“Biodiversity is integral to our culture and identity, and it’s deeply connected to the struggles of our people. Unlike in many places where conservation efforts lead to the displacement of indigenous populations from their ancestral lands, the Naga people possess inherent rights over their territories. However, this right comes with a responsibility, which means we must practice restraint. Our ancestors instilled in us the values of respect and dignity, emphasising sustainable harvesting and reminding us that biodiversity sustains us” – shared members of the Meramvong Conservation Programme, Thanamir village, Kiphire.
North East Network (NEN) hosted the 16th Biodiversity Festival on March 6th-7th, 2025, under the theme “Nurturing Health, Well-Being, and Resilience: Sustaining Our Future Together.” Marking NEN’s 30th anniversary, the festival brought together 487 participants, including students, farmers from five districts of Nagaland (Kohima, Phek, Kiphire, Meluri, and Shamator), representatives from NGOs across Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and West Bengal, as well as community-based and women’s organizations, government departments, and research institutions. The festival explored the deep connections between biodiversity, local food systems, health, and indigenous knowledge, with a strong emphasis on the role of women in preserving and promoting sustainable practices.
On Day 1, students from various educational institutions engaged in immersive learning experiences on local food systems, soil and composting techniques, indigenous seed systems, biodiversity-based arts and crafts, medicinal plant biodiversity, and healing practices. “My Dream Village” – a miniature model-making competition, showcased students’ visions of sustainable communities. A significant highlight was the inauguration of the Food Sovereignty Cradle, led by Lhiruu Thopi and K.Z. Mero, marked by traditional blessings and an offering of indigenous seeds. Through this initiative, we establish a dedicated space for learning and knowledge exchange on food and seed sovereignty and traditional knowledge systems.
At the 30th anniversary celebration of NEN, Seno Tsuhah reflected on NEN’s journey in Nagaland, expressing gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and emphasising the need to uphold integrity, justice, dignity, and trust. Mr. K.Z. Mero stressed the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity for peaceful coexistence, while Anurita P Hazarika, NEN’s Executive Director, spoke about biodiversity as a way of life and the crucial intersection of gender and environment. She called for the recognition of women’s knowledge and power, advocating for their rightful place in decision-making spaces and peacebuilding.
On the second day, Mr. Supongnukshi Ao, IFS, Chief Conservator of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, addressed the festival, emphasising community participation in government-led conservation initiatives. He highlighted the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board’s mandate and its commitment to community engagement. Stressing that central government policies alone are insufficient, he advocated for localised solutions informed by indigenous knowledge and practices.
Dr. Roshmi Goswami, NEN’s Founding Member, stressed biodiversity’s vital link to Naga identity, rooted in forests, land, and water. Expressing gratitude to the Chizami community for their support, she recounted NEN’s 1994 origins with Monisha Behal, focusing on women’s health and shared visions. She stressed how communities must re-think and re-evaluate development narratives, questioning whether they serve the interests of the few or the broader community. She asserted that biodiversity is not merely a resource but a way of life, demanding respect and upholding principles of justice and peaceful coexistence.
The day also featured the release of the “Wild Biodiversity of Chizami Village” – a booklet by the Chizami Biodiversity Management Committee. Villages of Chizami, Jakhama, Rusoma, Patsho Nokeng Shamator, Dulhami, Phuhgi and New Phor participated in a seed exchange, involving Chakesang, Yimkhuing, Pochury, Angami and Khaimniungan communities. Other highlights include cultural performances, exhibitions, an Earth Market showcasing local food, seeds, arts, and crafts, and a community potluck lunch prepared by women from Chizami, Phor, Pathso Nokeng, Shamator, and Rusoma, fostering a spirit of solidarity.
Since its inception in 2010, the NEN Biodiversity Festival has grown into a vital platform for celebrating biocultural diversity and strengthening local food systems, and raising dialogue about climate change, food sovereignty, sustainable practices, and inclusive development. As NEN marks three decades of resilience, this festival stands as a testament to collective efforts in safeguarding indigenous knowledge and strengthening communities for generations to come.
