To empower marginalized communities with access, control, and ownership over natural resources for sustainable and dignified living.

VRDS, a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization, was registered in 2004 and primarily operates in Haveri district, Karnataka, India, focusing on improving the livelihoods of rural and urban poor families. It engages in various programs aimed at sustainable livelihood opportunities, benefiting over 10,000 families across 50–60 villages in the district. The board comprises members from diverse fields such as social work, education, gender, caste, and development sectors, collaborating to achieve common goals.
VRDS works towards sustainable resource management, skill enhancement, and knowledge dissemination through institutional frameworks, fostering community-based organizations to uphold its objectives and activities. Its mission includes the preservation of natural resources such as water, soil, and forests, maintaining ecosystem integrity, and combating exploitation by certain segments of society. Notably, VRDS is involved in innovative projects like the Labour Bank, Natural Resource Management through the Jala Nela project, Girl Child Education, and Farmers Producer Organizations.