Balipara Foundation

As part of the 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF), we recently held a precursor workshop at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati, attended by nature and conservation enthusiasts. In line with our larger goal of empowering youth and fostering a deeper connection with nature, the workshop focused on the importance of species identification and documentation, especially in the context of traditional medicine. Led by Dr. Rubul Buragohain from the Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Assam, participants engaged in practical sessions identifying species available in the campus, exploring their fruiting patterns, and understanding their roles in the ecosystem. This marks the beginning of continued collaboration with TISS Guwahati to inspire conservation action among students. #workshop #EHNF2023

The warming of the Third Pole is intensifying loss and damage from extreme weather, with rising evapotranspiration creating a regional water paradox: too much water, yet not enough to sustain from monsoon to monsoon. Commercial agriculture, infrastructure development, and resource extraction are accelerating ecosystem loss. Between 2019 and 2021, India’s Eastern Himalaya lost over 100,000 hectares of forest. By 2100, projections indicate that only 10% of India’s Himalayan forests will remain dense. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gePztKZG... #article #easternhimalaya #thirdpole 

The Eastern Himalaya is facing major challenges from forest loss, desertification, and climate change. Nature-based solutions (NbS), which could contribute up to 37% of necessary carbon mitigation by 2030 to meet Paris Agreement targets, offer a way forward. In the context of this region, NbS grounded in local ecosystems and indigenous practices like Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) in Arunachal Pradesh or the restoration of wetlands in Kaziranga National Park, Assam could help build climate resilience, promote conservation and enhance community well-being. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gimRazvk #NatureBasedSolutions #easternhimalayas #article #awareness

Facing escalating climate threats, the Eastern Himalayan region and its communities stand on the brink. With livelihoods, food security, and public health at risk, particularly for marginalized groups, urgent and coordinated policy measures are essential. By prioritizing adaptation and mitigation now, we can protect these fragile ecosystems. Read more: https://wp.me/p8cDQ4-dDi #article #awareness #ThirdPole #EasternHimalayas

Effective waste management is a crucial step toward achieving sustainability. By repurposing waste through recycling, composting and upcycling, we can minimize landfill waste and foster a circular economy. At the recent Regional Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum in Sangti Valley, we were fortunate to witness the inspiring work of Ittisha Sarah, founder of the Northeast Waste Collective. Ittisha, along with her team and the local women and residents of Sangti Valley, led a transformative waste management initiative in the valley, empowering them to engage in sustainable waste practices that turn challenges into opportunities. Through community clean-up drives, extensive awareness programs and educational outreach to both locals and tourists, she is driving a powerful change. Together, they are not just cleaning up their environment but also cultivating a culture of responsibility and resilience for future generations. #wastemanagement #SangtiValley #community Ittisha Sarah https://lnkd.in/gjsTrzDd

Tourism has profoundly impacted many regions, often bringing both economic opportunities and environmental challenges. The influx of visitors in most tourist places, including the Himalayas have led to environmental degradation, particularly raising concerns over waste management and ecological imbalance. Responsible tourism honours the cultures and lifestyles of the communities we visit while safeguarding their natural environments. It involves respecting biodiversity and adapting our practices to align with local needs. Swipe left to read some facts! #WorldTourismDay #wastemanagement #responsibletourism

The Eastern Himalaya as part of the Third Pole is at a critical juncture as climate change reshapes its' landscape and livelihoods. With rising temperatures leading to glacier retreat, water scarcity, and erratic weather patterns, the region faces unprecedented challenges. Yet, amidst these hurdles lies an opportunity for restoration and resilience. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g6JfhRKG #ThirdPole #EasternHimalaya

Nayanika Dutta: Can you identify this butterfly? This is the orange awlet, scientifically known as Burara harisa. It was recently spotted in our site at Lal Barahi, Sonitpur District, Assam. This captivating butterfly is primarily found in the Eastern Himalayan region, where it thrives in its natural habitat. Although it is considered rare in Southern India, it has also been documented in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. What makes this butterfly particularly interesting is its crepuscular nature, meaning it is active only during the twilight hours—dawn and dusk. This unique behavior adds to the aura of the orange awlet, making it a fascinating subject for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. #butterfly #biodiversity #naturewonder

While we talked about the significance of the Third Pole in our last post, do you know how important the Eastern Himalayas are in this context? Swipe to read. 👉 The Eastern Himalaya is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to over 5,000 species of plants and animals. It lies at the heart of the Third Pole, whose glaciers and water reservoirs are vital for maintaining the region's ecological balance. Both regions face shared environmental challenges and opportunities, making it crucial to look at them together to find comprehensive solutions. The increasing impact of climate change is jeopardizing this delicate ecosystem. Shrinking glaciers, intensified floods, and prolonged droughts are already affecting livelihoods and habitats. It’s more critical than ever to protect the Eastern Himalaya. Join us at the 12th EHNF 2024—be part of the discussions to drive climate action in the region. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g6jDCxGk #EHNF2024

Recently, under the Indigenous Hub initiative, a two-day training program on 'Nursery Techniques and Scientific Debarking of Litsea glutinosa' was held on 26th and 27th August 2024 in Agartala, Tripura. This initiative, supported by the ICFRE-Livelihood Extension Centre, Agartala, Women's Welfare Society, and Youths of the West Tripura Forest Division, was made possible through the technical expertise provided by the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) and Forest Research Centre for Livelihood Extension (FRCLE). It was attended by women and members of the Joint Forest Management Committee. The focus was on sustainable harvesting, nursery techniques, and livelihood generation through Litsea products. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions on propagation, debarking, and incense stick making, emphasizing the socio-economic importance of Litsea glutinosa. This initiative underscores the intrinsic value of nature and its potential to contribute significantly to economic well-being. #sustainablelivelihoods