Guwahati to host 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum

Guwahati to host 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2024  from 26th and 27th November

Kulapradip Bhagabati

This year’s themed “The Future of the Third Pole and the Himsagar” (Eastern Himalaya)

Guwahati : Recognizing the imperative for conservation and sustainable livelihoods, the Balipara Foundation introduced the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum in 2013.

This initiative aims to uncover solutions and draw invaluable lessons for communities and stakeholders at all levels, from local to global. Starting with the conservation of the Asian Elephant and extending to the pivotal role of rural communities in the Eastern Himalayas, the forum’s eleven year journey (2013-2024) has engaged participants from over 25+ countries and involved 2500+ distinguished speakers.

This year, the forum’s focus has expanded to include the “Third Pole”, emphasizing the region’s critical ecological significance and the need for sustainable solutions.

The Eastern Himalayas, spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, form a crucial part of the Third Pole, alongside the Tibetan Plateau and Pamir Mountains, due to its vast ice and snow reserves. These reserves, often referred to as the world’s “water towers,” are vital for regulating water supply across Asia, supporting the extensive river systems of the Brahmaputra Ganges, Mekong, Yangtze and many others, which serve as lifelines for billions. This region is also a global biodiversity hotspot, home to over 12,000 unique species.

However, the region faces severe threats from climate change. Rapid glacial melt is altering water flows, intensifying floods and landslides, and disrupting agriculture, hydropower, and biodiversity. These changes have far-reaching impacts on countries like India and Bangladesh, which rely heavily on Himalayan rivers for agriculture and drinking water. The frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, is also increasing, endangering livelihoods, infrastructure, and regional stability.

In response to the pressing challenges facing our environment, the Balipara Foundation proudly announces the 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum (EHNF), scheduled for 26th-27th November 2024 in Guwahati, Assam. Since its inception in 2014, EHNF has established itself as a premier platform for actionable conservation strategies, championing the integration of ecological principles with economic imperatives in the Eastern Himalayas.

This year’s forum, themed “The Future of the Third Pole and the Himsagar (Eastern Himalaya),” will confront urgent issues with unwavering resolve. “Himsagar, spanning the Eastern Himalayas-northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar, North Bengal, and Bangladesh-is essential for maintaining ecosystems and livelihoods.

The region’s rivers, such as the Teesta, Brahmaputra, Ganges and many more, connect communities and support water security, agriculture, and biodiversity. However, seasonal flows and glacier melt from the Himalayas are increasingly disrupted by climate change, threatening millions downstream with flooding and loss of livelihoods”, says Ranjit Barthakur, Founder, Balipara Foundation, Assam.

Agenda will encompass pivotal areas such as advanced watershed management techniques, the transformative potential of technology in forest conservation, the critical energy transition imperative, sustainable land management practices, and robust policy development. EHNF continues to be a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and innovation, driving forward the conservation agenda in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive and economically vital regions.

Why Does This Matter for Northeast India?

Deforestation, driven by land conversion and development, compounds these challenges, increasing soil erosion and reducing carbon absorption. Between 2001 and 2023, Northeast India alone lost 17,650 square kilometers of tree cover, worsening climate impacts. Human activities, such as unsustainable agriculture, resource extraction, and pollution, are further degrading ecosystems and contributing to habitat destruction.

This forum is of particular significance for Northeast India, a region acutely vulnerable to climate change impacts, including glacial melt, changing water patterns, and deforestation. With its rich biodiversity, crucial water systems, and agricultural economy at stake, addressing these challenges is vital for long-term sustainability and resilience.

For example, the Brahmaputra River, one of the region’s most critical water sources, is heavily affected by glacial melt and erratic monsoon patterns, leading to frequent and severe flooding that damages agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Similarly, deforestation in Assam’s hill areas has led to soil erosion, exacerbating the risk of landslides during heavy rains.

With its rich biodiversity, crucial water systems, and agricultural economy at stake, addressing these challenges is vital for long-term sustainability and resilience.

Driving Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The outcomes of this forum will focus on delivering concrete solutions to the pressing challenges facing the Eastern Himalayas, particularly Northeast India. Key outcomes we aim to drive include:

Watershed Management Initiatives: Proposals for innovative water conservation strategies to address the changing water flow patterns caused by glacial melt and deforestation.

 Cross-border Collaboration: Agreements and partnerships between Himalayan countries to manage shared water resources and mitigate climate risks collaboratively.

Technological Integration: Solutions on leveraging technology for forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture practices.

Energy Transition Plans: Recommendations for renewable energy solutions that reduce dependency on hydropower and fossil fuels, minimizing the environmental footprint.

Sustainable Land Management Frameworks: Development of models that balance economic growth with environmental protection, focusing on reforestation and afforestation efforts.

– Community-Led Conservation Initiatives: Strengthening grassroots leadership in conservation, ensuring local communities play a central role in implementing and benefiting from sustainable practices.

 Waste and Plastic Management: Strategies to tackle the growing issue of waste and plastic pollution in the region. This includes developing frameworks for effective waste management, promoting recycling and reduction practices, and addressing the impact of plastic waste on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
These actionable solutions will be shaped through dialogue with key stakeholders, including representatives from over 15 countries, 60+ speakers, policymakers, scientists, conservationists, industry leaders, and local communities.

The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum provides a platform to unite global experts and regional stakeholders to drive collaborative, innovative solutions that will protect ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and build resilience.

Balipara Foundation invite all stakeholders to join this critical dialogue and contribute to the sustainable future of the Eastern Himalayas. Register today at www.baliparafoundation.com.

Founded in 2007, the Balipara Foundation works with rural communities to restore forests, break the cycle of poverty, and create economic opportunities tied to rewilding and conservation. Through the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum, the foundation fosters collaboration to enhance skills and capacity for forest protection and ecosystem well-being.

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