Terre Policy Centre

On 30th October 2025, the International Ocean Institute organized a webinar titled “Governance for Resilience: Showcasing Nature-Based Solutions in Ocean and Climate Policy”, held from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM IST. The session featured distinguished speakers from various organizations, including Joseph Flymm (Founder, OZEAON; UN Ocean Decade Project Lead, ECOP Programme), Prof. Allan Deidun (Ocean Ambassador for Malta; Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Malta), S. Shreelekshmi, Mathew Avarachen (Post-Doctoral Researcher, Cochin University of Science and Technology, India & Researcher, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway), Maria Schoenbeck (Coastal Solutions Fellows Program, Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas – CECON/USAC), Melyn Abisa (Global Ambassador, Youth4Nature), and Sagar Lakhotiya (Project Leader, TERRE Policy Centre).

Each speaker delivered a 10-minute presentation, sharing insights on nature-based solutions and governance mechanisms for ocean and climate resilience. The webinar saw the active participation of over 120 attendees and concluded with an engaging discussion and Q&A session.

TERRE Policy Centre and International Ocean Institute IOI conducting a webinar on “Governance for Resilience: Showcasing Nature-Based Solutions in Ocean and Climate Policy” on Thursday, 30th October 2025, from 15:00–16:30 CET (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM IST) via Microsoft Teams. This interactive session will explore how nature-based solutions are strengthening resilience in ocean and climate governance, featuring discussions with global experts and practitioners. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about innovative approaches shaping sustainable environmental policies.

For registrations - click the link in bio.

TERRE Policy Centre, a partner of the Mobius Foundation, participated in the 7th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) by convening a plenary session titled "Blue Economy, Blue Jobs: Transforming Livelihoods." The session was moderated by Dr. Vinita Apte, Founder and Director of TERRE Policy Centre, and chaired by Vice Admiral (Retd.) Sunil Anand, AVSM, NM.
The panel discussion featured esteemed experts, including Mr. Manuel Cira-Felix, Senior Advisor at Citizen of the Ocean France; Ms. Shweta Khare Naik, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute India and member of the UNESCO-IOC Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy; and Dr. Suprava Patnaik, Principal Advisor for Climate Action Initiatives at CYSD. The panelists provided valuable insights into how the blue economy can drive sustainability and create green jobs, ultimately generating livelihood opportunities.
The session concluded with a productive question-and-answer session, fostering an engaging discussion between the panelists and the audience.

On July 1, 2025, TERRE Policy Centre, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), TATA Motors, and the Gram Panchayat of Pait, organized a successful tree plantation drive in Pait village, Pune district. This initiative commemorated a significant milestone—SBI’s 70th anniversary, celebrating 219 years of its legacy as India's oldest and most trusted financial institution.
This event also marked the inauguration of a long-term plantation project supported by TATA Motors, aimed at enhancing green cover and promoting biodiversity through the planting of indigenous tree species in the region.
The plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior representatives of SBI, including Mr. Sandeep Patil, Regional Manager, Pune West, Ms. Neha Borate, HR Manager, Ms. Priyanka Raju, Chief Manager, SBI Chinchwad Branch, Mr. Samiksh*t Shedge, Senior Associate and Pallavi Jambkar.
Representing TATA Motors, Mr. Rohit Saroj, Deputy General Manager – CSR & Affirmative Action, graced the occasion and joined hands in planting the first saplings of the project.
Together with members of the local Gram Panchayat, volunteers from TATA Motors and TERRE's team, all participants actively contributed to the plantation drive, reinforcing a shared commitment toward environmental sustainability and community welfare. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to nurture these saplings and work collectively toward building a greener, healthier future for Pait and beyond.

