities and the environment.
Located within the larger 3,930-acre Auroville afforestation initiative, our project is part of a decades-long effort to restore what was once a thriving Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF)—an ecosystem which was once home to elephants, tigers, and diverse wildlife. Centuries of deforestation had left the land degraded, but through sustained restoration efforts, we are witnessing a slow but promising revival.
The transformation began with capturing monsoon rains that previously eroded the barren landscape, redirecting and storing water to regenerate the soil. The next step involved planting trees, including native species and organic crops, to restore biodiversity and improve land fertility. With initial regeneration underway, funding was secured to establish educational spaces built using natural materials such as rammed earth, wattle and daub. As the project evolved, additional trees were planted to support pollinators and enhance ecosystem resilience. This progress was made possible through the collective efforts of over 400 volunteers and collaborations with experts from organisations such as the Earth Institute, Pitchandikullam Forest, Sadhana Forest, Fertile Forest, and others.
JOY OF IMPERMANENCE 