North East Network (NEN), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (MBB), facilitated a dialogue between traditional institutions, Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and community groups from eight NEN-supported villages in West Khasi Hills: Laitkseh, Tiehsaw, Mynnimawbri, Phngohkynbah, Mawkynrum, Mawkaton, Mawkhan Wahkwang and Mawsngawir.
Held in Laitkseh, the dialogue brought together 85 participants, including members of traditional institutions, Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla, BMCs, NEN youth groups and farmer groups. The initiative aimed to strengthen the participation of women and youth in local decision-making around climate action, biodiversity conservation and productive resources.
The dialogue provided an important space for young community partners and trained women farmers to engage directly in village-level discussions on protecting biodiversity and strengthening local food and cultural systems. Each participating village committed to undertake actions such as planting trees and bamboo, conserving birds, animals and fish, protecting wild edibles, flowers and medicinal plants, cleaning and safeguarding water sources, and promoting ecotourism while protecting local biodiversity and cultures.
The programme was supported by Evanoreen Khongwir, Scientist, and Pyndeplin Lyngdoh, Project Assistant at Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, who were invited as resource persons.
