At RK HIV AIDS research and care centre, we are dedicated to human welfare. We truly believe -- "Prevention is better than cure", so it is important we work towards eradicating illnesses from the roots.

Today, centuries of unsustainable activities have damaged the aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments that underpin our economies and societies. In addition to this, the global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere increased from about 277 parts per million (ppm) in 1750 to 414 ppm in 2020 (up 49%). In 2020, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels were 34.8 GtCO2, a decrease of 5.4% from 36.7 GtCO2 in 2019. In India, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel and industrial purposes totalled 2,412 million metric tons in 2020. Out of these emissions, Mumbai city's greenhouse gas emissions are projected to peak in 2030, with an annual output of 26.80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2Eq) greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), as per an analysis carried out by the World Resources Institute (India) for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC).

Hence it becomes important that we start focusing our energy on reversing this degradation and restoring the earth for both humans and nature. We envision building green spaces that are focused on sustainability through the use of everyday items; that would also serve as an inspiration and example for the rest of the world.

RK HIV AIDS research and care centre is focussed on building bridges and achieving transformation through awareness and engagement.

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of boosting green urban areas and connecting fragments of green space with ecological corridors to improve biodiversity and animal species dispersal within the urban landscape. If adequately designed, green corridors can improve urban ventilation, allowing for cooler air from outside to penetrate the more densely built areas, and reducing thus the urban heat island effect. Urban green areas can also positively affect human health and climate change adaptation. The capacity of vegetation to retain water is an important flood prevention feature that can reduce peak discharges.

Green spaces in cities can also provide cooling through shading and enhanced evapotranspiration, thus reducing the heat island effect in many cities. Expanding city structures often threaten green areas, which have fragmented natural areas, creating small patches of green spaces amongst buildings and roads. For example, patches of urban woodlands are generally separated from each other, which affects the ability of many woodland species to disperse or move among different locations with similar habitats. Ecological corridors or connections between urban woodlands, gardens or other green spaces are recognized as a way to limit the negative effects of fragmentation. Creating green areas and corridors can be applicable in most urban areas. The wide array of available techniques allows application in areas with very different characteristics and even where space is limited. Even in dense urban areas, there are strips and pockets of land that some would say are underutilized. For example, the patch of grass between the sidewalk and the curb. Even a small strip is an opportunity to grow fruits and vegetables in the neighbourhood.

Additionally, building more green spaces for the general public to enhance their mental and physical health. Green spaces in cities mitigate the effects of pollution and can reduce a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, which refers to heat trapped in built-up areas. The urban heat island effect appears in towns and cities due to human activity. Green spaces are further associated with many health benefits, including lower premature mortality, longer life expectancy, fewer mental health problems, less cardiovascular disease, better cognitive functioning in children and the elderly, and healthier babies.

Studies have also shown that green spaces can have a protective effect on our mental well-being. We're quicker to recover from stress and less likely to experience depression. Kids grow up with fewer psychiatric problems. Adults are less likely to commit suicide.

There are various green spaces that have been built across the globe in various countries and we want to be able to start the same trend in India too.

Our Mission

RK HIV AIDS Research and Care canter's mission is to imbibe practice and policy of ecological restoration to sustain biodiversity, improve resilience in a changing climate, and re-establish an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture.

Our Vision

Ecological restoration has become a fundamental component of conservation and sustainable development programs throughout India by its inherent capacity to provide people with the opportunity to repair ecological damage and improve the human condition.

Objectives:

• To reduce/eliminate carbon waste
• Incorporate the environment into the city
• To build a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Imbibe in today’s children the tools and techniques for living in harmony with nature.
• Allowing prosperity for now and future generations.

The enthusiasm toward the conversation of nature has always been on my mind and will always stay a priority while looking forward to the future. It, by default, is something that adds to the fitness and the health quotient of humankind.

I have always believed that for mankind to prosper, we shall, and we should take Mother Nature as our responsibility. besides just issues that are causing even for mental health and human well-being, we always turn to nature; so why not take care of it. I have always been passionate about animals and plants, and having beautiful landscapes is always a feeling of bliss, relief, and peace for every opportunity or circumstance you face.

But looking at the current scenario and crisis in the world, which has given rise to disasters such as global warming, greenhouse issues, and extinction of flora and fauna from the planet, is alarming.

Also, looking at other crises and problems such as limited reserve of fossil fuels, soil erosion and contamination due to pollution, these are issues that need to be raised on a priority and emergency basis. So looking forward to solutions like alternate energy resources, like solar or using hydroponics or different agricultural system that provide a better yield. And at the same time, conserving our nature so that we can alongside prosper and at the same time take care of Mother Nature, that has always been a priority.