The launch of ‘The Great People’s Forest of the Eastern Himalayas’ initiative by Balipara Foundation in partnership with Conservation International is a significant step towards reforestation and conservation in the Eastern Himalayas region. This initiative was inaugurated in New Delhi by Mr. Amitabh Kant, who is the G20 Sherpa. It aligns with India’s G20 presidency theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
The initiative aims to raise $1 billion in funding, which will be used to plant one billion trees and restore and protect one million hectares of land. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the Eastern Himalayas. The initiative will cover the Northeastern regions of India, as well as areas in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This regional approach recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas.
A noteworthy aspect is the involvement of local communities. It emphasizes community participation in the restoration of forests and the protection of local livelihoods. This approach recognizes that sustainable conservation efforts often require the active engagement and support of local populations.
Ranjit Barthakur, President, Balipara Foundation
“This historic effort will put the Eastern Himalayas, and the 1 billion people who rely directly on it, on the international conservation agenda. The Great People’s Forest is our movement to protect the region we call home. India’s G20 Presidency has encouraged us to design this ambitious, creative initiative and we hope to better the lives of the billion people who rely on the land and water of this beautiful region.”
Dr. Richard Jeo, SVP, Conservation International Asia Pacific
“People have rightly highlighted the urgent plight of the Amazon and the Congo Basin. But we don’t speak with anywhere near the urgency we should about the Eastern Himalayas and its vast ecological significance for the planet. The people of the Eastern Himalayas are some of the most climate-vulnerable on our planet, threatened by melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and ever more frequent and more violent storms. And they have contributed only the tiniest fraction of the historic emissions that have caused the climate crisis that they are now on the frontlines of. The Great People’s Forest is their response to this crisis and its historic ambition and scale should rightly bring international attention to the ecological importance of this region.”
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa of India
“In India we have made our G20 Presidency the people’s presidency. We have taken it to over 60 cities of India and have involved each state and union territory in G20 activities. We have seen action from remarkable programmes like these who represent the enduring Indian spirit in the face of a challenge like this.”
Other panelists also highlighted the need for joint action around climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Saurav Malhotra, CEO, Balipara Foundation
“With the Great People’s Forest of the Eastern Himalayas, we are embarking on the largest environmental initiative the world has ever seen. Collaborating with several organizations across the region we collectively hold the ambitious goal of planting one billion trees throughout Bangladesh, North-East India, Bhutan and Nepal. Together, we are confident of reaching this goal.”
