Indigenous Communities at the forefront of Restoring Habitats
Community-driven Conservation for Rural Futures in the Eastern Himalayas
Eastern Himalayan Communities
There are over 400 distinct indigenous and ethnic communities, who speak over 40 different languages. They represent all the major religions, as well as a myriad indigenous faiths and practices. Collectively, they manage a third of the region’s most dense forests.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Sustainable businesses and opportunities flourish when communities gain knowledge and skills. This empowers them to make decisions, become more autonomous, and drive entrepreneurial growth.
Indigenous Communities: Stewards of conservation
Empowering indigenous communities through sustainable livelihoods is key to conservation success. By fostering economic opportunities and knowledge sharing, we create a strong foundation for nature's well-being.
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Indigenous Knowledge
Komison Mili, a member of the Mising community, learned traditional farming techniques from his father and became passionate about them. This instilled in him a deep appreciation for the land and its resources.
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Investing in Sustainability
His deep interest in farming led him to encourage and invest in long-term sustainable agricultural practices within his village in Baligaon.
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Pabitra Mili: Youth Leader
Pabitra Mili, a young resident of Baligaon Miri Village, recognized the need for change in his community. He dedicated himself to empowering youth and promoting sustainable practices to benefit his village and its ecosystem.
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Pabitra's Vision for Change
Pabitra saw problems in his own village, such as deforestation, social mobility, soil erosion and flooding. Taking matters into his own hands, he brought the youth of the village together, to restore habitats and promote sustainable livelihoods for the young community.
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Both Komison Mili and Pabitra Mili have been leading voices in promoting the concept of rural futures in their village Baligaon in Assam.
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Tulosa's Weaving Legacy
Tulosa Payeng, a skilled entrepreneur from Sikom Village, Assam, leads a women's group dedicated to weaving sustainable fabrics. Their project combines indigenous traditions with modern design, ensuring a thriving future for the community and its environment.
Eastern Himalayas by Balipara FoundationBalipara Foundation
Senai Mili's Agroforestry Success
Senai Mili's agroforestry model provides a roadmap for sustainable development in Baligaon village. This approach helps to create a thriving future for indigenous communities by balancing environmental, social, and economic needs.
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From Farm to Table: A Sustainable Story
"Agroforestry has helped increase resilience of farming systems in the village and has supported us to open homestay doors for tourists from all over the world. We serve the tourists vegetables and food from our agroforestry land, and make ethnic Mishing delicacies"
says Senai
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Lone Ranger from Arunachal Pradesh
Jorjo Tana Tara is known as an anti-logging activist. What has ensued is an almost lone battle, with the timber mafia and NDFB militants, to prevent the illegal culling of trees in and around the Pakke Tiger Reserve forest area, in Seijo.
Eastern Himalayas by Balipara FoundationBalipara Foundation
Fighting for the Forest
He says, "I am prepared to die, but I will not go down without a fight. Let the mafia know that Jorjo Tana Tara was there to block their path. I will create an example to live by, and possibly die by."
He carries his guns, the court papers, the evidence, of the battle.
Eastern Himalayas by Balipara FoundationBalipara Foundation
Jorjo Tana Tara, Arunachal Pradesh
Eastern Himalayas by Balipara FoundationBalipara Foundation
Wisdom of the Eastern Himalayas
The indigenous communities of the Eastern Himalayas have immense traditional knowledge, cultural practices, customary laws, and ancient folklores, that replicates the symbiotic relationship they have had with nature.
Eastern Himalayan Potential
This area holds the key to a sustainable future. Indigenous communities, stewards of the region's rich biodiversity, are leading the way in tackling the ecological crisis and catalyzing green growth. Their wisdom and practices offer invaluable solutions for a healthier planet.
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