TRANSFORMING WATER HYACINTH INTO OPPORTUNITY THROUGH VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS

“I am taking part in ISA because the management of water hyacinth in my community is crucial to combat food insecurity and reduce risks of droughts and floods. By making value-added products from water hyacinth, we are creating a sustainable solution that benefits both the community and nature”

Sushmita Krishnan (24 years old) has been a sustainability enthusiast from childhood, an ecologist by training and a storyteller for impact. She has research experience working with agricultural pests and their management. She has worked with the National Center for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru and the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru. She has actively worked with UNESCO on their TAGe program and the Digital Games for Peace.

Sushmita’s ISA project focuses on a capacity-building program for women and youth to make value-added products from the stem of water hyacinth. Through this training, they will learn how to make a variety of products like bags, mats, bottle holders, baskets and many others. The program will also focus on entrepreneurship to ensure sustainability and incentives for the removal of water hyacinths. This will lead to the restoration of water bodies and improve the aquatic biodiversity.