Celebrating 15 Glorious Years of TERRE: Transforming Vision into Action
TERRE Policy Centre marked its 15th Anniversary with a grand celebration on 28th June 2025 at S.M. Joshi Hall, Rasta Peth, Pune, bringing together visionaries, partners, and well-wishers who have been part of TERRE’s journey.
The evening began at 6:00 PM with the soulful TERRE Anthem, followed by a warm welcome by Ms. Sneha Karade ( Project Leader ) . Dr. Vinita Apte, Founder and Director of TERRE Policy Centre, delivered an inspiring welcome speech highlighting the organization’s journey and impact over the years.
Mr. Sagar Lakhotiya, Project Leader at TERRE, gave a detailed presentation on TERRE’s initiatives and achievements. A special moment was the digital release of a book showcasing the organization’s 15-year journey in transforming ideas into impactful actions.
This was followed by a panel discussion on the critical theme of “Sustainable Environment and Food Security” featuring:
The panelist, Mr. Ajay Phatak, Trustee, TERRE Policy Centre, Dr. Vinita Apte, Founder Director TERRE Policy Centre, Mr. Shirish Joshi, Independent Consultant (NGO & Organizational Development).
Moderated by Ms. Sneha Karade, the discussion emphasized TERRE’s commitment to sustainability and public well-being.
The evening concluded with a celebratory cake cutting, a heartfelt vote of thanks by Ms. Gauri Bidkar (Project Coordinator), and delightful snacks served to all guests.

Drawing Competition on Environment Awareness and Protection Organized by TERRE Policy Centre.
Pune, June 22, 2025:
TERRE Policy Centre successfully organized a Drawing Competition on the theme of “Environment Awareness and Protection” on 22nd June 2025 at the Indradhanushya Environment and Citizenship Centre, located at Anant Kanhere Path, Navi Peth, Dattawadi, Pune. The event aimed at spreading awareness about environmental issues among school children through creativity and art. The competition was divided into two groups: Group 1: Students from Standard 5th to Standard 7th, and Group 2: Students from Standard 8th to Standard 10th. The event not only offered students a platform to display their creativity but also inspired them to become more conscious and responsible citizens toward the environment. The competition concluded with words of encouragement from Dr. Vinitaa Apte Founder and Director TERRE Policy Centre, appreciating all the participants for their contribution to environmental awareness through art. The winners were selected based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and overall presentation, and were awarded certificates and appreciation prizes. This drawing competition served as a meaningful initiative to sensitize the younger generation towards environmental protection while promoting their artistic expression.

International Yoga Day and Awareness Program on Soil Health and Bio-Fertilizers Celebrated in Pait Village by TERRE Policy Centre and Gram Panchayat. Pait, June 21, 2025: To mark International Yoga Day, TERRE Policy Centre and the Gram Panchayat of Pait jointly organized a yoga session in the village. The event witnessed active participation from villagers and students, who showed great enthusiasm throughout the program. On this occasion, Mr. Kaustubh Kelkar guided the farmers on the importance of organic farming and the use of natural fertilizers. The students of Pallavi Kavhane Yoga and Fitness expert, showcased various yoga asanas. Additionally students from Elite International School also participated in the event and performed the yoga. The event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Vinitaa Apte Founder and Director TERRE Policy Centre, former Deputy Sarpanch Mr. Jayasingh Darekar, Gram Panchayat Officer Mr. Anil Fulpagar, Ms. Sneha Bhonsle, and the villagers of Pait. Speaking at the event, Dr. Vinitaa Apte emphasized, “Yoga improves both physical and mental well-being and should become an integral part of everyone’s life.”
The program concluded with all participants taking a pledge to practice yoga regularly for a healthy lifestyle. The celebration not only promoted wellness but also strengthened the spirit of unity and health awareness among the villagers.

TERRE Policy Centre invites you for Drawing competition on Environmental Awareness and Protection on 22nd June 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Indradhanushya Environment and Citizenship Centre, Anant Kanhere Path, Opp., Tendulkar Jogging Park, Rajendra Nagar, Navi Peth, Dattawadi, Pune Maharashtra - 411030

Note - Same day spot registration is available.

For registration: Click the link in bio

For queries: 9834305125

On June 13, 2025, TERRE Policy Centre organized a press conference at Patrakar Bhavan, Navi Peth, Pune, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. The event highlighted the organization’s impactful journey as it proudly marked 15 years of dedicated service in the field of environmental sustainability. The press conference was graced by Dr. Vinitaa Apte, Founder and Director of TERRE Policy Centre. Mr. Sagar Lakhotiya, Project Leader, delivered a detailed presentation showcasing the impactful work undertaken by the organization and outlined the roadmap for forthcoming events and campaigns focused on sustainability and community engagement.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment with members of the media, fostering dialogue and clarity around TERRE’s ongoing and future environmental initiatives.