‘Meghalaya is leading forest conservation and community led environmental initiatives’
Shillong, Feb 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has called for collaboration and cooperation among North Eastern states in addressing climate-related issues.
Addressing the Climate Investments Coalition for the Global South in New Delhi on Thursday, he said the region’s unique geography makes it vulnerable to extreme weather events, which can have far-reaching consequences.
“For instance, a severe weather event in Arunachal Pradesh can affect Assam, and rising water levels in the Brahmaputra river can cause flooding not only in Assam but also in western parts of Meghalaya,” he said.
To effectively tackle these challenges, the North Eastern states have to work together, sharing their expertise and resources to develop strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change, he added.
The chief minister also underlined that climate change, besides being an environmental challenge, is also an issue that reflects disparity against nations that contributed least to the crisis.
Those, who have contributed the least to climate change, are suffering the most, he said, adding, “It is essential to address this disparity.”
Asserting that the state of Meghalaya has taken the climate concerns seriously, he said his government has already charted out mitigation measures.
Apprising the gathering of traditional conservation knowledge and practices, he said “Our communities are deeply rooted to nature, their knowledge about conservation, protection of natural resources are being widely promoted and adopted for sustainable solution.”
Regarding climate change phenomena such as erratic monsoons, increased disasters, affecting lives, he elaborated on the unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme weather, which has impacted agriculture and livelihood for millions globally, and Meghalaya is not an exception.
“Climate change threatens economic stability and future growth, making it essential to realign global climate platforms with the realities of the Global South,” he said, while informing on government’s commitment to sustainability.
He said that Meghalaya is leading forest conservation and community led environmental initiatives with active collaboration and partnership with the community.
“We are implementing programmes such as Green Meghalaya, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to encourage community partnership in conservation of forest and protection of catchment areas, rejuvenation of water sources,” he said, while underscoring the importance of green growth policies of the state that has been integrated with the economic development and ecological responsibilities.
He also informed the gathering on the investments being made in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He also spoke on the potential benefits of forging partnerships with countries in South and Southeast Asia, particularly through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Informing the gathering about budrot disease that has affected arecanut plantations in Garo Hills and Western Khasi Hills region, he said, “This disease has not only affected the local economy but has send alarm bells ringing on the need for sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient farming systems.”
The Climate Investments Coalition for the Global South (CICS) organised by the state government in collaboration with National Law University Meghalaya is aimed to provide platform to drive discussions on mobilizing climate finance, accelerating green investments, and strengthening South-South cooperation.
The climate programme will be held annually in the month of September-October in Shillong.
The programme also showcased Meghalaya’s model of sustainable development and create pathways for scaling similar solutions across the Global South.
