Itanagar: The Vibgyor N.E. Foundation, a not-for-profit trust in association with the state department of environment, forest, and climate change, organized the 8th edition of Northeast Green Summit (NGS) at the state legislative assembly here Sunday.
The summit, themed “Resetting Earth: Inching Towards Net Zero Emission Region,” saw participation from a diverse array of experts, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from across the nation.
The annual summit serves as a platform for endorsing a green economic model, emphasizing wildlife conservation through community partnerships, and promoting the use of sustainable technologies to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Key recommendations highlighted the necessity of implementing policies to increase green spaces in urban areas and to curb wildlife trade, crucial steps towards achieving environmental sustainability.
Addressing the occasion, Forest and Environment minister Mama Natung underlined the importance of collaborative action at local, regional, and global levels to address environmental challenges effectively.
Natung said Arunachal is one of the world’s top ecological hotspots, having a vast range of flora and fauna species and ecosystem diversity and it has become a crucial habitat for tigers, a flagship species of India.
“The summit serves as a catalyst for nurturing environmental stewardship and sustainable development in the whole of Northeast region. By utilizing collective expertise and encouraging partnerships, we can create a greener, more resilient future for generations to come,” he said.
State legislative assembly speaker P D Sona said the NGS accentuates the imperative of unified action in combating climate change and preserving our natural heritage.
“Through dialogue, innovation, and shared commitment, we can chart a course towards a sustainable future for Northeast India and the global community,” he said.
Silchar MP and NGS advisory board member Dr Rajdeep Roy thanked the Arunachal government for hosting the summit in Itanagar and appreciated the various campaigns to save the environment in the state including the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan.
VIBGYOR secretary Bitapi Luhoe stressed the urgency of active participation among diverse stakeholders within the national community.
“To accelerate our transition to a green economy, we need to work together,” she said.
The panel discussions covered topics linking science, culture, and market mechanisms while technical sessions addressed climate change impact and mitigation, policy interventions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and green entrepreneurship for BIMSTEC region.
The summit also included workshops on implementing community forest rights, medicinal plant technologies, carbon assessment and trade for farmers’ benefit, eco-tourism as a tool for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and indigenous tribe technologies inspired sustainable technologies by Padmashree Dr Uddhab Bharali.
Licypriya Kangujam, a child environmental activist from Manipur, was also felicitated at the summit. One of the notable sessions was the People Biodiversity Register Orientation Programme, where forest community volunteer, Aryan Glow, from Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary shared grassroots experiences of community engagement.
The Aranyani-The Docufest screened green documentaries and felicitated the winners. The first prize went to “Aravali the Lost Mountains” by Jigar Nagda, second to “A Sylvan Saga” by Jyoti Prasad Das and a special mention award given to “Guest of Kamakhya” by Ramen Borah.
The NGS also showcased an array of cultural experiences, including an exhibition and marketplace featuring traditional cuisine from Northeast India and the BIMSTEC region, an art walk, and indigenous storytelling sessions.
Other highlights included presentations on ancient medicinal practices and therapeutic heritage by the Indian Army’s 134 Ecological Tasks Force, a captivating theatrical production titled “Pattah Niting,” which shed light on the Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan initiative spearheaded by the Arunachal Pradesh forest department to combat wildlife loss, and a dynamic performance by the Karpung Karduk Centre for Folk Performing Arts.
Furthermore, attendees were treated to a heartwarming performance by children from the Nyishi tribe, who are students at the Donyo Polo Charitable Trust’s indigenous gurukuls.
Vibgyor N.E Foundation has been spearheading various activities across Northeast India in the environment and sustainable development domains.
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