Understanding the concept
People-Centered Climate Governance: People-Centered Climate Governance focuses on placing local communities at the core of climate decision-making. It recognises that people living closest to natural ecosystems are the first to experience climate impacts. Their participation improves accuracy, trust, and long-term sustainability of climate actions.
Static GK fact: Climate governance refers to the institutional frameworks and processes used by governments to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Tamil Nadu’s CbMRV initiative
In 2023, Tamil Nadu launched a people-led climate intelligence system using Community-based Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (CbMRV). The initiative was supported under the United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) programme.
CbMRV allows communities to directly collect and report climate-related data. This data is formally integrated into State-level climate governance systems.
What is MRV in climate action
Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) is a global framework used to track climate change impacts, adaptation measures, and environmental outcomes. It ensures transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.
Static GK Tip: MRV frameworks are widely used under international climate agreements to assess progress on climate commitments.
Pilot regions and ecosystems
Three ecologically diverse regions were selected as pilot sites to test the model. Aracode in the Nilgiris represents mountain forests, Vellode in Erode covers agriculture and wetlands, and Killai in Cuddalore focuses on coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
These regions were chosen to capture climate data across varied landscapes and livelihood systems.
Community-generated climate data
Local communities collect data on rainfall, temperature, soil quality, water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, fisheries, livelihoods, and carbon stocks. This information reflects real-time environmental changes experienced at the grassroots level.
Static GK fact: Mangrove ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks and provide coastal protection against cyclones and storm surges.
Blending traditional and scientific knowledge
The initiative integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific field monitoring methods. Indigenous practices help interpret seasonal changes, biodiversity patterns, and resource cycles. Scientific tools improve precision and standardisation of data.
This combination strengthens the credibility and usability of community-generated climate intelligence.
Supporting local planning and resilience
The collected data supports local development planning, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation programmes. Panchayats and local institutions can design responses based on location-specific risks rather than generic climate models.
Static GK Tip: Community-driven data improves early warning systems and reduces disaster response time.
Building a green workforce
A long-term objective of the programme is to create a community-based green workforce in Tamil Nadu. Training local residents in climate monitoring builds skills, employment opportunities, and climate stewardship.
This approach ensures that climate governance remains inclusive, resilient, and locally grounded.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
People-Centered Climate Governance:
| Topic | Detail |
| Initiative Name | Community-based Monitoring, Reporting and Verification |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Supporting Programme | United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions |
| Pilot Regions | Aracode, Vellode, Killai |
| Ecosystems Covered | Mountain forests, wetlands, coastal mangroves |
| Data Collected | Climate, biodiversity, livelihoods, carbon stocks |
| Governance Impact | Integration of community data into state climate policy |
| Long-term Goal | Creation of a community-based green workforce |
