This World Environment Day, North East Network (NEN) joined the global community with the slogan “Our land, Our future: We are #GenerationRestoration.” This campaign brought together communities across Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, inspiring action for land and ecosystem regeneration. Together, we celebrated and committed to protecting our planet through community-driven initiatives and actions.
Around 190 women, youth, peer leaders, and community members from Darrang, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Kamrup (R), and Udalguri came together to promote land restoration activities in Assam. Women leaders introduced their communities to natural compost heap making and dispersing of seed bombs – spheres containing topsoil, cow dung, bamboo char, and seeds. The campaign was attended with much enthusiasm. Discussions were also carried out about the significance of the campaign globally, and how communities can conserve land and its resources.
In Mawlangsu, West Khasi Hills, 51 participants from 11 villages, sat together around a traditional fireplace to initiate discussions about environmental safeguarding, and to talk about the old and new. The event also witnessed an inspiring speech from Dr Bankerlang Kharmylliem on the relationship between Khasi society and water. Village elders – Shri. DD Syiem and Kong Emciful Lyngkhoi, shared their knowledge about how land usage has changed over the years and how it has affected flora and fauna in the region, traditional ways of conserving land and water resources, and seasonal farming. Stories about women leaders, from around the globe, working on land and water conservation in their respective villages, also unfolded in the campaign influencing actions for land regeneration.
In Chizami, World Environment Day was marked with the inauguration of Hope Hall, drawing around 110 participants. Shri John Tsulise Sangtam, Deputy Commissioner of Phek, led insightful discussions on regional environmental challenges, focusing on water scarcity and soil degradation. The event was filled with the melodies of the Earth Song, and Monisha Behal, Chairperson of NEN, shared the inspiring journey of NEN. Seno Tsuhah, Advisor for NEN Nagaland, delivered a crucial talk on “Harnessing Traditional Wisdom for Land Restoration and Climate Resilience,” highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge in addressing environmental issues. Impactful stories of community-led initiatives on forest restoration, spring rejuvenation, seed and soil conservation, and waste management were shared, inspiring all to take actionable steps for environmental safeguarding.
