In this powerful talk, Crispino Lobo shares his journey from witnessing the devastating droughts of Maharashtra in the 1970s to co-founding the Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR), which has transformed over 7,000 villages across India. He recounts how capturing rainwater and regenerating landscapes can break the cycle of poverty, empower women, and create climate-resilient agriculture. With stories of communities rising from despair to prosperity, he explains why water is not just a resource but the foundation of life, livelihood, and dignity and how collective action can secure our future against the growing challenges of climate change. Crispino Lobo has over 36 years of experience mobilising rural communities and working with governments, corporates, and civil society to reduce poverty and enhance climate resilience. He co-founded the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) and other non-profits, impacting 8.4 million people across India, regenerating landscapes, promoting climate-responsive agriculture, and improving livelihoods. He has led large-scale programs like the Indo-German Watershed Development Program, contributed to national adaptation funds, and advised government policy. An alumnus of Harvard University and the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Crispino holds five academic degrees and has authored 12 books. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx