The International Day of Forests was observed in Meghalaya on Friday.
The Departments of Botany and Environmental Science at Sankardev College, Saindur Enviro, the State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE) and the Outreach and Social Extension Committee of Sankardev College, observed the day at Nongumlong Secondary School, Upper Shillong.
The event was held under the theme ‘Forest for Future: Connecting Forest and Food for Sustainability.’ The programme was structured into two sessions and was attended by 190-plus participants, including school and college students, community members and experts.
The event featured an address by the chief guest, Prof Dibyendu Paul, former professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Studies at North-Eastern Hill University, on the significance of wild edible plants and the need to preserve forests by preventing deforestation and forest fires. He emphasised the importance of maintaining annual records of plantation drives conducted during such events.
The session also featured two keynote speakers – E Iangap, Range Forest Sub-division Officer, EKH Division, and Vivek Kumar, Researcher and Director of Saindur Enviro. Iangap spoke on ‘Current Forest Condition & Conservation,’ analysing threats to forests and aligning her discussion with this year’s theme, ‘Forests and Food’. She highlighted the role of forests in sustaining livelihoods and providing oxygen to all living beings. She also discussed the impact of urbanisation and pollution, citing examples such as oxygen bars in New Delhi, where people pay to inhale clean oxygen. Additionally, she referenced community-led conservation movements like the Chipko Movement, underscoring the power of grassroots efforts in protecting forests.
Kumar delivered a talk on ‘The Importance of Forests’ and their crucial role in sustaining life, regulating climate, and preserving biodiversity. Using a vivid analogy, he described forests as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releasing oxygen (O₂) to maintain air quality. He cited data from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), noting that India’s forest cover increased from 24.39 percent in 2017 to 25.17 percent in 2023 due to collaborative efforts between the government and communities. However, he also pointed out a decline in forest cover in Meghalaya, with a reduction of 27.21 sq km since 2017-2018.
The second session featured a plantation drive, during which 150 fruit tree saplings were planted in the village by the participants. This was followed by hands-on training in forest health assessment using the quadrat method. The activity enabled participants to contribute to a preliminary biodiversity and forest health survey for the village, fostering greater awareness and engagement in conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, IIM Shillong, in collaboration with the state government’s Forests and Environment Department, hosted a plantation drive centred around the theme of ‘Forest and Food’.
The event emphasised the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure a harmonious balance between development and environmental preservation.
In his address, RS Gill, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Meghalaya, highlighted the pivotal role of forests in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security. He emphasised the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, promoting extensive tree plantation drives and adopting eco-friendly practices as essential steps towards building a greener and more sustainable future.
