With a view to preserve and showcase natural and ecological heritage and also to create public awareness about the impending climate change realities and threats, the Meghalaya Forests and Environment Department is planning to set up a Climate Change Museum cum-Eco Park in Upper Shillong.
The department has already floated the expression of interest (EOI) for selection of consultants to provide consultancy and development of a detailed project report (DPR) for setting up of the Climate Change Museum. The selected consultant will conceptualise, plan and design this experiential Museum-cum-Eco Park.
According to the Forests and Environment Department, the requirement of a Climate Change Museum arises from the need to address the various effects of climate change and its impact on global and local ecology.
The vision is to integrate, preserve and package the natural, biodiversity and ecological heritage of Meghalaya for the consumption of eco-conscious and nature visitors.
The Museum-cum-Eco Park aims to preserve the tangible and intangible records of the geological age and its significance, while highlighting the constant changes in light of various modern-day human activities. The second objective is to enhance awareness among the public about the same.
In short, the aim is to create an experiential space that informs the visitor about the importance of Meghalaya, significance and effects of climate change. It will further aim to educate, inform and entertain the visitors, generate interest and increase awareness on environmental changes among stakeholders, general public, researchers and students.
As per proposals, the project will have components such as geodesic dome, interactive projections and immersive content, exhibition of earth’s history, climate change, Meghalayan age, human history, link between human and nature, indigenous tribes, etc.
Further, the outside geodesic dome will have rain park/rain museum, orchidarium, butterfly park, flower garden, murals of animals, a indigenous plants conservatory, baubotanik zone, rain gazine zone, restaurant, indigenous food zone, Forest Bazaar, recreational area, amphitheater, nature trails, zero impact trails, cycling path and canopy walk on the surrounding forested area.
The project will have an international lineage on the lines of Singapore eco parks and other such cultural landmarks from around the world and India.
