RCDC

The Regional Centre for Development Cooperation (RCDC) is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, and founded by six dedicated professionals. It is committed to natural resource management and empowering marginalized communities in Odisha.

Guided by the belief that local communities are the best stewards of their resources, RCDC promotes sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem conservation, and community forest management. The organization has pioneered models in sustainable agriculture, drought-proofing, and local self-governance while advocating for policies that support natural resource management (NRM). RCDC’s notable efforts in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) have led to the establishment of cooperatives like AMVSS Limited, which empowers forest-dependent communities. Recognizing the decline in traditional land and water management practices, RCDC has revived techniques such as upland bunding and ecological farming to enhance local agriculture and income security.

Additionally, the organization has made significant contributions to water security, sanitation, and hygiene, addressing issues like fluoride contamination and promoting School WASH Education programs. Over the last decade, RCDC has adapted its programs to align with progressive policies like the Forest Rights Act (FRA), NREGA, and climate change initiatives, all while working across 30 districts in Odisha, with a current focus on 10 districts. The organization primarily targets marginalized, excluded, and vulnerable communities, particularly in economically backward, tribal-concentrated districts and coastal regions, as well as children and youth at risk, aiming to build sustainable development models and climate-resilient livelihoods that benefit future generations.