Pasighat, Feb 12: The 14th edition of the North East Leaders Connect (NELC) conclave, held here from February 9 to 11, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable development and forest conservation in the region.
Hosted by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng at the Abor Country Resort, the event brought together prominent leaders from the Northeast, including former Indian footballer and captain Baichung Bhutia, Trinity Hospital, Mizoram, director Dr Lalrintluanga Jahau, EastMojo editor-in-chief Karma Paljor, IRS officer G G Kamei, politician and social entrepreneur Hekani Jakhalu among others.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khandu underscored the importance of preserving the Northeast’s vast forest cover, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of the country’s total.
He announced the launch of the ‘Ecopreneur Fellowship’, a program designed to engage the youth in biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.
“The Northeast has immense potential in biodiversity and forest resources. To ensure sustainable development while protecting our natural heritage, we are selecting young forestry graduates to work on conservation projects under NELC. In collaboration with the Möbius Foundation and the University of Cambridge, these youths will help implement the Pani Pahar curriculum in schools, train local communities in project management, and contribute to policy research on climate change,” Khandu said.
Highlighting the challenges of deforestation, Khandu stressed that community involvement is crucial. "The government alone cannot prevent deforestation. Civil society and local communities must take the lead in protecting forests and wildlife," he stated.
Bhutia also called for a shift in traditional practices that threaten forests.
“We need to balance our cultural heritage with conservation. Villages like Silluk, known for its cleanliness, and Aohali, which follows a zero-hunting policy, are emerging as models for the entire region,” he said.
Other participants also shared their insights on environmental conservation and the role of young leaders in shaping the region’s future.
MLA Tayeng, who hosted the event, highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
"NELC serves as a platform for young visionaries and changemakers to discuss growth opportunities while ensuring that development does not come at the cost of our natural resources," he said.
Launched in 2011 in Kohima, Nagaland, as Young Leaders Connect, NELC has evolved into a key forum for youth leaders across politics, business, academia, sports, music, and culture.
It aims to create a roadmap for the sustainable development of the Northeast, ensuring that progress aligns with environmental preservation and grassroots interventions.